{"id":2047490,"date":"2026-07-17T05:00:34","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T02:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2047490"},"modified":"2026-07-17T05:00:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T02:00:34","slug":"the-empty-middle-seat-a-perk-that-every-economy-passenger-hopes-for-when-flying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2047490","title":{"rendered":"The empty middle seat: A perk that every economy passenger hopes for when flying"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/03\/39\/1200x675_cmsv2_a1f75f85-3d03-555e-8096-4c06055e015e-9840339.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2910396-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2910396\" data-cid=\"9840819\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910396-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/08\/19\/189x106_cmsv2_75b187b9-49d5-5886-ada9-6bd94c758ad0-9840819.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u2018Almost one in three people cannot afford a healthy diet\u2019, UN warns\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Almost one in three people cannot afford a healthy diet\u2019, UN warns\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910266-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2910266\" data-cid=\"9839991\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910266-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/94\/55\/189x106_cmsv2_88729684-a648-5c86-8065-de097d756692-9839455.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ursula von der Leyen and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;The tide is turning&#8217;: Inside Ursula von der Leyen&#8217;s trip to Kyiv\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910469-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2910469\" data-cid=\"9841137\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910469-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/11\/37\/189x106_cmsv2_395f50a9-7512-5e78-8034-b5fe1234420b-9841137.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A billboard depicting Donald Trump lying on what appears to be a coffin, and bearing anti-Trump messages in the Islamic Revolution Square in Tehran, Iran. July 15, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran retaliates as US launches sixth consecutive day of attacks\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910307-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2910307\" data-cid=\"9840267\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910307-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/02\/67\/189x106_cmsv2_14005598-d579-5cef-be0a-9f3047de33a1-9840267.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Real wages in Europe.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Does your salary buy as much as five years ago? Europe compared\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910396-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2910396\" data-cid=\"9840819\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910396-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/08\/19\/189x106_cmsv2_75b187b9-49d5-5886-ada9-6bd94c758ad0-9840819.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u2018Almost one in three people cannot afford a healthy diet\u2019, UN warns\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Health news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Almost one in three people cannot afford a healthy diet\u2019, UN warns\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910266-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2910266\" data-cid=\"9839991\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910266-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/94\/55\/189x106_cmsv2_88729684-a648-5c86-8065-de097d756692-9839455.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ursula von der Leyen and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;The tide is turning&#8217;: Inside Ursula von der Leyen&#8217;s trip to Kyiv\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910469-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2910469\" data-cid=\"9841137\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910469-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/11\/37\/189x106_cmsv2_395f50a9-7512-5e78-8034-b5fe1234420b-9841137.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A billboard depicting Donald Trump lying on what appears to be a coffin, and bearing anti-Trump messages in the Islamic Revolution Square in Tehran, Iran. July 15, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran retaliates as US launches sixth consecutive day of attacks\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910307-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2910307\" data-cid=\"9840267\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910307-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/02\/67\/189x106_cmsv2_14005598-d579-5cef-be0a-9f3047de33a1-9840267.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Real wages in Europe.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Does your salary buy as much as five years ago? Europe compared\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Travel<\/p>\n<p>                          Travel News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            The empty middle seat: A perk that every economy passenger hopes for when flying<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/03\/39\/1536x864_cmsv2_a1f75f85-3d03-555e-8096-4c06055e015e-9840339.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"All 50 of United&apos;s new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will include a special row in Economy Plus \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              All 50 of United&#8217;s new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will include a special row in Economy Plus<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">United<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0United\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspMike Starling&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbsp<b>AP<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1784264434\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-07-17 07:00:34 +02:00\">17\/07\/2026 &#8211; 7:00 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div 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loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Following the unveiling of its \u2018Relax Row\u2019, US airline United has now announced plans to roll out its new offering in Economy Plus \u2013 a special row that has no middle seat and instead uses the extra space for a shared table and more elbow room.