local
An empty middle seat is the latest perk United Airlines will offer on some flights
By Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 15, 2026
· 3 min read
NEW YORK (AP) — United Airlines is trying to attract flyers with another luxurious perk: an empty middle seat.
The Chicago-based carrier announced plans this week to roll out a new row of its “Economy Plus” seats with no neighbor in the middle spot — and instead use the space for a shared table (...
Key takeaway The offering is only set to be available in one row on United’s new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with pricing and sales expected to be disclosed later this year.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
For Minneapolis travelers, United Airlines' new empty middle seat option on its Airbus A321XLR aircraft may be a welcome perk, especially on long flights out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. As a major hub for United, local passengers may have more opportunities to experience this new feature. The move is part of a larger trend of airlines offering tiered services, which could impact how Twin Cities residents choose their flights. With multiple airlines operating out of the airport, Minneapolis travelers may find themselves comparing not just prices, but also amenities like seat space and comfort when deciding which carrier to fly with. As United expands its premium offerings, it will be worth watching how this affects the local travel market and whether other airlines follow suit to remain competitive.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis 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 KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NEW YORK (AP) — United Airlines is trying to attract flyers with another luxurious perk: an empty middle seat.
The Chicago-based carrier announced plans this week to roll out a new row of its “Economy Plus” seats with no neighbor in the middle spot — and instead use the space for a shared table (...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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