Vancouverscape, a Vancouver based blog covering travel, tech, and lifestyle

A first in North American airline travel, United Airlines has introduced a new lie-down option in Economy class: Relax Row. This dedicated row of three seats can transform into a lie-flat mattress-like space after takeoff, ideal for families with small children, couples, and solo travellers who desire a bit more space during long-haul flights.

Relax Rows will include a custom-fitted mattress pad, specially-sized plush blanket, and for the little ones, a plush toy and children’s travel kit created in partnership with Sesame Street. They’ll be positioned between standard United Economy and United Premium Plus cabins.

Announced last week, the option to spread out will become available in 2027 on Boeing 787 jets, and in 2030 on Boeing 777 wide-bodies, adding that these rows will be outfitted with individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle to create more room to sleep, stretch out or watch a movie.

We’ll be curious to see price options for this new initiative and how popular/comfortable the experience will be, compared to business class lie-flat seats, and whether other airlines will pick up on United’s new trend.