The Ultimate Guide to United Airlines Seat Selection

You can choose your seat on United Airlines based on your ticket type, preferences, and availability during booking or check-in.

We've all been there—scrolling through seat maps, unsure which one will give you the space you need for a comfortable journey. Is it the extra legroom of Economy Plus? The peace of a window seat or the freedom of an aisle? United Airlines Seat Selection is about more than just choosing a spot; it's about creating the right atmosphere for your trip. Whether it's a quick flight or a long-haul adventure, making the right choice can change everything.

This guide is here to make it simple, helping you pick the perfect seat with confidence and ease so every mile of your journey feels as smooth as the destination you're headed for.

What is United Airlines seat selection policy?

United Airlines seat selection policy allows passengers to choose seats across most cabin classes, such as Economy, Premium Economy, and First Class. The ability to select a seat, as well as any associated fees, depends on your ticket type.

▷ Basic Economy: You cannot select a seat for free but can purchase one during or after flight booking.

▷ Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class: You can choose your seat at the time of booking or during check-in.

***Note: Seat selection may vary depending on the timing and fare class, so make sure to review the available options when booking your airlines tickets.

How do the seats work on United Airlines?

On United Airlines, how the seats work depends on the type of ticket you purchase. Each fare class has different seating options and amenities. Here's what you can expect:

➜ Basic Economy: You can't choose your seat for free. It will get assigned at check-in, but you can pay for a United Airlines seat reservation to select a seat in advance.

➜ Economy: You can choose your seat by using the United seat selection app when booking or later, up until check-in.

➜ Economy Plus®: This option gives you extra legroom for an additional fee and is located near the front of the Economy cabin.

➜ Premium Economy: More space, better seating, and meal service on international flights.

➜ United First® and United Polaris®: These premium options offer reclining seats, extra comfort, and priority boarding, ideal for long flights.

Fond Tip: To see available seats, use the United Airlines seat map on the app or website. If your preferred seat is available, you'll get it. If you're traveling with children, up to two kids under 12 can sit next to one adult for free.

How does seating work for the United basic economy?

For United Basic Economy, seating is assigned automatically by United Airlines, and you will not be able to select your seat in advance unless you pay for it. With United Airlines seat assignment, you will only have the option to choose your seat at check-in for an additional fee. If you don't select a seat in advance, they will assign you one, but you may be seated anywhere within the Basic Economy section, which is typically at the back of the plane.

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➱ What is the seat selection process for Premier members? Premier members can select and change their seats anytime before boarding, even on the day of departure.

Also Read: United Airlines Baggage Policy

How much is the United seat selection fee?

The fee for United Airlines seat selection depends on the type of fare you choose. For Basic Economy, seat assignments are not included for free, but you can select your seat for a fee. The United seat selection fee Basic Economy typically starts at $15 per flight per person. This fee may vary depending on your flight reservations and seat location.

For those flying in Economy or Economy Plus®, you can also select seats, with fees ranging from $29 to $299 per flight. Economy Plus® offers extra legroom, and seats in this section may come at a higher cost.

⏩ Additional United Airlines Seat Selection Fees:

✔ Preferred Seating: Fees for Preferred Seating start at $24 per flight per person for standard Economy tickets and $36 for Basic Economy tickets.

✔ Upgrades: If you're looking for a United Airlines seat upgrade, you can choose from Economy Plus®, United First®, or United Polaris®, with upgrade prices starting at $29 and going up to $9,999 per flight per person.

What are the classes of seating on United Airlines?

United Airlines offers six seating classes: Basic Economy, Economy, Economy Plus, United Premium Plus, United First/United Business, and United Polaris. Here is an overview of United Airlines seat classes:

1. Basic Economy

United Airlines seat selection Basic Economy is the lowest-cost option with fewer perks.

❖ No seat selection (assigned automatically).

❖ Baggage: Only a personal item allowed, carry-ons may incur a fee.

❖ Inclusions: Free snacks, soft drinks, and entertainment.

2. United Economy

United Economy provides standard seating with essential services.

❖ Legroom: Standard, with free seat selection.

❖ Inclusions: Complimentary snacks, drinks, and entertainment.

3. Economy Plus

Economy Plus offers extra comfort with more legroom.

❖ Legroom: Additional space and front-cabin seating.