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--travel js-article-content\">\n<p>Every airline passenger that books in economy hopes for one thing \u2013 that the aircraft doors close and there\u2019s no one sitting in the middle seat beside them. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The middle seat has long been bemoaned by travellers, both those in the aisle and window seats that have to share an armrest or more with whoever is occupying the middle seat, and for those passengers stuck wedged in a middle seat between two others. <\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve all been on flights where we\u2019ve battled for elbow space or just been so squeezed because of a lack of room. It\u2019s not that we\u2019re being unsociable, but having that middle seat clear can really make or break a journey \u2013 especially when flying mid- to long-haul. <\/p>\n<p>Luckily, solving that \u201cmiddle seat dilemma\u201d has become a growing focus for many airlines. This has prompted a number of carriers \u2013 including Wizz Air and Air France in Europe \u2013 to launch schemes where passengers can buy a neighbour-free seat or an entire row, for an additional fee. <\/p>\n<p>Internationally, United is one of the airlines which is looking at innovations to make the future of flying more comfortable for passengers across all classes. <\/p>\n<p>In March, the US carrier announced that its \u201cRelax Row\u201d would launch in 2027 and allow passengers in economy class to turn a row of three seats on some wider Boeing planes into a couch they can sleep or lounge on after takeoff. <\/p>\n<p>This week, United has also announced plans to roll out its new offering in Economy Plus \u2013 a row of seats with no one in the middle spot, instead using the space for a shared table (and more elbow room) between the aisle and window passengers. <\/p>\n<p>While it is only set to be available in one row on United&#8217;s 50 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the airline has suggested it could expand the no middle seat option to other planes down the road. United said that its Economy Plus seats with extra elbow room will be available for sale later this year for flights beginning soon after.<\/p>\n<p>The move arrives amid a broader push from airlines advertising more and more special tiers and separate add-ons to their flights \u2013 particularly when it comes to courting passengers who are willing to pay more for comfort. <\/p>\n<p>United is following in the footsteps of a handful of European airlines, including Lufthansa and Finnair, already offering empty middle seats to business class passengers. <\/p>\n<p>Other carriers have also allowed travellers for years to pay extra or buy additional tickets to keep seats near them empty. United said that it expects to be \u201cthe only US airline\u201d to have these kind of rows. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re investing nose-to-tail across our fleet and giving customers choice and value in every cabin,&#8221; said Andrew Nocella, United&#8217;s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The XLR is our newest aircraft and not only offers all-aisle access lie-flat seats in United Polaris but now also includes seats in Economy Plus with extra leg and elbow room. Our customers are going to love all these new options.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Across carriers, passengers on the same flight can still have strikingly different travel experiences. And while there&#8217;s demand for roomier seats and other perks, some budget-conscious travellers may feel a widening gap between the back and front of the plane \u2013 or frustration over new fees for services that were once free and added tiers to juggle when comparing fares. <\/p>\n<p>A handful of big-name airlines, like Delta, have embraced strategies to provide \u201cthe best\u201d \u2013 not the cheapest \u2013 offerings. <\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, United executives have pushed back on the idea that the industry has become solely focused on chasing big spenders, maintaining that premium investments are part of a broader strategy to improve every traveller&#8217;s experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2889632-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2889632\" data-cid=\"9738972\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2889632-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/89\/72\/480x270_cmsv2_01767f07-4e2e-5d51-bafd-03cf279a312c-9738972.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The &apos;Origin&apos; concept features an immersive display \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Moments<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New airline innovations: What the future of flying may look like<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2881184-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2881184\" data-cid=\"9697852\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2881184-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/69\/78\/52\/480x270_cmsv2_53ee5a0b-4259-53ab-a36b-303eb72fd890-9697852.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"United Airlines&apos;s 787-9 Elevated Relax Row\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    You can book an economy seat row that turns into a bed on this airline<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2834300-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2834300\" data-cid=\"9485416\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2834300-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/48\/54\/16\/480x270_cmsv2_cbe6ef07-aedf-520c-bec6-8ff714012f33-9485416.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Passengers who have booked an economy ticket on certain Virgin Australia domestic and short-haul international flights can bid to keep the seat beside them empty. