The new option is not just about comfort: Blocking some middle seats could also save United money, said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst for Atmosphere Research.
“This move is more about United than its customers,” he said, adding, “By blocking these seats, United can, if it wants, operate its A321XLRs with one fewer flight attendant.”
Mr. Harteveldt also noted that United was replicating a seating option informally called Eurobusiness class, often seen on European airlines, which tend to block middle seats in business class on single-aisle planes flying within the continent.
In March, United also announced its Relax Row product, which transforms a row of three economy seats into a lie-flat space. The option will be for sale on certain long-haul international flights and is expected to start in 2027.