The "Relax Row" will give coach travelers a glimpse into what flying business class feels like.
Patrick T. Fallon / AFP
Air New Zealand pioneered the economy bed by adding flippable legrests that create a sleep surface.
United Airlines has since licensed the idea for its "Relax Row," coming in 2027.
Some carriers offer a bed in economy by charging extra for a guaranteed empty row.
For many economy flyers, the best long-haul sleep hack is simply lucking out with a row to themselves. A handful of airlines are betting some will pay to guarantee it.
United Airlines recently made headlines for its upcoming "Relax Row" — a set of three economy seats with legrests that flip up to create a fully flat bed-like space. It's designed to give budget-conscious travelers a taste of business class without the high price tag.
The move fits into the airline's broader push toward premium offerings as demand for more comfort booms. United reported an 11% year-over-year increase in premium revenue in 2025.
United didn't pioneer the coach bed, though.
The idea dates back to 2011, when Air New Zealand introduced its "Skycouch" with flippable legrests on Boeing widebody aircraft and patented the product. The airline told Business Insider it has since licensed the concept to other carriers, including fellow Star Alliance member United.
Air New Zealand has expanded on the idea, too. It is soon introducing a bunk-style "Skynest" to its economy cabin later this year, designed to complement the Skycouch. It's expected to be sold in hourly blocks for a fee.
United hasn't said what the price of its Relax Row will be yet. Similar seats on other airlines — some without flippable legrests that are more like benches — range from a few hundred dollars to over $2,500 each way.
Some carriers allow flyers to select the bed-style seat during booking, while others require it to be done after via a request process or at the airport. These airlines have beds in economy:
Air New Zealand's SkynestI tried the Skynest in 2022. It was tight but cozy with linens, a seatbelt, and curtains for privacy. It's unclear what changes have been made since I saw it.
Taylor Rains/Business Insider
Air New Zealand markets its economy beds as added options for coach flyers. The Skynest is the newest product and will be two sets of three-high flat bunks with linens, curtains, and seatbelts.
Air New Zealand is showing its Skynest off to the public in New York City on April 14.
Air New Zealand's SkycouchThe author flew solo in Air New Zealand's Skycouch in 2022.
Taylor Rains/Business Insider
The legrest-equipped Skycouch revolutionized economy air travel and became a blueprint for other airlines. The legrests flip up 90 degrees via a button and lock into place to make the flat sleeping surface.
It comes with linens and a "cuddle belt" to wear when sleeping, but customers still get the regular economy meals and boarding position. I flew in the Skycouch for 16 hours in 2022 and thought it was comfortable and a great sleep solution if you have the budget. The bed is just over five feet long, though, so taller travelers may be more cramped.
Passengers can secure the Skyouch at the time of booking. The price can vary by season and route, but the most expensive one-way tickets are over $1,500. It can accommodate up to two adults and a child.
United Airlines' Relax RowUnited is adding "Relax Rows" to certain Boeing widebodies. Customers can fly them starting in 2027.
Patrick T. Fallon / AFP
Launching in 2027 on long-haul flights, the Relax Row mirrors the Skycouch and will be fitted onto more than 200 Boeing widebody planes by 2030.
It can be selected at booking and comes with two extra pillows, a blanket, and a mattress pad. It's unclear what the launch route will be.
All Nippon Airways' COUCHiiThe COUCHii is located in the back of the main level of the A380.
All Nippon Airways
ANA, another Star Alliance member airline, sells the COUCHii on flights between Japan and Hawaii.It is bookable up to 48 hours before the flight, either by requesting it on the website or by phone.
COUCHiis are exclusively on Airbus A380 planes and stretch three or four seats with legrests that flip up to create a wide bed.
ANA's website shows the cheapest option is $130 for all four seats for four people traveling together during low season; the most expensive is $2,580 for four seats for one person during high season.
Lufthansa's Sleeper RowThe Sleeper Row is a row of empty seats with no legrests.
Lufthansa
The German flag carrier offers first-come, first-served "Sleeper Rows" that can only be booked at the airport for select long-haul flights of at least 11 hours, subject to availability.
Essentially, Lufthansa passengers can pay extra right before their flight to secure an empty row that would otherwise have gone unsold.
It doesn't have flippable legrests, but it comes with "business-class quality" linens and space to stretch out. The per-segment cost ranges from $209 to $299.
Air Astana's Economy SleeperThe economy sleeper is meant for one person.
Air Astana
The Kazakh airline allows travelers to pay to reserve a row of three seats on select flights to Beijing, London, and Frankfurt. It comes with a blanket, mattress cover, and pillow, but no flippable legrests.
The ticket also includes business-class lounge access, priority check-in, and two extra checked bags. Air Astana says the experience is a "nominal" increase over the regular economy fare.
Vietnam Airlines' SkySofaThe economy seats on Vietnam Airlines' 787, one of the planes that has the sleeper option.
Vietnam Airlines
The SkySofa is another upcharge for a guaranteed row of three empty seats for one person; it can be added at booking or after.
Vietnam Airlines offers the option on flights between Vietnam and 18 countries, including the US. It includes personal amenities, like an eye mask and socks, and meals equal to those in premium economy.
The SkySofa price ranges from $150 to $650 one-way, depending on the economy fare type booked and the route.
Some early adopters abandoned economy beds.China Airlines' Family Couch.
China Airlines
China Airlines began marketing the "Family Couch" in 2014 but pulled it in 2018 due to low demand. Defunct UK airline Thomas Cook had a "Sleeper Seat" that flew until the airline declared bankruptcy in 2019.
Azul Brazilian Airlines, which once offered a four-seat-wide "Sky Sofa" on Airbus A330s, told Business Insider that the product was "discontinued due to fleet renewal and the configuration of current aircraft."
French carrier Air Austral's website mentions a bed-like "Extra Couchette" on Boeing 777s, but current seat maps and booking options don't show it. It's unclear if it's been discontinued; the airline didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.