United Airlines is on quite the roll when it comes to passenger experience announcements. We’ve learned about the upcoming Airbus A321XLRs, Coastliner Airbus A321neos, and Bombardier CRJ-450s. Now here’s an interesting way that United is trying to improve the long haul economy experience, but it probably won’t come cheap.
Continue reading: United Relax Row: 777 & 787 Economy Seats That Transform Into A “Couch”
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
As the US economy heads toward a prolonged and deep recession, I see this product ditched. It is too cumbersome and complicated to handle from both a flight attendant perspective and a sales perspective. It's a gimmick and nothing more.
My understanding is this concept is owned by air nz. United have paid them for it (they have a partnership). Interesting.
@Ben your photo for skycouch price for two people is wrong. you posted the other photo twice.
I suspect they will have no problem selling this on every flight esp. since it appears to just be one row.
This is probably a better value than premium economy for two side sleepers.
distributing the mattress pads probably won't happen until after meal service and they are probably too big to put on the seat before boarding.
NZ's pricing seems about right.
This is one product that all US airlines should add as soon as they get the seats that are capable of doing it.
I'd pay for that over Premium Economy. Legroom isn't an issue for me, being sandwiched in between two strangers is. Have to give it to UA for being creative and innovative when it comes to air travel.
I think 17-inch width is between armrest inner walls, so once two armrests added (2" inch), it will be 4'7" and once two outer armrests added, 4'11". Air NZ advertises that bed size is 5'1" and 29" wide.
Usually in these promotional pictures, they use small-sized adults that it looks okay for two adults to lie down. I heard the reality is that two adults get stuck, need to spoon each other, and super sweaty.
You know some jerk in a full row of three is gonna demand to be moved to one of your open seats.
I have to wonder if this becomes awkward for one person to do on their own. Imagine every row around you is fully booked and people wonder why you have a row to yourself. They try to move next to you. They comment about how it must be nice for Mr. Moneybags to do for themself. They photograph you. They try to lean their seats back, etc. I could see if feeling miserable around peasants.
They have to give u mattress pad at boarding (or already in place when you seat) or it’s not going to work.
And what are the rules for booking for an entire row…for two (or even 3!) people?
And cost of 3 economy seats won’t be cheaper than premium economy, unless you raise premium economy seats.
This product doesn’t seem promising.
The real value of sky couch is for parents traveling with kids. For Example a parent and a child together meaning there is only 1 extra seat required and it is often cheaper than a 2nd fare
You mean Air NZ should be given the Kudos, United will have simply licensed it. This will also make the South West Pacific JV easier to manage for UA and NZ
12 rows apparently. So I assume the first 4 rows after the bulkhead seats. However, does anyone know if NZ uses them in the center section too?
But it makes a ton of sense to try this, since if you can sell this for an extra fee, great. If you don't, you just sell them individually. And if it goes unsold, you're no worse off.
And when they push up against the back of the seats in front of them and have a hissy fit it those seats are reclined.
Market this for families (and maybe offer free/cheaper upgrades at gate), and put it in the back of the plane. Better chance of isolating crying or noisy kids in the back 🙂
But, at least in NZ's implementation, they seem well prepared to defend your right to the space (unlike US carriers when a larger person buys 2 seats).
Wouldn't be awkward for me. "I paid the equivalent of 3 fares for this. You could have, too!"
Air NZ only uses the group of 3 near the windows (i.e., not the center 3) on the 787. Since the 777 has a center 4, it is only the outter groups of 3 on those, too. I kinda think you were hoping there'd be a group of 4 bed (full length bed for many).
Hm, interesting. Hey, I have an idea. Airlines could just use the space occupied by 3 economy seats to install one big seat that turns into a bed. They could even enhance the experience by providing upgraded food and beverages. Even better if those seats are all in a separate cabin, away from the unwashed masses. Just think of the profits they could make!
Seatbelts ? Clear Air Turbulence.... how is the world is this either safe or comfortable ? I can certainly see parent and small children using this but an adult couple ? Yeah no and again...the safety factor. They must have seat belt extenders right ?
Are passengers going to be required to pay for all 3 seats in order to get this perk plus a premium economy fare too? Otherwise, how else will the airlines be able to guarantee the sleeping arrangements?
Can anyone explain -
If it makes revenue then other airlines will follow. I’m surprised this is just starting to catch on. If it doesn’t produce enough revenue no loss because those are standard escort seats.
You're right. There's plenty of empty seats on route from London out of the season. I took advantage of it many times. But near any holidays all seats might be taken.
United certainly has sophisticated enough pricing capabilities to maximize revenue on this and it would be likely set up as you indicate.
When they can fill the plane, United doesn't really want to sell these - and it would be priced accordingly (so if they sell, it's essentially the same as the 3 seats of revenue - in which case Premium economy may be a better value). And then for low demand routes / times of year, it's about pricing such that you capture most or all of the incremental willingness to Pay. So somewhere between economy plus pricing and Premium economy. Possibly above Premium economy in some cases if the flexibility and fact that you can do it with 2 people are more compelling.