United Airlines eases long-haul travel for families with new economy beds

Long-haul flights for families may become a little easier in the future after United Airlines unveiled plans to introduce economy beds on over 200 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777 aircraft.

On a day bursting with new United Airlines announcements, the airline perhaps saved its best until last with its plan to introduce United Relax Row.

United Airlines’ latest news on March 24, 2026, comes after the carrier unveiled huge plans for its upcoming Coastliner Airbus A321neo and A321XLR aircraft.

Aimed at families with small children, couples and solo travelers who want more space, Relax Row will transform a row of three seats into a comfy couch for sleeping or simply relaxing in style.

Customers purchasing the new product will be provided with a custom-fitted mattress pad that fits perfectly across a row of three economy seats on Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777 aircraft.

The entire row is alllllll yours. Welcome to United Relax Row, three adjacent United Economy seats with adjustable leg rests that can each be raised or lowered to create a cozy lie-flat space for stretching out…You’ll also get a mattress pad, blanket and two pillows. If… pic.twitter.com/Q6gcOuXbXo— United Airlines (@united) March 24, 2026 The versatile rows have been outfitted with individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle to create room to sleep or just get more cozy while watching a movie on a long flight.

As well as the lie-flat mattress pad, passengers will be given a specially sized blanket, two extra pillows, as well as a cuddly toy and children’s travel kit for families.

“As a leading premium airline, we’re committed to delivering new, industry-leading experiences for all of our customers – and the United Relax Row is the perfect example of that. Customers traveling in United Economy on long-haul flights deserve an option for more space and comfort, and this is one way we can deliver that for them,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.

The United Relax Row is expected to launch in 2027. The seats will be located between economy and United Premium Plus, and there will be up to 12 Relax Row sections on each aircraft.

According to United, the company is the first North American airline with this kind of seating option and holds North American exclusivity on the design.

Markus Mainka / Shutterstock“United is the only North American airline offering a product like the United Relax Row and is one of the many reasons why we’re continuing to win brand loyal customers,” added Nocella.

United, however, is by no means the only airline to offer this type of seating option. Air New Zealand’s Economy Skycouch also turns an economy row into a makeshift bed after takeoff.

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