United Airlines Holdings IncUnited is selling a new premium option (empty middle seat) that generates extra revenue and reduces staffing costs.
United Airlines will begin selling an Economy Plus option that guarantees an empty middle seat later this year on its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The airline is installing a custom tray table that stretches across the unoccupied middle seat, shared by window and aisle passengers, and claims to be the first US carrier to offer such a product. The move allows United to operate with four flight attendants instead of five for 152 coach seats, trimming staffing costs while generating extra revenue. Pricing for the perk has not been disclosed. The initiative is part of a broader industry trend of carriers creating finer premium tiers, with Delta recently introducing a Basic Business class that omits certain benefits.
United Airlines Holdings IncUnited is selling a new premium option (empty middle seat) that generates extra revenue and reduces staffing costs.
Airbus Group SEUnited's new product is on the Airbus A321XLR, potentially boosting demand for that aircraft model.
Delta Air Lines IncDelta's Basic Business class is mentioned as context, but United's new product is a competitive move that could pressure Delta.
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