Robin Raven, a plus-size frequent traveller, praised United Airlines’ upcoming Relax Row. She claimed the new product could address the physical challenges of flying economy class as a plus-size traveller.
A ‘reimagined’ economy experience for plus-size fliers
In a Yahoo Creators article, Raven recounted her experience on a nine-hour international flight to Europe, where she sat next to a man who kept “crossing into [her] side with each elbow punch”, and stated she is “not new to aggressive fellow flyers” due to her size.
“I’m petite and small-framed along with being fat and I know I don’t spill into other seats. Just to make sure, I double check every time I sit down. Also, I am careful about making myself as small as possible when I am on a plane. When I need to go down the aisle to the bathroom, I make myself as compact as possible so I don’t bump people along the way.”
United Airlines’ Relax Row might just be able to solve all the challenges Raven faces while travelling.
“It takes away a lot of the issues I often encounter when flying in economy class. For one thing, I love the idea of not having someone sit next to me. Space is the greatest luxury when flying, and this seems to offer plenty of it … I just love the idea of all that extra space. Even if I didn’t want to recline, it would be such a fun flying experience to not feel crowded at all.”
She commented that the Relax Row sounds similar to United Polaris, the airline’s business class. She recounted a business trip where she was able to fly United Polaris, describing it as “a flight [she] won’t forget.”
“It was so comfortable, and it was free of nearly all the challenges I face when flying with a bigger body in the economy seats.”
Despite the positive features provided by the Relax Row, Raven commented on the product’s unknown price and availability. Pricing has yet to be announced for the Relax Row, possibly making it not an option for some travellers that fly economy due to its lower price. Also, the product doesn’t launch until 2027, with a full fleet rollout happening in 2030.
What is Relax Row and why is it so important?
United Airlines‘ Relax Row is a row of three economy seats where leg rests fold up at a 90-degree angle, turning the whole row into a flat, couch-like surface. Passengers also get a mattress pad, blanket and two pillows. Families with children also get a plushie.
The Relax Row will be available on over 200 of United’s B787s and B777S, each with up to 12 of these rows.
All economy seats on those aircraft will also have:
- The largest economy seatback screen in the world
- A new blanket and neck pillow
- More meal options
- Bluetooth to connect your own headphones or new United earbuds
- USB-C chargers and plugs at every seat.
The Relax Row announcement comes after decades of degrading economy comfort. Over the years, airlines have shrunken seats and removed meals and snacks from certain flights in an effort to maximise profits. United’s Relax Row opposes the trend of the uncomfortable economy experience, showing economy passengers they still matter to airlines.
What are your thoughts on United Airlines’ Relax Row and how it could make the flying experience better for plus-size fliers? Let us know in the comments!
