United Relax Row: The Economy Sofa-Bed Coming in 2027
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United Airlines has just unveiled the Relax Row: a row of three seats in economy class that transforms into a sofa-bed after takeoff. The product, inspired by Air New Zealand’s Skycouch, will be available starting in 2027 on the airline’s Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. For Canadian travelers departing from Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver, this is an option that deserves attention. Especially considering that Air Canada offers nothing equivalent in economy.
Here is everything we know about the United Airlines Relax Row, how it works, its estimated price, and how Canadians can take advantage of it via Aeroplan and the Star Alliance.
How the Relax Row Works
The concept is simple: three side-by-side economy seats with footrests that lift to 90 degrees to create a flat surface. United provides a fitted mattress, an oversized blanket, and two pillows to transform the row into a rest area. Families also receive a plush toy and a travel kit for children.
The surface measures approximately 51 inches (4 feet 3 inches) long. This is enough for a child to lie down completely, or for an adult to curl up comfortably. However, do not expect a true flat bed if you are taller than 5 feet 6 inches.
Where the Relax Row Is Located in the Aircraft
Relax Row rows will be positioned between the United Premium Plus cabin and standard economy class. Each aircraft will have up to 12. On average, there will be 9 rows per aircraft once the rollout is complete.
Timeline and Affected Aircraft
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Launch | 2027 |
| Equipped Aircraft | Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 |
| 2030 Goal | 200+ equipped aircraft |
| Rows per Aircraft | Up to 12 (average: 9) |
| Targeted Flights | Long-haul only |
The rollout will begin on new aircraft and those currently undergoing reconfiguration. Transatlantic and transpacific routes will be served as a priority, which includes flights from United’s Canadian hubs.
What This Changes for Canadians
United operates direct flights from Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR) to several long-haul destinations. These routes often pass through hubs in Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), or Houston (IAH) before continuing to Europe, Asia, or South America.
Concretely, a traveler flying YUL–EWR–London or YYZ–ORD–Tokyo could reserve a Relax Row on the long-haul segment. It is on these 7 to 14-hour portions that the product makes the most sense.
Air Canada Offers Nothing Comparable
Air Canada offers its Signature Class, Premium Economy, and standard economy class. But no intermediate product allows economy seats to be transformed into a sleeping surface. For Canadian families traveling in economy on long flights, United’s Relax Row becomes a concrete alternative to consider.
Furthermore, both airlines are part of Star Alliance. Canadians who accumulate Aeroplan points can already book United flights via Aeroplan. The question is whether the Relax Row supplement will be bookable with points.
Booking with Aeroplan: What We Know
United Airlines has not yet communicated the pricing details for the Relax Row. However, we can anticipate several scenarios for Aeroplan points holders.
- Booking the flight via Aeroplan: United flights are bookable with Aeroplan points via Star Alliance. The base flight will remain accessible with points.
- Relax Row supplement in cash: The most likely scenario. You book your flight with points, then add the Relax Row as a paid option in Canadian dollars at the time of seat selection or during check-in.
- MileagePlus Program: United MileagePlus members could have priority access or preferential rates.
- No Aeroplan confirmation: Neither Air Canada nor Aeroplan has commented on the integration of the Relax Row into points bookings.
- Possible dynamic pricing: As with upgrades, the price of the Relax Row could vary depending on the flight’s occupancy rate.
Estimated Price in Canadian Dollars
United has not published a price list. However, we can use Air New Zealand’s Skycouch as a basis to estimate the cost.
| Reference | Price in USD | Estimation in CAD |
|---|---|---|
| Air NZ Skycouch (LAX–Auckland) | ~$928 USD | ~$1,275 CAD |
| Base economy ticket (same route) | ~$575 USD | ~$790 CAD |
| Supplement / Ticket Ratio | Approximately 1.6x the ticket price | |
If United follows a similar model, the supplement for a Relax Row on a transatlantic flight from Canada could be between $800 and $1,500 CAD. This is significantly cheaper than a ticket in United Airlines Premium Plus, which often costs $2,000 to $3,500 CAD more than an economy ticket.
Who the Relax Row Is Relevant For
Families with Young Children
This is the primary target audience. A child aged 3 to 8 can lie down completely on the 51-inch surface. The mattress, blanket, and plush toy are designed for them. For a family of three (two parents, one child), the Relax Row offers a rest area that standard economy class cannot match.
