local
Hate the middle seat? United plans new Economy Plus alternative
By Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 15, 2026
· 2 min read
If you hate the middle seat on airplanes, United has a solution.Its new Airbus jets will feature a new seating configuration in the Economy Plus cabin: rows without a middle seat.Instead, a fixed table will separate the two seats, giving passengers more elbow room.RELATED STORY | Air travel is be...
Key takeaway The Airbus A321XLR is designed for short- and medium-haul international trips.
Why this matters in The Waco
For Waco travelers who frequently fly out of nearby airports, United's new Economy Plus seating configuration could be a game-changer. The absence of a middle seat, replaced by a fixed table, will provide more comfort and elbow room on short- and medium-haul international trips. As the Airbus A321XLR aircraft enter service in early 2027, locals can look forward to a more luxurious flying experience. The fact that every seat will include a large 4K OLED screen with Bluetooth connectivity and ample overhead bin space will also enhance the overall travel experience. With United exploring the possibility of offering this seating configuration on other aircraft, Waco residents may soon have more options for comfortable air travel. As air travel continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other airlines respond to United's innovative approach to Economy Plus seating.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? If you hate the middle seat on airplanes, United has a solution.Its new Airbus jets will feature a new seating configuration in the Economy Plus cabin: rows without a middle seat.Instead, a fixed table will separate the two seats, giving passengers more elbow room.RELATED STORY | Air travel is be...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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