❖ Perks: Available for upgrade or free for MileagePlus Premier members.

4. United Premium Plus

United Airlines Premium class seats add comfort and more amenities for longer flights.

❖ Seats: Wider with adjustable leg rests.

❖ Dining: Upgraded meals and free drinks.

❖ Perks: Priority boarding and baggage handling.

5. United First & United Business

First and United Airlines Business class seats cater to premium service and comfort.

❖ Seats: Spacious, reclining seats with meal service.

❖ Perks: Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.

6. United Polaris Business Class

Polaris offers the ultimate luxury for international flights.

❖ Seats: Fully flatbeds with direct aisle access.

❖ Dining: Gourmet meals and premium drinks.

❖ Perks: Exclusive lounge access and priority services.

⏩ Key Differences at a Glance:

United Airlines seats for elite members

As an elite member of United Airlines' MileagePlus program, you enjoy exclusive benefits when choosing seats for your flights.

➤ Preferred SeatingSilver elite members and above can select preferred seats at booking, offering closer access to the front of the plane and quicker boarding.

➤ Economy Plus

Gold members and higher can choose Economy Plus seats for free when booking. These seats offer extra legroom and are located toward the front of the Economy cabin. Silver members can select Economy Plus seats at check-in based on availability.

➤ Complimentary Upgrades

Elite members may also receive complimentary upgrades to better seating classes, such as Economy Plus, up to 96 hours before departure.

Fond Tip: If your flight is canceled or changed, you will get a refund for your preferred seat if it's no longer available on your new flight.

United Airlines seat map

The United Airlines seat map is a helpful tool that lets you preview the seating layout of your flight before you even board. Available during booking, the seating chart shows the arrangement of seats, including available, reserved, and premium seating. You can access it by clicking "Seats" on the flight search results page.

Once your flight gets booked, the seat map stays accessible in the "Manage Trips" section. This gives you the flexibility to change your United Airlines seat allocation if needed, ensuring you're comfortable with your choice. Whether you're looking for extra legroom or prefer to sit closer to the front, the seat map provides clear information to help you make the best selection for your journey.

How to select your seat on United Airlines?

Selecting your seat on United Airlines is quick and easy, whether you're booking a new flight or managing an existing reservation.

➤ United Airlines Seat Selection During Booking:

When booking your flight online, you'll get prompted to choose your seat after selecting your flight and entering your details. Simply visit the United seat selection online page, where you'll see a seat map of your aircraft. This map shows available seats, and you can choose your preferred seat based on your preferences, such as extra legroom or proximity to the front.

➤ United Airlines Seat Selection After Booking:

If you've already booked your flight and want to change your seat, go to the "My Trips" section on the United Airlines website. Click on "Manage Trips," select your flight, and you'll have the option to choose or change your seat. This gives you the flexibility to adjust your seat even after booking.

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What is United Preferred Seating?

United preferred seats refer to seats that are located in the first few rows behind Economy Plus. While these seats don't include extra legroom, they offer the benefit of a prime location on the aircraft, allowing you to board earlier and exit faster after your flight.

⏩ Benefits of Preferred Seating

✅ Earlier Onboard Service: Enjoy food and drinks sooner as you'll be served before other passengers in the back.

✅ Faster Exit: Getting off the plane is quicker since these seats are closer to the front.

✅ Earn Points: MileagePlus members can earn Premier points for purchasing preferred seats.

Read More: Best Day to Book a Flight on United Airlines in 2024

How to get preferred seating on United?

Getting preferred seats on United is simple and can enhance your flight experience by giving you a seat closer to the front of the plane.

Anyone can purchase United Airlines preferred seats when booking a flight on United or United Express. Prices for preferred seating may vary depending on the route. You can buy these seats directly on united.com or through the seat selection app. If you've already booked your flight, you can still choose a preferred seat by visiting the "My Trips" section of your flight reservation.

Fond Tip: Premier members get preferred seating for free, while other MileagePlus members can earn points by purchasing preferred seats. Changing seats is free if the price is the same or lower.

Does United Airlines seat you together?

Yes, United Airlines seats you together but it depends on the type of ticket and reservation you're booking.