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Moments<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    You can now reserve empty neighbouring seats on this budget airline<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Airport<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Travel tips<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  United Airlines<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Airlines<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2910092-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2910092\" data-cid=\"9839167\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910092-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/91\/67\/320x180_cmsv2_183955cc-09de-54b7-9bcd-237aa40dd5c8-9839167.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"London, Paris and Rome are full of iconic landmarks \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    London vs Paris vs Rome: How they compare for a European city break<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2849382-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2849382\" data-cid=\"9560464\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2849382-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/04\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_cba69ac4-7bd3-5886-88da-252745379693-9560464.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Travel - Euronews\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Euronews Travel Channel \u2013 Travel News, Guides, 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that look too magical to be real<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most 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concept features an immersive display \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Moments<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    New airline innovations: What the future of flying may look like<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2881184-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2881184\" data-cid=\"9697852\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2881184-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/69\/78\/52\/480x270_cmsv2_53ee5a0b-4259-53ab-a36b-303eb72fd890-9697852.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"United Airlines&apos;s 787-9 Elevated Relax Row\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    You can book an economy seat row that turns into a bed on this airline<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2834300-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2834300\" data-cid=\"9485416\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2834300-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/48\/54\/16\/480x270_cmsv2_cbe6ef07-aedf-520c-bec6-8ff714012f33-9485416.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Passengers who have booked an economy ticket on certain Virgin Australia domestic and short-haul international flights can bid to keep the seat beside them empty. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Moments<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    You can now reserve empty neighbouring seats on this budget airline<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910092-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2910092\" data-cid=\"9839167\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910092-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/91\/67\/320x180_cmsv2_183955cc-09de-54b7-9bcd-237aa40dd5c8-9839167.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"London, Paris and Rome are full of iconic landmarks \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    London vs Paris vs Rome: How they compare for a European city break<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2849382-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2849382\" data-cid=\"9560464\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2849382-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/04\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_cba69ac4-7bd3-5886-88da-252745379693-9560464.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Travel - Euronews\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Euronews Travel Channel \u2013 Travel News, Guides, Magazines &amp; Inspiration | 24\/7<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2901443-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2901443\" data-cid=\"9796263\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2901443-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/79\/62\/63\/320x180_cmsv2_1ac5cd86-e729-5eff-9f18-fb632fe591f6-9796263.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u00a9\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Grand Voyager | Exploring Budapest<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>Media City<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910326-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2910326\" data-cid=\"9840358\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910326-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/03\/58\/320x180_cmsv2_c2f49ace-f799-5c65-a95f-6965ffe690d2-9840358.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"With global passenger numbers hitting nearly 10 billion in 2025, Europe\u2019s airports performed particularly well in the world ranking for international traffic only. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Revealed: Europe\u2019s busiest airports for 2025<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910244-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2910244\" data-cid=\"9839835\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2910244-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/98\/35\/320x180_cmsv2_25b8353a-1ff3-5507-887e-2ef4b1f26e5b-9839835.