United Airlines Eliminates Middle Seat in New Cabin Configuration

United Airlines is introducing a new seating arrangement in its Economy Plus cabin on select aircraft. As of Tuesday, the middle seat in certain rows will be permanently converted into a shared table, providing passengers with increased personal space and comfort.

This configuration is designed to offer passengers more room for their elbows and personal items such as drinks or phones, while also creating a buffer zone between travelers seated side-by-side.

The airline is the first known U.S. carrier to implement this type of seating, which will be featured on its new fleet of 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft. United is also exploring the possibility of offering these seats on other aircraft types in the future. The company already provides three inches of extra legroom on its Economy Plus XLR planes.

United's new fleet is scheduled to begin domestic flights this fall and international services early next year. This seating innovation follows other comfort upgrades, including the "United Relax Row" which converts seats into beds, set to debut next year.