United Blocking Two Seats On New A321XLR Jets: That's Probably Bad News - United

United Blocking Two Seats On New A321XLR Jets: That's Probably Bad News

Ben Schlappig — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:53:43 +0000

I commend United Airlines for all of its innovation as of late, particularly when it comes to the passenger experience. Along those lines, the airline recently took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, which is the new long range, narrow body jet that’s becoming increasingly popular with airlines.

Continue reading: United Blocking Two Seats On New A321XLR Jets: That’s Probably Bad News

Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.

Jr — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:42:25 +0000

Always trying to cause more drama just to get clicks.

Matt — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:14:09 +0000

I was speaking in reference to the Y cabin...UA has ovens in the Y galleys of their entire mainline fleet unlike DL/AA.

This comes to mind — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:30:00 +0000

So, same number of FAs (and same number of lavs, btw) on both planes, with the new ones having 26 less seats. So, for me, the bottom line is: the 321xlr offers clear improvements over the 752. Wider seats in all classes, less pax per FA (and lav). So, the bad news is, while pax/FA ratios have improved nicely, they could have improved even more.

Mark — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 01:15:17 +0000

Both the 757 and A321XLR will be staffed with 5 flight attendants.

Mark — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:05:10 +0000

The press release specifies 5 flight attendants, the same as the 757s which have more seats.

Alan Z — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 23:54:15 +0000

So, how about that nobody complains when UA will install three seat business class without even good food?

Alan Z — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 23:42:25 +0000

Isn't that what the thieves do in their lounges?

ed lewis — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 22:38:31 +0000

how many F/A does Iberia use? i have heard very good service remarks on Iberia's XLR

This comes to mind — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 22:24:51 +0000

So, UA uses the 752 on some TATL routes. With 176 sests, I assume that they use 4 FAs. If true, then UA will fly these new planes with the same 4 FAs and 15% less seats. While a 4th FA (rather than 3 at 150) is required because of doors, it wouldn't seem that doors affect FA service loads. Thus, a 321xlr with 4 for 150 is better than the current 752 with 4 for 176. UA wins (no 5th FA), and the pax win (37.5 pax per FA rather than 44).