Middle Seat, Please Pass the Price Tag United Airlines' latest move is designed to extract more money from passengers: premium seats with an empty middle seat, reserved for neighbors who don't mind sharing.
This isn't just about selling comfort; it's also a nod to the growing trend of airlines treating customers like wallets waiting to be tapped. The concept is nothing new under the sun.
European carriers have offered similar configurations for years, often as part of business class offerings on short haul flights.