United Airlines plans to introduce a new economy seating option that eliminates the traditional middle seat in select rows by replacing it with a fixed table. The feature, set to debut later this year on the carrier’s Airbus A321XLR aircraft, aims to enhance passenger comfort by expanding personal space in economy class.

The updated Economy Plus configuration will have one row on each of United’s 50 XLR aircraft where the middle seat is substituted with a table fitted between the armrests. Passengers seated on either side will share the table, which includes two shallow holders for beverages and enough surface area to accommodate small snacks or travel-size games. This design effectively gives four passengers increased elbow room within a single row.

Alongside the Economy Plus adjustment, the A321XLR aircraft will also offer lie-flat suites with privacy doors exclusively for United Polaris premium customers. The airline has framed these changes as part of a broader investment in upgrading its fleet, promising new options “from nose to tail” across all cabin classes.

Pricing and booking details for the Economy Plus middle-seat tables have yet to be announced. United expects to begin operating the A321XLR domestically in the fall, with international service commencing next year.

Not all industry observers are convinced the change will benefit travelers. Katy Nastro, a travel expert and spokesperson for consumer travel site Going, expressed skepticism about the proposal, characterizing it as an additional charge that may not provide substantial value. “You can look at the seat map for free and see if there is a seat that doesn’t have anybody sitting in the middle,” Nastro said. She suggested the move could represent another way for airlines to increase fees rather than fundamentally improve the passenger experience.

United’s initiative follows a broader trend among carriers seeking to differentiate economy products by addressing common complaints about cramped seating, though it remains to be seen how the offering will be received by consumers accustomed to standard configurations.