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Eltz Castle in Germany topped the list of fairytale destinations in Europe \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><span class=\"c-icon-gallery the-media-object__icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/images\/vector\/camera.svg\" width=\"21\" height=\"21\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fairytale destinations across Europe that look too magical to be real<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910244-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2910244\" data-cid=\"9839835\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fairytale destinations across Europe that look too magical to be real<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910064-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2910064\" data-cid=\"9839014\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Travelling to Ireland? These are the highest-rated tourist attractions<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2909826-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2909826\" data-cid=\"9837783\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Skip the crowds: Under-the-radar European islands to visit now<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910326-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2910326\" data-cid=\"9840358\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Revealed: Europe\u2019s busiest airports for 2025<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910092-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2910092\" data-cid=\"9839167\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    London vs Paris vs Rome: How they compare for a European city break<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Every airline passenger that books in economy hopes for one thing \u2013 that the aircraft doors close and there\u2019s no one sitting in the middle seat beside them.\u00a0The middle seat has long been bemoaned by travellers, both those in the aisle and window seats that have to share an armrest or more with whoever is occupying the middle seat, and for those passengers stuck wedged in a middle seat between two others.\u00a0We\u2019ve all been on flights where we\u2019ve battled for elbow space or just been so squeezed because of a lack of room. It\u2019s not that we\u2019re being unsociable, but having that middle seat clear can really make or break a journey \u2013 especially when flying mid- to long-haul.\u00a0Luckily, solving that \u201cmiddle seat dilemma\u201d has become a growing focus for many airlines. This has prompted a number of carriers \u2013 including Wizz Air and Air France in Europe \u2013 to launch schemes where passengers can buy a neighbour-free seat or an entire row, for an additional fee.\u00a0Internationally, United is one of the airlines which is looking at innovations to make the future of flying more comfortable for passengers across all classes.\u00a0In March, the US carrier announced that its \u201cRelax Row\u201d would launch in 2027 and allow passengers in economy class to turn a row of three seats on some wider Boeing planes into a couch they can sleep or lounge on after takeoff.\u00a0This week, United has also announced plans to roll out its new offering in Economy Plus \u2013 a row of seats with no one in the middle spot, instead using the space for a shared table (and more elbow room) between the aisle and window passengers.\u00a0While it is only set to be available in one row on United&#8217;s 50 new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the airline has suggested it could expand the no middle seat option to other planes down the road. United said that its Economy Plus seats with extra elbow room will be available for sale later this year for flights beginning soon after.The move arrives amid a broader push from airlines advertising more and more special tiers and separate add-ons to their flights \u2013 particularly when it comes to courting passengers who are willing to pay more for comfort.\u00a0United is following in the footsteps of a handful of European airlines, including Lufthansa and Finnair, already offering empty middle seats to business class passengers.Other carriers have also allowed travellers for years to pay extra or buy additional tickets to keep seats near them empty. United said that it expects to be \u201cthe only US airline\u201d to have these kind of rows.\u00a0&#8220;We&#8217;re investing nose-to-tail across our fleet and giving customers choice and value in every cabin,&#8221; said Andrew Nocella, United&#8217;s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.&#8221;The XLR is our newest aircraft and not only offers all-aisle access lie-flat seats in United Polaris but now also includes seats in Economy Plus with extra leg and elbow room. Our customers are going to love all these new options.&#8221;Across carriers, passengers on the same flight can still have strikingly different travel experiences. And while there&#8217;s demand for roomier seats and other perks, some budget-conscious travellers may feel a widening gap between the back and front of the plane \u2013 or frustration over new fees for services that were once free and added tiers to juggle when comparing fares.\u00a0A handful of big-name airlines, like Delta, have embraced strategies to provide \u201cthe best\u201d \u2013 not the cheapest \u2013 offerings.\u00a0Meanwhile, United executives have pushed back on the idea that the industry has become solely focused on chasing big spenders, maintaining that premium investments are part of a broader strategy to improve every traveller&#8217;s experience.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2026\/07\/17\/the-empty-middle-seat-a-perk-that-every-economy-passenger-hopes-for-when-flying&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/03\/39\/1200x675_cmsv2_a1f75f85-3d03-555e-8096-4c06055e015e-9840339.jpg&#8221;] Health news \u2018Almost one in three people cannot afford a healthy diet\u2019, UN warns Europe News &#8216;The tide is turning&#8217;: Inside Ursula von der Leyen&#8217;s trip to Kyiv Iran Iran retaliates as US launches sixth consecutive day of attacks Economy Does your salary buy as much as five years ago? Europe compared [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2047490","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2047490","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2047490"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2047490\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2047490"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2047490"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2047490"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}