WIDEBODY. NARROW SEATS United Airlines adds another seat to the row

Posted on 03/22/2016

As the US Congress dithers and argues about the size of economy seats on airplanes, United has decided to retrofit 19 of its 74 Boeing 777 fleet to include 10-abreast seating in economy class on domestic routes.  

The economy-class layout will now feature seating in a three-four-three configuration compared to its current two-five-twoThe retrofit will also include “upgrades” such as in-seat power outlets throughout the cabin and the aircraft will be Wi-Fi enabledUnited plans to begin the retrofitting in May and have it completed by 2017United's 777 fleet that stay on international routes will continue to have the nine-across seat configuration in coach, with a total of up to 269 seats.Meanwhile in business class, United plans to replace the recliner seats currently on the domestic 777s with flatbed seats, according to Today in the Sky.According to United’s website it has four versions of the Boeing 777-200.The 10-across configuration for widebody aircraft is already being used by other airlines and is reportedly considered the industry standard.No surprise, this configuration lets airlines add more revenue-producing seats to the aircraft.  Well, it’s certainly not for the comfort of their passengers!Air France, American Airlines, Emirates, Etihad and Japan Airlines are among the carriers which currently have ten seats per row on all or some of their Boeing 777s.Boeing said airlines ordering the aircraft requested the 10-abreast seating on about half of the 777s delivered last year, up from about 30 percent in 2008.