In December 2019, United Airlines placed an order for 50 A321XLRs, which is Airbus’ new ultra long range and fuel efficient evolution of the A321. The plane entered commercial service in late 2024, with Iberia and Aer Lingus being the launch customers. As of now, United is expected to get its first A321XLR in early 2026, though of course that timeline could slip further.
In this post, I want to take an updated look at United’s A321XLR cabins, as we kind of have a sense of what to expect from United’s new narrow body product. Note that this is all separate from the 130 Airbus A321neos that United has on order, which the airline is currently taking delivery of. Separately, we have a sense of what to expect from United’s wide body Polaris business class, as the airline plans to introduce a new product there as well.
In this post:
What to expect from United’s A321XLR cabins
Before we talk about cabins, let’s talk about United’s route plans for A321XLRs:
- United will primarily fly A321XLRs across the North Atlantic and to Latin America, so you can expect the planes to largely be on “long and thin” routes, like Newark to Bogota and Edinburgh
- United will not only use A321XLRs to replace Boeing 757-200s, but also to expand to some markets where the economics didn’t previously make sense, given that the A321XLR is more fuel efficient than the 757
As far as the onboard product goes, what should we expect? Here’s what we know for sure:
- United will introduce an all new Polaris business class seat for the A321XLR, since the current Polaris seat can’t be installed on narrow body aircraft
- United will be installing Premium Plus premium economy on the A321XLR, which you’ll otherwise only find on wide body aircraft
You can generally expect that full service airlines will be configuring A321XLRs in a fairly premium layout, since that’s how the economics most make sense for long haul service. I’d expect the seat counts on these planes for airlines that take this approach to be much closer to 150 than 200.
United’s new A321XLR business class seat
Back in September 2023, Seth Miller flagged the patent that United filed for its new narrow body business class seat. It would appear that United has elected to go with a herringbone configuration on its Airbus A321XLRs.
Not surprisingly, United is trying to make this configuration as efficient and dense as possible, with seats facing the aisle at a 49 degree angle. These seats can be installed with just 28″ of pitch, while still offering a bed length of 75-78″. The seat map suggests there will be 28 Polaris business class seats, which would make for a huge business class cabin.
Furthermore, to save space, the seats will offer a “space-sharing region,” whereby part of the area between seats will give a person on one side space at shoulder level, and a person on the other side space at the lower arm level. While the paten’t doesn’t mention it, United does plan on installing doors on its A321XLR business class.
Seth Miller also points out that while it hasn’t been announced, everything is pointing to United having selected the Adient Altitude seat as its new narrow body business class. Based on United getting the patent for this seat, it also sounds like United will be the only airline to have this exact product, unless it licenses it out.
For a narrow body business class, United’s new product looks totally fine, but it shouldn’t get anyone excited. I understand why United chose a product like this, but it’s kind of unfortunate how we’re seeing the return of herringbone seats, which are otherwise quite outdated on wide body planes. Ultimately it’s because reverse herringbone seats take up a bit more space, so couldn’t be installed as efficiently.
Based on current products in service, United’s new Polaris business class looks most similar to JetBlue’s Mint business class, available primarily on Airbus A321LRs. However, United has figured out a way to achieve an even denser configuration.
So far, the best business class product we’ve seen for narrow body aircraft is probably the STELIA OPERA seat, which is custom-made for the A321 family, as it’s produced by a subsidiary of Airbus. This is essentially a modified reverse herringbone seat, with the option for a door. This is a great product, especially for a narrow body aircraft.
ITA Airways’ Airbus A321neos feature this product (without a door), and it’s excellent, probably the best narrow body business class I’ve flown.
Seat manufacturer Safran has the VUE product, which is also specifically designed for narrow body aircraft, including the Boeing 737 MAX. FlyDubai will be the launch customer for this product, but the introduction has been delayed.
On the plus side, I’d say all of these concepts are better than the staggered business class seats you’ll find on many Airbus A321LRs, including those of Aer Lingus, TAP Air Portugal, and Scandinavian Airlines. The lack of direct aisle access frustrates many, given how long some of the flights on these planes are.
American has similar plans for its A321XLRs
American Airlines was the first major US carrier to order the Airbus A321XLR, as the airline has also ordered 50, which will be delivered starting later in 2025.
Much like United, American plans to install a business class product with fully flat seats and direct aisle access, plus a premium economy cabin. Arguably American has much more of an immediate need for these planes than United does, given that American retired its entire Boeing 757 and 767 fleet during the pandemic.
American’s smallest long haul aircraft is the Boeing 787, and that means there are many long haul markets that American can’t currently serve.
