Trying to fall asleep while sitting upright on a cross-country flight can be a struggle, especially on red-eye trips between coastal hubs like Los Angeles and New York.
United Airlines is introducing a new configuration on select Boeing jets that aims to change that. Scheduled to debut in 2020, the updated cabins will offer more passengers the option of fully reclining lie-flat seats on transcontinental routes, improving comfort for those willing to pay a bit extra for a better night’s rest.
Currently, United offers lie-flat seats on a limited number of cross-country flights, primarily on single-aisle aircraft and only for a small portion of the cabin. The new design expands that availability, so more travelers on long domestic routes can enjoy a proper sleep while flying.
United is testing this lie-flat seating on its Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets as part of a broader plan to phase out its fleet of 757 aircraft. If the rollout proceeds as planned, passengers flying between major coastal cities will have greater access to fully reclining seats and a more comfortable travel experience.