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United is rolling out beds in economy. Here’s how the airline’s new ‘Relax Row’ will work.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

United Airlines is bringing one of the best perks of business class to economy.

Starting in 2027, United customers flying on certain international flights can book the airline’s new “Relax Row” — a set of three coach seats with legrests that flip up 90 degrees to convert into a flat bed big enough for two adults and a small child.

It’s the same idea as the “Skycouch” on Air New Zealand, one of United’s Star Alliance partners. Other global carriers offer similar bed-like seating in economy by blocking entire rows so passengers can lie across them, but few have adjustable legrests to widen the sleeping surface.

Like the Skycouch, United’s Relax Row, which can also be booked by a solo person or a duo, comes with several special amenities: a custom-fitted mattress, a plush blanket, and two extra pillows. Families get a stuffed toy and kid’s travel kit.

United said that up to 12 Relax Rows, located between the economy and premium economy sections, will be featured on over 200 Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 aircraft by 2030.

It’s unclear how much the upgrade will cost or what routes it will be available on.


A rendering of a red headed woman stretched out on the Relax Row with her laptop.

The “Relax Row” would offer one of the best perks of business class in economy. 

United Airlines



The Relax Row is another example of how United is catering to passengers willing to pay more for comfort but don’t need the caviar or expensive bubbly of business class. The carrier reported an 11% increase in premium revenue in 2025.

“Customers traveling in United Economy on long-haul flights deserve an option for more space and comfort, and this is one way we can deliver that for them,” Andrew Nocella, United’s EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, said in a Tuesday press release.

The Relax Row complements United’s premium-economy offering, Premium Plus, which features a reclining lounger, elevated meals, and a leg and footrest, but is more expensive than regular coach.

United joins an international trend

While the Relax Row is a first in the US market, United is far from the first airline globally to think up a bed in economy class.

Air New Zealand patented the revolutionary Skycouch in 2011. Its version can cost from a few hundred dollars to over $1,500, depending on the number of travelers, the route, and the season. Premium economy is usually more.

Beyond the special linens, the Skycouch also came with a “cuddle belt” to strap travelers to the seat when it’s in bed mode. United will likely have a similar seatbelt.

I flew in the Skycouch for 16 hours from Auckland to New York in 2022. I didn’t get priority boarding and received regular economy meals, but the bed was very comfortable for one adult.


ANZ's Skycouch view from the aisle.

The author flew solo in Air New Zealand’s Skycouch in 2022. 

Taylor Rains/Business Insider



A number of other carriers have created their own versions of the Skycouch. Japanese airline All Nippon Airways, for example, offers the “COUCHii” — a row of three or four seats with adjustable legrests that flip into a bed.

It’s exclusive to the airline’s Airbus A380 and costs between $96 and $540 per segment for three or four passengers, depending on the season; that jumps to $2,580 for one person with four seats to themselves during peak months.

Rather than design a special seat with flippable legrests, some carriers simply block a row for passengers who pay extra.

German flag carrier Lufthansa, for example, offers a “Sleeper Row” on long-haul flights over 11 hours, priced between $209 and $299 per leg. It can’t be booked in advance; it’s on a first-come, first-served basis at the airport.

Vietnam Airlines has its “Sky Sofa,” a row of three seats intended for one passenger to use as a narrow make-shift couch. It costs between $150 and $650, depending on the route.

Kazakh carrier Air Astana has the same setup. Its “Economy Sleeper” customers also get access to its business-class airport lounges.

Air New Zealand plans to take the coach couch idea one step further with the “Skynest” — two sets of three-high bunk beds in the economy cabin that passengers can book in time blocks.

Airline leaders previously said the Skynest would debut in early 2026, though the quirky sleeping pods have yet to fly. An Air New Zealand spokesperson told Business Insider the Skynest is expected to launch this year “once we receive delivery of our new aircraft.”




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Taylor Rains

Delta’s order for Boeing 787 Dreamliners puts United and American on notice. Here’s why.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

Delta Air Lines is entering its Dreamliner era.

Its order of up to 60 Boeing 787-10 planes reinforces Delta’s broader strategy of competing aggressively for premium long-haul travelers — a segment that has made the transatlantic market increasingly lucrative.

The new planes for long-haul routes will add pressure on US rivals American and United, which are also competing for the same international travelers, especially those in premium cabins that generate the most profit for airlines, including Delta.

Delta is hoping for a bigger piece of that pie.

It said the new 787 cabins will feature its signature Delta One business class alongside premium economy and standard coach. United has been particularly aggressive with niche transatlantic routes, while American has rolled out a new business-class product on its Dreamliners.

Delta’s new jets won’t arrive until the next decade. Until then, Delta will continue flying its aging 767s, which the Dreamliners will eventually replace.

Delta President Glen Hauenstein said in the airline’s earnings call on Tuesday that the 787 is a “financially great airplane” that offers enhanced cargo capacity, improved fuel efficiency, and ample space for those all-important premium cabins.

Meanwhile, Hauenstein said the airline would grow capacity by 3% this year, with new seat growth concentrated in premium cabins.

Delta didn’t disclose how much it was paying for the new planes.

It’s the airline’s first direct order of the popular jet, which has garnered more than 2,000 global orders. It represents a shift in its long-haul fleet strategy. Delta bought 30 and has options for 30 more.

The 787 will complement Delta’s Airbus widebodies

Delta’s purchase of Boeing 787s is significant for an airline that has long been dominated by Airbus on the widebody side.

The airline inherited a 787 order through its merger with Northwest Airlines back in 2008, but canceled it in 2016, citing delays, quality issues, and a preference for Airbus.

It opted for Airbus A330neo and A350-900 as its next-generation long-haul workhorses, and it expects to receive the larger A350-1000 later this year.

The addition of the 787‑10 diversifies and further modernizes the fleet. The variant ordered is the largest of the Dreamliner family, seating up to 336 passengers, but has the shortest range at roughly 7,300 miles.

Still, it outpaces the aging Boeing 767s that Hauenstein said the Dreamliner is set to replace, meaning it can carry more passengers more efficiently on both existing and new long-haul routes.

Delta’s 767s primarily fly to Europe and South America, where the airline said the 787 would be an “ideal addition.”

The order is a notable boost in confidence for Boeing, which has faced labor strikes, a change in leadership, and significant quality control issues for years — including on the 787 — but is gradually rebuilding trust from customers, investors, and regulators.

Delta made billions of dollars in 2025

The 787 deal comes alongside Delta’s better-than-expected earnings report for the fourth quarter and full-year 2025.

Its net income was about $5 billion, largely driven by continued strong premium and corporate demand, though main‑cabin ticket revenue fell about 7% year-over-year.

The airline previously said the government shutdown shaved roughly $200 million off its pre-tax profit after regulators forced airlines to reduce flying by 10% to alleviate congestion and ensure safety.

Delta’s stock slipped after its earnings report, but it has still gained about 6% over the past year.




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