United to Block Middle Seats on 50 A321XLRs as 150-Seat Cap Cuts Crew Needs
Updated
Updated · Simple Flying · Jul 14
United to Block Middle Seats on 50 A321XLRs as 150-Seat Cap Cuts Crew Needs
3 articles · Updated · Simple Flying · Jul 14
Summary
United said one Economy Plus row on each of its 50 incoming Airbus A321XLRs will have blocked middle seats, creating a four-passenger layout with extra elbow room and a fixed shared table.
The design also helps United keep the jet at 150 seats, letting it staff each aircraft with three flight attendants instead of four under the one-per-50-passenger rule.
United called the setup a U.S.-market innovation and said it may expand the product to other mainline aircraft, though the concept mirrors short-haul European business class cabins.
The first A321XLR joined United in June and has already flown four test flights; the type is due to enter service later this year before broader international use in early 2027.