⏩ To get seats together, just follow these steps:

👉 Same Reservation: If you're traveling on the same reservation, you can select seats together during the booking process. You'll be able to choose your seats from the seat map once you're at that step. If you're booking separately, unfortunately, you won't be able to link the reservations, so you'll have to pick seats individually, which may not guarantee that you'll sit together.

👉 Families with Children: For families, up to two children under 12 can sit next to the first adult listed on the reservation for free. You can select these seats after booking through "My Trips" or the "Seat Preferences" section in the United Airlines seat selection app.

👉 Basic Economy: If you're flying Basic Economy, you'll need to pay for seat assignments in advance to guarantee you sit together. Otherwise, Basic Economy tickets don't allow you to choose seats ahead of time.

👉 Seat Changes: In case of schedule changes or aircraft swaps, your seat assignments might get altered, but United will try to keep you together. Always check your seat assignments in the "Manage Reservations" section before your flight to ensure you're seated together.

📞 Need help with United Airlines seat reservation? Contact us at +1 (571) 389 6426!

How to upgrade seats on United for free?

To upgrade your seat on United Airlines for free, you need to be a MileagePlus Premier member or use PlusPoints. Here are some of the ways:

◈Earn Premier Status

➜ If you have Premier status with United Airlines, you are eligible for United Airlines seat selection upgrades at no additional cost, based on availability. The higher your status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, 1K), the better your chances for a complimentary upgrade.

◈ Use PlusPoints

➜ Premier Platinum and 1K members get PlusPoints, which can be used to request upgrades for yourself or your travel companions. You can use these points to upgrade on domestic and international flight bookings.

◈ MileagePlus Upgrade Awards

➜ Premier members can request free upgrades using MileagePlus Upgrade Awards. You can use these upgrades for flights on United Airlines or Star Alliance partners, subject to availability.

◈ Check the United Airlines Upgrade Chart

➜ The United Airlines upgrade chart shows which flights are eligible for upgrades. By reviewing the chart, you can better plan when to request a free upgrade or use points.

◈ Request Upgrades at the Gate

➜ If you didn't secure an upgrade beforehand, ask about last-minute upgrades at the gate. Premier members get priority, and depending on availability, you might be able to upgrade your seat for free.

➱ Is there a free upgrade to Economy Plus for United Club members? United Club members do not receive automatic upgrades to Economy Plus but may receive discounts or special offers.

How do I upgrade from basic economy on United?

If you're traveling on a United Basic Economy ticket, you can upgrade by adding Economy benefits during check-in. This upgrade allows you to:

◎ Select a standard Economy seat

◎ Bring a carry-on bag

◎ Make changes to your flight without additional fees

⏩ Here's how to do it:

1. Upgrade during Check-In: You can add United Economy benefits while checking in on the United website or app.
2. What You Get: The upgrade lets you select a standard Economy seat, bring a carry-on bag, and make changes to your flight.
3. Cost: Expect an additional fee for the upgrade.

Keep in mind, not all Basic Economy tickets allow upgrades, so check your flight details for availability.

How much does it cost to upgrade to Economy Plus on United?

Upgrading to Economy Plus on United costs between $29 and $299 per flight, depending on the route. If you fly often, you can also buy an annual subscription for $599 to $1,299 to access Economy Plus seats on all eligible flights.

Tip: MileagePlus Premier members can get Economy Plus for free if seats are available.

Also Read: Understanding United Airlines Cancellation Rules

How to avoid paying for seat selection?

To avoid paying the United seat selection fee, you can follow these tips:

1. Choose Standard Seats: Many United flights offer free seat selection for standard seats. Just select one during booking or check-in.
2. Wait for Free Assignment: If you're flying Basic Economy, you can't select a seat until check-in, but United will assign one at no extra cost.
3. Earn Premier Status: If you're a MileagePlus Premier member, you get free access to preferred seating, which includes Economy Plus seats.
4. Travel with a Companion: If you're flying with children or a companion, you may be assigned seats together without extra charges.

Key Takeaways

United Airlines offers various options for seat selection, from the basic seats to upgraded Economy Plus and premium options. While Basic Economy limits seat choice, paying for an upgrade or selecting preferred seating during booking or check-in can enhance your experience. By considering your travel preferences and understanding the available options, you can make the most of your flight. For any assistance with United Airlines seat selection or bookings, feel free to reach out to FondTravels at +1 (571) 389 6426.

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