Couples on Overnight Flights
On an overnight flight YYZ–London or YVR–Tokyo, two people can share the Relax Row space alternately. One passenger rests while the other uses their seat normally. It is an interesting compromise between economy and Premium Plus.
Solo Travelers Seeking Space
A solo traveler could also book a Relax Row, but the cost will likely be higher proportionally. On Air New Zealand’s Skycouch, booking the entire row for one person costs about triple the price of an economy seat.
Relax Row vs. Skycouch: The Comparison
The Relax Row is directly inspired by Air New Zealand’s Skycouch, in service since 2011. Here is how the two products compare.
| Criteria | United Relax Row | Air NZ Skycouch |
|---|---|---|
| Resting Surface | ~51 inches | ~51 inches |
| Aircraft | 787, 777 | 787, 777 |
| Mattress Included | Yes | Yes |
| Children’s Kit | Plush + travel kit | Variable |
| Routes from Canada | Yes (via US hubs) | No (LAX, SFO only) |
| Launch | 2027 | 2011 |
| Bookable via Aeroplan | To be confirmed | No |
The main advantage of the Relax Row for Canadians: access. Air New Zealand flights departing from Canada must go through Los Angeles or San Francisco. United flights, however, are accessible from several Canadian cities with a single layover. Additionally, the Star Alliance connection facilitates the accumulation and use of Aeroplan points.
Credit Cards to Maximize Your United Flights
Canadians planning to fly with United should accumulate Aeroplan points. Here are the most relevant cards to maximize this strategy.
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card (Aeroplan accumulation on daily purchases)
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card (lounge access and enhanced accumulation)
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card (high welcome offer in Aeroplan points)
- American Express Cobalt Card (points transferable to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio)
Consult our comparison of the best Aeroplan credit cards to find the one that matches your spending profile. You can also explore our best travel credit cards for an overview.
Also note that a United MileagePlus credit card will be launched in the spring of 2026 in Canada.
Summary
The United Airlines Relax Row is the first economy couch seats type product offered by a North American airline. For Canadians, it is an interesting alternative on long-haul flights via United’s hubs, especially for families with young children.
Pricing and booking details are not yet known. But the fact that United is part of Star Alliance opens the door to combined use with Aeroplan. We will closely follow the announcement of prices and points booking options. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates as soon as they are available.
United Relax Row – Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Relax Row be available on flights departing from Canada?
Yes, but not on direct flights. The Relax Row will be installed on United’s Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, which operate long-haul segments. Canadians will have access to it via United’s hubs (Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston) after a connection from YUL, YYZ, or YVR.
Can we book a Relax Row with Aeroplan points?
Not yet confirmed. The United flight is bookable via Aeroplan (Star Alliance), but it is not known if the Relax Row supplement will be payable in points or only in cash. We will update this article as soon as the information is available.
How much will the Relax Row cost in Canadian dollars?
United has not announced a price. Based on Air New Zealand’s Skycouch (approximately $928 USD supplement), we estimate that the Relax Row could cost between $800 and $1,500 CAD as a supplement on a transatlantic flight.
Does Air Canada offer a similar product?
No. Air Canada does not offer any product convertible into a sofa-bed in economy class. Options are Premium Economy (wider seats with more space) or Signature Class (true flat bed). United’s Relax Row positions itself between these two offerings at a much lower price.
Is the Relax Row suitable for tall adults?
The resting surface measures approximately 51 inches (130 cm). This is sufficient for a child or a small adult. Taller adults will be able to lie down diagonally or in a semi-curled position, but not completely flat.
What is the difference between Relax Row and United Premium Plus?
Premium Plus offers a wider individual seat with more recline, a footrest, upgraded meals, and an amenity kit. The Relax Row remains a standard economy seat that transforms into a shared surface. Premium Plus is designed for individual comfort; Relax Row, for shared or family rest.
Which Canadian credit card is the best for flying United?
Aeroplan cards (TD, CIBC, American Express) are the most relevant, as Aeroplan provides access to United flights via Star Alliance. The American Express Cobalt Card is also a good option thanks to its 1:1 transfer ratio to Aeroplan. Consult our best credit cards page to compare.
Will pets be accepted in the Relax Row?
United has not yet confirmed its policy regarding pets in the Relax Row. We can expect United’s standard in-cabin rules to apply, but this remains to be clarified.