American Airlines has already revealed its new A321XLR cabins. American intends to configure its A321XLRs in a three-cabin layout, with business class, premium economy, and economy. In business class, the planes will have herringbone seats, so they’ll be quite similar to those on JetBlue and United.
Premium economy will be in a 2-2 configuration, and will be quite similar to domestic first class.
Bottom line
Within the next year, United Airlines is expected to start taking delivery of Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which should feature a good inflight product, at least for a narrow body. United’s A321XLRs are expected to be in a premium configuration, featuring new Polaris business class seats with direct aisle access and doors, as well as a Premium Plus premium economy cabin.
Unfortunately what we know so far about the new Polaris business class cabins is at the lower end of my expectations. The airline intends to install quite dense herringbone seats on these planes. I’d expect this to be even denser than JetBlue Mint, and unfortunately the airline didn’t elect to go with reverse herringbone seats.
What do you make of United’s upcoming Airbus A321XLRs?
Tim Dunn, if you are following this thread, etc, you must be laughing up your sleeve at the crassness of some others who post herein.
You Sir, are in grave danger of becoming an icon for the ghost posters on the OMAAT website.
Your accent and syntax comes and goes. At times you spell like a really bad Cockney accent, sometimes you try to write like a posh Englishman, and other times you type and use phrases in Tim's voice using the same lame mocking attempts he does. Sometimes you use the exact phrasing Tim Dunn does. Other times you likely use chatGPT to change it using words simply not used in normal British parlance or not in...
Your accent and syntax comes and goes. At times you spell like a really bad Cockney accent, sometimes you try to write like a posh Englishman, and other times you type and use phrases in Tim's voice using the same lame mocking attempts he does. Sometimes you use the exact phrasing Tim Dunn does. Other times you likely use chatGPT to change it using words simply not used in normal British parlance or not in the mixed posh vs cockney phrasing you keep switching between.
You brag about a VPN being set to London, weirdly. As though that has anything to do with you consistently posting well past 1am or 2am UK Time.
As mentioned before, the only other user to ever say something along these lines: "has it not occurred to you that I am posting on occasion to deliberately wind you up?" is Tim Dunn because it's such a nonsensical thing to say but you have a VERY strong tendency to mimic the exact way he thinks he's being clever.
You comment on the exact same topics as Tim would but are weirdly obsessed with Delta for a Brit. But while Tim used to use his Tim Dunn persona comment on United, AA, and Delta topics, you now weirdly have a strange interest in jumping in to defend Delta.
You and Tim Dunn are also the only ones I've ever seen in the comment sections that try to belittle other users by changing their usernames in a way you find humorous.
You also registered your account name the very night Tim Dunn was ranting about registering.
Coincidence? Perhaps. But given Tim's time on a.net constantly trying to get around bans and use of fake usernames here, there's certainly some smoke in the way you both have so much in common.
Don't forget that it's getting to be your bedtime. You wouldn't want to step out of character.
But Delta bought 339’s for 10 million………………
Delta Air Lines …. 2024 SKYTRAX Awards.
Best Airline in North America
Best Business Class in North America
Best Premium Economy Class in North America Best Economy Class in North America
Best Airline Staff in North America
Best Business Class Onboard Catering in North America
Best Cabin Crew in North America
Best Cabin Crew in USA
Best Economy Class Onboard Catering in North America
Eat your heart out all the other U.S. airlines fans.
Your alter ego account really should do less "delta cheering" on every United topic posted.
It only reinforces that this is Tim Dunn's account. Not to mention how often your "accent" comes and goes on here or how you seem to be awake on an American time zone while posting.
On the UA 787 article, you posted again in a manner identical to Tim.
You can't really be this desperate to post while banned, tim?
Plain Jane, it matters not that your obsession with my identity is as wildly inaccurate as POTUS is diplomatic. Regardless of how much I try to explain, you will undoubtedly choose to disbelieve me darlink.
As I fly from LHR to the U.S. at least once per month, then yes, some of my posts will be made during your daytime hours. However, what you are not aware of is that my VPN is deliberately...
Plain Jane, it matters not that your obsession with my identity is as wildly inaccurate as POTUS is diplomatic. Regardless of how much I try to explain, you will undoubtedly choose to disbelieve me darlink.
As I fly from LHR to the U.S. at least once per month, then yes, some of my posts will be made during your daytime hours. However, what you are not aware of is that my VPN is deliberately set to a secure London server. Ben, one suspects, will be able to see the times of my post as being GMT. However, on the website the time stamp will be Miami time, an automatic time change.
Now, just to confuse the likes of you dear Jane, has it not occurred to you that I am posting on occasion to deliberately wind you up? Please be assured that I am no more TD than the recently departed Pope.
Come now admit it, if only to yourself, that my Delta knowledge is about as reliable as a chocolate fire guard.
