April 12 (UPI) — President Donald Trump has dismissed all six members of the Presidio Trust board, removing the leadership of the federal entity that manages San Francisco’s Presidio.
Trump previously targeted the Presidio Trust in a February 2025 executive order that described the agency as an “unnecessary governmental entity” and called for it to be reduced.
The trustees, who were appointed during the Biden administration, were notified of their removal this week, Lisa Petrie, spokeswoman for the Presidio Trust, said.
Chairman Mark Buell told The San Francisco Standard that the White House sent him a short email saying the termination was “effective immediately.”
“I was surprised that this didn’t happen sooner,” he said.
The other board members include Charles M. Collins, Lenore Eccles, Patsy Ishiyama, Bonnie LePard and Nicola Miner.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi helped create the trust, established in 1996 to rehabilitate the former Army post after it closed. The national park is in her district.
The Trump administration has been reshaping the federal bureaucracy and has fired numerous government workers.
The Presidio, now a national park near the Golden Gate Bridge, includes museums, campgrounds, trails, hotels and a golf course.
AN American airline’s plan for new couches in economy has been hailed as a “game changer.”
It means a far more comfortable flight for travelers seeking additional space to sleep.
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United Airlines has revealed that it will launch a new couch option for travelers booked for economy class from next yearCredit: GettyCustomers traveling in United relax row will receive additional amenities for their flight including a custom-fitted mattress padCredit: PRNewswireYou put the arm rests up, and then angle the adjustable, flip-up leg rests to form a couchCredit: YouTube/United
United Airlines has announced a “relaxed row” to allow travelers to stretch out and have a better rest in economy class.
It involves transforming economy seats into a couch between two rows of seats.
The initiative will provide more comfortable international travel, the airline said yesterday.
“Customers will get a custom-fitted mattress pad, specially sized blankets, extra pillows and a stuffed plush for children to help create a cozy, tranquil environment,” the carrier explained.
“Sounds like heaven to me,” said one thrilled customer.
United‘s relax row option is expected to be available from 2027.
Prices for the perk haven’t been released as yet.
“Customers traveling in United economy on long-haul flights deserve an option for more space and comfort, and this is one way we can deliver that for them,” said Andrew Nocella, executive VP.
Once available, United will be “the first North American airline to offer this kind of seating option and holds North American exclusivity on the design,” the carrier said.
The lie-down couch-style seating will eventually be rolled out across some 1,000 United planes by 2030.
More on United Airlines’ ‘relaxed row’ economy seats that transform into a couch
The option will be available for United customers traveling in the economy cabin on long-haul flights from 2027
A new, dedicated row of three seats will be outfitted with individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle.
The formation of the couch will create more room to sleep, stretch out or watch a movie.
Customers traveling in United relax row will receive additional amenities for their international flight.
This includes a custom-fitted mattress pad, a specially sized plush blanket, two additional pillows, as well as a plush toy and children’s travel kit for families.
The airline plans to offer it on more than 200 Boeing 787 and 777 widebody aircraft by 2030.
The seats will be located between United economy and premium plus, with up to 12 relax row sections on each plane.
They aren’t just available for families, as single travelers can also purchase the row, added United.
Around nine to 12 couches will be available per aircraft.
The seats will have individually adjustable, flip-up leg rests.
These can then be angled to create more room to sleep, stretch out or watch a movie.
Their provision follows a similar option offered by Air New Zealand, which already offers a row of economy seats that convert into a lie-flat couch after takeoff.
Travelers commenting on United’s version have said that it will be worth the extra money.
United Airlines chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella introduces the United relax row for the economy cabin during on March 24Credit: AFPThey will eventually be rolled out across 200 Boeing 787 and 777 widebody aircraft by 2030Credit: AFP
“I’ve used the sky couch a bunch, and for traveling with young kids on long haul flights it’s an absolute game changer, worth every penny,” raved one flyer on Reddit yesterday.
“I love the skycouch on Air New Zealand and have used it multiple times between the US and Auckland,” wrote another traveler.
“Obviously you don’t get the bells and whistles of a first class seat, but the lie flat feature is the only thing that allows me to sleep on airplanes so for me it’s perfect.”
“Family and I use the Air NZ sky couch every time we travel between NZ/US,” shared one parent.
“It’s a game changer and we always choose Air NZ for that reason. Will start looking seriously at UAL now for our travels.”
Those traveling by themselves can pay for the whole rowCredit: YouTube/UnitedUp to 12 ‘relax rows’ will be available on about 1,000 United planes used for long-haul flightsCredit: YouTube/UnitedUnited hasn’t as yet revealed the price for the new couch perkCredit: Getty
IF you thought being able to lay down on a plane was just for first and business class, think again.
United Airlines is introducing a new ‘Relax Row’ making travel in economy much more comfortable.
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United Airlines is adding ‘lie-flat beds’ and ‘couches’ into economy for 2027Credit: AlamyThe Relax Row of seats can be turned into a couch or bedCredit: United Airlines
Launching in 2027, the Relax Row is a dedicated row of three seats that can transform into a ‘couch’, or lie-flat bed.
The seats will be designed with adjustable leg rests that can fold up and mattress pad placed on top.
Travellers can then stretch out whether they want to spend their journey sleeping or watching a film.
The airline said: “The United Relax Row is ideal for families traveling with small children, solo travelers and couples who want the value of United Economy but with a little extra comfort.”
Along with a mattress pad, those on the Relax Row will get blankets, extra pillows, a toy and children’s travel kit.
The new Relax Row will appear on United Airlines aircraft in 2027.
By 2030, the airline said it will be on more than 200 of its Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 widebody aircraft with 12 Relax Row sections on each plane.
Andrew Nocella, United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “Customers traveling in United Economy on long-haul flights deserve an option for more space and comfort, and this is one way we can deliver that for them.
“United is the only North American airline offering a product like the United Relax Row and is one of the many reasons why we’re continuing to win brand loyal customers.”
The cost of the new seat option is yet to be confirmed.
United Airlines has other perks for families including free family seating, which allows children under 12 to sit next to an accompanying adult for free at time of booking.
And while United Airlines will be the first North American airline to offer lie-flat seats in economy, there other airlines who already offer this for their passengers.
Air New Zealand has its Skycouch which is the same – a row of three economy seats that transform into a lie-flat bed.
Lufthansa have what they call the Sleeper’s Row which is for long-haul flights that are over 11 hours long.
Passengers get a full row of three or four seats with a mattress topper, pillow, and blanket at the airport.
The additional charge for this is between €169–€249 (£146.28-£215.52).
