Plus-size traveler says she'd 'absolutely' pay extra to not be 'elbowed and squished' — United's new economy couch could change the game

Raven wrote that she’d “absolutely” pay extra for a flight that’s free of concerns about being “elbowed and squished.”

That’s because United is working on something economy passengers don’t typically get: a row of seats that can turn into a couch.

United is turning three economy seats into a couch

The airline is calling it the Relax Row, and the concept is straightforward.

Three economy seats are fitted with leg rests that can be raised after takeoff, creating a larger, lie-flat surface across the row. So instead of trying to sleep sitting upright, passengers can stretch out across the seats.

The airline is also adding a few extras to make the setup feel more like a bed. Passengers will get a custom-fitted mattress pad, a specially sized blanket, and two additional pillows. Families using the Relax Row will also get a stuffed toy and a children’s travel kit.

The seats will sit between United Economy and United Premium Plus, giving passengers another option if a standard economy seat isn’t cutting it but a premium cabin feels like too much of a hit to the wallet.

However, the changes aren’t immediate. United expects to launch the Relax Row in 2027, starting with its Boeing 787 and 777 wide-body aircraft. The airline says it plans to have the option on more than 200 of those planes by 2030, with as many as 12 Relax Row sections on a plane.

For Raven, though, the appeal goes beyond simply getting a better night’s sleep.

That’s an important distinction for plus-size travelers, who can face a different set of challenges in a standard economy seat. An extra bit of legroom doesn’t necessarily solve the problem. Having an entire row is a different proposition.

It also isn’t a completely original idea. Air New Zealand has offered its Skycouch for years, allowing passengers to turn a row of economy seats into a larger sleeping space. United’s Relax Row is essentially the first version of the concept from a major North American carrier.

For someone who has spent a long flight worrying about whether they’re taking up too much space, having the option to pay for more of it could be a game-changer.

How much will travelers have to pay?

There’s just one problem for anyone trying to decide whether the Relax Row will be worth it — United hasn’t said what it will ultimately cost.

The airline hasn’t announced pricing or exactly how the booking process will work. It has indicated the Relax Row will cost less than a business-class seat, but there’s still no word on how much of a premium travelers should expect to pay. And that number could make or break the idea.

The price of three economy seats is likely too much for the average traveler. A solo traveler who wants the entire row would essentially be paying for three seats. A couple could share the cost, while a family might find it easier to justify the extra space.