"Now, just to confuse the likes of you dear Jane, has it not occurred to you that I am posting on occasion to deliberately wind you up? "
The only one that has ever said something many times just like this is Tim Dunn.
But sure, Tim. Keep posting...
Plain Jane, you are making a real ass of yourself darlink.
Thanks, Tim
You are Plain Jane, in ever growing danger of being categorised as a compulsively obsessive delusional numpty. Furthermore, exceedingly boring to boot!
ok, tim.
Deranged is usually your style.
Ben, AeroB13a is clearly Tim Dunn. Even if it isn't, he's insulting other commenters and doing the same things that got Tim banned in the first place.
Prove your wild accusation Mark or are you simply Plain Jane without a frock presently?
Wait, it’s not under 1990?!?!! Holy crap.
So true. This obsessive lil' bee-och is so easy to unmask it's ridiculous.
The market is ripe for a 767 replacement for long-ish thin routes with 1-1-1 no compromise business class, 2-3-2 PE and 17" 2-4-2 Y.
The XLR market is not that big and the 787 is too big for the secondary frequencies or destinations to Europe.
The 787-8 is remarkably similar in size and passenger capacity to the 767-400, with much longer range and 20% less fuel burn. The -8 is an ideal 767 replacement.
I disagree with your comment about the XLR market. They've been selling like hotcakes all around the globe. As a 757 replacement it has no peer.
You either downgauge while increasing frequency, or upgauge while either reducing frequency or keeping it status quo.
Agree with Pete. While Boeing made the right decision in the 787 vs. A380 direction a long time ago, not developing a 757 replacement/upgrade was a big mistake IMO. The irony here is that the XLR has a range that's not too materially different than the 757.
I'd say that the only thing I like about the 767 over the 787 in the way United has them configured is the 2-2-2 in premium economy.
“stop gaslighting paying passengers with so-called "efficiency.”
That’s hilarious! Most of your employers pay for your tickets! Most of you fly up front using miles when you’re on a long haul personal/business trips compliments of the ticket[s] and or awards your company purchases. If your company buys PP, on UA, for example, pending status of course. You can then upgrade to Polaris, which is absolutely legal. However, you pompous snobs that pay a few hundred...
“stop gaslighting paying passengers with so-called "efficiency.”
That’s hilarious! Most of your employers pay for your tickets! Most of you fly up front using miles when you’re on a long haul personal/business trips compliments of the ticket[s] and or awards your company purchases. If your company buys PP, on UA, for example, pending status of course. You can then upgrade to Polaris, which is absolutely legal. However, you pompous snobs that pay a few hundred dollars r/t are the “grifters!”Most of you people hardly pay a dime one out of your own pocket and then gripe if Dom is not served and the FA’s don’t kiss your laughable, self important, entitled butts. If you’re so important why aren’t you flying Netjets? In the earlier part of my career I used to be a dispatcher for Netflix so I guarantee the quality and safety of their service. In the future, why don’t you sit back and enjoy the ride and don’t be so anal that you are so pompous taking pictures of a perfectly prepared salad that may or may not have a tomato out of place. Once again, if you desire and can afford such attention and service, Netflix will definitely assure that your flight is flawless. But then again, you’re going to have to get off your wallet, and they’ll consistently call you by your proper name. BTW, this response is not directed at a lot of you, but if your an individual that has a fit if the Champagne or sparkling wine is not your desired brand or if you have to take a picture of everything and everyone while being a drama queen then this is directed at you.
aer lingus 321 planes for long/thin are the best out there (for ~3500 nm missions), add two more rows to that (business cabin) and keep it simple. If the whole 'everyone needs direct aisle access' thing is important to united, delete 1 more econ row and stagger some seats like JAL, but keep in mind the 321 isn't going to be in the air more than ~8 hrs, so direct aisle access will be less utilized (potty breaks per flight hour) than a jfk-singapore 20 hr jaunt.
Herringbone is not acceptable without a door. Hello Air New Zealand.
Not a fan. Shame BMI went out of business as I would rather connect at LHR than fly on these herringbone seats.
Wow - that looks similar to the old Air Newland business class which they are getting rid of. Too dense - and confining. No table next to the seat. Bad seat.
Would Apex Suites fit into narrow body?
They might, however they're also much heavier than comps from what I hear. So that may shave the range a not inconsiderate amount.
I feel like this kind of dense configuration only works in the US where no one seems bothered about looking out the window. You can block out the window, put seats in front of them and pack seats in instead because everyone would rather fly (and take off and land) without seeing outside of a tin can. It's one of the most culturally bizarre differences between the US and the rest of the world ime.
Nonsense.
