United Airlines made headlines this week when it announced it will become the first North American airline with lie-flat seats available in economy class. The forthcoming “Relax Row” that will appear on some flights beginning in 2027 include three seats that can be converted into a pull-out sleeper sofa-like set-up, complete with a mattress and pillows.
While pricing details have not yet been made available, United said the Relax Row is “ideal for families traveling with small children, solo travelers and couples who want the value of United Economy but with a little extra comfort.” It will also be a great option for plus-sized travelers, as Yahoo Creator Robin Raven points out in this piece.
Here’s a sneak peek at the lie-flat seats in economy that United will be offering:
Usually, lie-flat beds are exclusive to the most premium class, and it’s not unusual for tickets to cost beyond the $10,000 price point for long-haul flights. While United hasn’t revealed pricing details, yet, but has made it clear it will be value-driven.
Here’s a look at the Relax Row on United (which comes with cute stuffed animals for children!):
United Airlines’s Relax Row that’s coming to some planes in 2027 is great for families who want to get some sleep on long-haul flights or settle in and watch in-flight movies.
(United Airlines)
United Airlines will hold North American exclusivity on the economy-class design for the lie-flat configuration, however there are a few other airlines around the world that have similar economy offerings for convertible seats that turn into a bed.
Lufthansa offers a “Sleeper’s Row” option that lets travelers reserve an entire row of three or four economy seats, complete with a mattress pad, blanket, and pillow—though it comes with a few conditions. It’s only available on long-haul flights lasting 11 hours or more, and can be booked at the airport (during check-in or before boarding) if there are enough empty seats. Pricing typically falls between $209 and $299.
Air New Zealand’s Skycouch is also an option for economy passengers. The cost of a Skycouch depends on flight demand, in addition to the number of people booking the row. You’ll pay a fare for each passenger traveling, plus a Skycouch fee.
Here’s a look at the airline’s Skycouch, which lets you raise the legs, lift the arm rests and create a couch-like set-up high in the sky:
Vietnam Airlines has a comparable product called the Sky Sofa, which is offered on select long-haul routes, including flights between Ho Chi Minh City and San Francisco. Upgrades start at about $100 per passenger.
Meanwhile, All Nippon Airways (ANA) features its COUCHii seating on Airbus A380 flights between Narita International Airport and Honolulu. This setup transforms three or four seats into a flat sleeping space, with upgrade costs ranging widely—from around $96 to $2,580—depending on the number of seats, group size, and travel season.
Altogether, while United Airlines may be pioneering lie-flat options in North American economy cabins that will be a gamechanger for budget-minded travelers, global carriers like Lufthansa, Air New Zealand, Vietnam Airlines, and All Nippon Airways show that more flexible, comfort-focused economy seating is already taking off worldwide.
The takeaway: Getting some quality sleep on a plane won’t cost you several extra thousands of dollars for a premium seat when you can convert your economy row into a bed.