# United Confirms Blocked Middle Seat Row on New A321XLRs

_Jul 14 12:50_

Tags: United Airlines, Transatlantic, loyalty program, policy change, airline, safety & operations, program change

United Airlines will outfit its new Airbus A321XLR jets with a row of economy seats featuring a guaranteed open middle seat, debuting later this year

## Summary

United Airlines confirmed it will install a single row of "Eurobusiness-style" seats on its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, featuring a guaranteed open middle seat covered by an extra tray table. This elevated economy option, which includes extra legroom, will be available on all 50 XLRs in the carrier's order and is expected to debut later this year. The aircraft will also feature new Polaris business-class suites with sliding privacy doors and a true premium economy cabin. Regarding staffing, United plans to maintain five cabin crewmembers on most transatlantic flights, consistent with its Boeing 757 operations, though the blocked seats could allow for four crew on some flights under FAA rules

## Why it matters

Affects 2 airline programs (Air New Zealand, United Airlines).

## Sources cited

- [The Points Guy](https://thepointsguy.com/news/united-airlines-open-middle-seat-airbus-a321xlr-planes) — United confirms Eurobusiness-style seats for its new Airbus A321XLRs

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