Overview
- United confirmed on Thursday that it will implement a blocked-middle-seat row on its Airbus A321XLR fleet to keep each plane’s certified seat count at 150.
- The change uses an added table or module placed over ordinary economy center cushions to render those seats unusable rather than replacing the seat shells.
- Federal rules tie required cabin crew to certified passenger seats, and keeping the jet at 150 seats prevents a higher FAA minimum that would mandate an extra flight attendant.
- United and reporters say the carrier could sell the two adjacent seats as a premium product, but final design details and monetization plans are not yet settled.
- The move echoes European ‘Eurobusiness’ precedents and reflects cost and crew-management pressures that could change passenger spacing and airline staffing choices.