Just try looking out the window on a single Asian carrier's transpacific service and you will see the airlines blocking off the windows - even if you wanted to you could not look out.
I have flown hundreds upon hundreds of flights in US and European carriers and there is no pattern between people preferring or avoiding windows
Just not true. You might just not notice if you're used to it. Take special note and compare window shade behaviour on US carriers vs when you fly elsewhere going forward and come back to me :) it probably confounded partly by the fact that in the US you're not required to open the window shades on take off/landing and you are in other countries. But even without that, they just don't get "shut" as quickly outside the US vs inside.
For narrow-body aircraft I prefer herringbone>reverse herringbone. I also think it’s easier to look out the window (don’t have to lean all the way forward)
What routes will get this flight first? Chances are United gives them to Newark first.
Newark and SFO get all the special things.
Can the 321XLR do transpacific routes? My guess is it first goes to Newark and then Houston and DC.
Hopefully UAL also uses these to start some LatAm routes from LAX, SFO and DEN but probably unlikely.
In theory they have the range to do EWR - Hawaii nonstop, and SFO over to Edinburgh or Dublin. It's an impressive machine.
Why do we hate the herringbone config so much? Isn't it nicer and more private to have your head far away from the aisle rather than right by the aisle? Especially if there is a door to add some extra privacy.
@Daniel, I've flown in Cathay's herringbone seat on the 747 upper deck, which is a single-aisle situation. While your head's far from the aisle, you are surprisingly close to the next passenger's head, while also forced to look at others across the aisle. It's also more claustrophobic for a lot of people, they nicknamed the seat coffin class. There was such opposition to herringbone that Cathay went to reverse herringbone only a couple years later...
@Daniel, I've flown in Cathay's herringbone seat on the 747 upper deck, which is a single-aisle situation. While your head's far from the aisle, you are surprisingly close to the next passenger's head, while also forced to look at others across the aisle. It's also more claustrophobic for a lot of people, they nicknamed the seat coffin class. There was such opposition to herringbone that Cathay went to reverse herringbone only a couple years later (the original Cirrus). Reverse herringbone just feels more spacious for largely the same space.
A lot of people biologically need ways to orient themselves. Having a window is one of them, as is sitting in the direction of travel. Until ANA's The Room, it was an unofficial fact in Japan that their customers would abhor sitting facing backwards (might get airsick more easily, etc)
Many configs have been invented to squeeze business class tighter and tighter, which is a really bad development. Compared to European cars, American cars are usually very inefficient on space, but there's a reason for it, they use a ton of "wasted" space for armrests and such, so that you don't feel packed in like sardines. Airlines would do well to look at the fare they're charging, and stop gaslighting paying passengers with so-called "efficiency."
Thanks for a detailed and descriptive response!
Some people are weird and are way too self-absorbed about this, thinking that everyone and anyone is staring at them.
The answer is no. All of us travelers just want to get on a plane, maybe have a decent dinner and drink or two, doze off, and land to head to their work meetings or vacations.
It's not a deal breaker, but I like to look out the window, and it's easier to do that on reverse herringbone.
Ben, readers, please submit your definition of “Premium”.
Are you gibbing on about premium economy seats? Business class or what?
Please remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question …. only stupid answers!
Tim welcome back
It would be interesting if UA used them on transcon routes. Speaking of which, what's the status of AA's XLRs? They were supposed to enter service by this Fall to backfill 773s being pulled for off-season retrofit. (As opposed to entering transcon service directly.)
Oof those J seats look tight. I wonder what the shoulder room will be like. Don't need another "coffin"-style bed on the market.
Hopefully United and their seat manufacture will have more luck than both American and Delta have had. American's Flagship Business class seats on their A321XLRs still have not be certified, and Delta which has no XLRs but does have A321NEOs with Delta One lie flat seats similar to United and American's product hasn't been certified either. Hence the reason why Delta has multiple of these aircraft sitting in storage facilities both here in the US...
Hopefully United and their seat manufacture will have more luck than both American and Delta have had. American's Flagship Business class seats on their A321XLRs still have not be certified, and Delta which has no XLRs but does have A321NEOs with Delta One lie flat seats similar to United and American's product hasn't been certified either. Hence the reason why Delta has multiple of these aircraft sitting in storage facilities both here in the US and Europe with engines removed since there is no timetable as to when their seats will be certified.
“ United will primarily fly A321XLRs across the North Atlantic and to Latin America, so you can expect the planes to largely be on “long and thin” routes, like Newark to Bogota and Edinburgh”
I wouldn’t have thought an a321xlr could take off from BOG for a long route?
It’s Only a little over 5 hours, and the A321XLR Will have higher Thrust engine variants then the vanilla A321, so maybe it will work out alright?