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United Airlines Announces Two Big Changes: “Relax Row” Skycouch & New CRJ-450 Regional Jet

It’s a busy day for United Airlines, with two major announcements that could significantly improve both long-haul economy travel and regional flying in the U.S. From a couch-style seating concept to a revamped regional jet, here’s everything you need to know.

United Introducing “Relax Row” (Skycouch-Style Seating)

United is officially bringing a version of the popular “Skycouch” concept—first introduced by Air New Zealand—to its long-haul fleet.

What Is Relax Row?

The new United Relax Row will allow passengers to transform a row of three economy seats into a flat, couch-like surface—perfect for stretching out on long flights.

Key Details:

  • Launching next year
  • Rolling out on all Boeing 787s and most Boeing 777s
  • Expected on 200+ aircraft by 2030
  • Located behind Premium Economy cabins
  • Up to 12 Relax Rows per aircraft

Extra Amenities Included:

Passengers booking Relax Row will also get upgraded comfort items:

  • Custom mattress pad
  • Plush blanket
  • Two extra pillows
  • Family-friendly perks like a plush toy and kids travel kit

Why This Matters

This is a big move for United, as it becomes the first North American airline to offer this type of product. For travelers who can’t justify business class pricing, Relax Row could be a game-changing middle ground between economy and premium cabins.

United Revamping the CRJ-200 Into the New CRJ-450

In another major upgrade, United is tackling one of the most disliked regional jets in the sky—the CRJ-200.

From “Devil’s Chariot” to Something Better

Frequent flyers have long criticized the cramped CRJ-200. Now, United is transforming it into the CRJ-450, following the success of the CRJ-550.

What’s Changing?

  • Reduced capacity from 50 → 41 passengers
  • New cabin breakdown:
    • 7 First Class seats
    • 16 Economy Plus seats
    • 18 Economy seats

Upgraded Experience

  • First Class will include a luggage closet instead of overhead bins, aiming for a “private jet” feel
  • Economy passengers get larger overhead bins for carry-ons
  • Equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, free for MileagePlus members

Routes & Timeline

  • Launching this fall
  • Operated by SkyWest Airlines
  • Connecting smaller cities to hubs like:
    • Denver
    • Chicago

By 2028, United expects to have:

  • 50+ CRJ-450s
  • Nearly 120 CRJ-550s

Final Thoughts

United is clearly investing in both ends of the travel spectrum:

  • Long-haul flyers get a more comfortable economy experience with Relax Row
  • Regional travelers finally see meaningful upgrades to smaller aircraft

While the “private jet experience” claim on the CRJ-450 might be a stretch, there’s no doubt these changes represent a real improvement—especially compared to what flyers are used to today.

If United executes this well, these updates could set a new standard for both economy comfort and regional flying in North America.

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