Selecting a seat when booking a flight is one of the most important steps to take, as it can significantly impact your flying experience. Comfortable seats, extra legroom, and aisle access are key aspects of United Airlines seat selection to create the right atmosphere for your sky travel, making this experience enjoyable. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re on a domestic or an international route, from choosing the seat at the time of booking to upgrading for more comfort, there’s a strategy for every traveler.
United has a range of seating options, but the process can differ depending on your fare type, loyalty status, and time of booking. This write-up is here to make your seat selection process easier, listing policies, pricing, maps, tips, and more to make your flying as smooth as ever.
What is United Airlines Seat Selection Policy?
With United Airlines, you, as a passenger, have the ability to pick your seats on most flights, either at the time of flight booking or any time up until you check in. That said, the airline’s policy varies depending on the type of ticket purchased and frequent flyer status.
- Standard Economy and Premium Cabins: Seat selection is allowed during booking at no extra fee, excluding preferred seating and Economy Plus.
- Basic Economy: You cannot select a seat in this class. You’ll be automatically assigned a seat during check-in unless you pay to choose one earlier.
- MileagePlus Elite Members: Complimentary access to preferred seating and Economy Plus is given, depending on status.
Booked through a third party? There’s an option to still select your seat by retrieving your booking on the United Airlines’ official site or mobile app using your confirmation number.
Overall, the United seat selection policy gives importance to flexibility for higher fare classes while offering basic options for budget travelers.
How to Select a Seat on United Airlines?
You’ve got several easy ways to go about your United Airlines flight seat selection, either during booking or afterward. Here are the steps to do it:
Method 1: During Booking on the United Website
Once you enter passenger and payment information, you’ll see the United Airlines seat map. Choose the seats based on your fare and preference.
Method 2: Using the United App
The United seat selection app makes this option super easy. After you log in:
Tap on the upcoming trip
Select the “View Seat Map” option
Click on the available seat as per your choice and confirm.
Method 3: After Booking Your Flight
If you forgot to pick a seat during checkout, there’s nothing to worry about. Simply go to “My Trips” on United.com or the app. With United Airlines seat selection after booking, enter your confirmation code and last name to get your reservation. From there, choose or change your seat.
Method 4: Calling United Airlines Reservations
If nothing works for you and you want to go the traditional way, then call United Airlines reservations seat selection support and request their help with seat changes. This will prove to be helpful if you’re flying with kids or have specific needs.
Method 5: At Check-in
Haven’t picked out a sea before? You’ll be assigned a seat when check-in opens 24 hours before departure. You can still switch your seat(s) at this stage only if they’re available.
How Much Are United Seat Selection Fees?
The United Airlines seat selection fee depends on the following factors:
- Fare type: Basic Economy, Economy, etc.
- Route: Domestic or international
- Seat type: Standard, Preferred, or Economy Plus
- Timing: Booking, check-in, or last-minute
Here’s a breakdown of costs involved:
- Standard seats: Selecting a seat is free, mostly, but depending on the route and fare type, you might have to pay.
- Preferred seats: These are closer to the front and cost more.
- Economy Plus: The average cost of booking Economy Plus international flights or domestic ones is between $20–$200, depending on flight length and route.
- Basic Economy: For selecting seats, you may be charged $9–$49 per person, per segment.
| Fare Type | Seat Selection Included | Upgrade Options | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | No (unless paid) | Preferred, Plus | $9–$49 |
| Standard Economy | Yes | Preferred, Plus | Free–$59 |
| Preferred Seating | Yes (if selected) | N/A | $9–$59 |
| Economy Plus | Yes | N/A | $20–$200 |
| Premium Cabins | Yes | Lie-flat, extra legroom | Included |
Note: Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations. So, it’ll be a smart move to check during different stages of your cheap flight booking. There may be times when you skip a seat when booking becomes cheaper when you’re checking in. Certain credit cards or travel perks can cover this seat fee, making your upgrade essentially free. So, make sure to factor in the total cost of seat upgrades when comparing different types of fares.
What Are the Different Seating Classes on United?
To make your seat selection process easier and simpler, knowing about the types of seating options is crucial. This way, you can make the best choice for your comfort and budget.
1. Basic Economy
- Lowest fare with the most restrictions.
- No seat selection unless purchased separately.
- No group or family seating guarantee.
2. Standard Economy
- Includes seat selection at booking.
- Options to upgrade to preferred or Economy Plus.
3. Preferred Seating
- Located at the front of the cabin.
- Quicker exit and sometimes early boarding.
4. Economy Plus
- Extra legroom (up to 6 inches).
- Often located near the front of the Economy cabin.
- Complimentary for select MileagePlus members.
5. Premium Plus, Business, and First Class
- Comes with seat selection and enhanced comfort.
- Lie-flat seats on long-haul international routes.
- If you choose United Airlines seat selection international, splurging will be worth it on Economy Plus or Premium Plus for added comfort.
Comparing different seating classes as per legroom space, seat type, seat selection option, and types of travelers it’s ideal for.
| Seating Class | Legroom (Pitch) | Seat Type | Free Seat Selection | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | 30–31" | Standard (auto-assigned) | No | Budget solo travelers |
| Standard Economy | 30–31" | Standard | Yes | Everyday flyers |
| Economy Plus | 34–37" | Extra legroom | Yes (or paid) | Tall travelers, longer flights |
| Premium Plus | 38" | Recliner w/ footrest | Yes | Business or long-haul flyers |
| Business/First | 75"+ (lie-flat) | Premium lie-flat | Yes | Luxury, work, or sleep onboard |
Each class caters to different needs, from budget flyers to business travelers. If you’re on short flights, Economy might be enough. But for overnight or cross-country flights, upgrading your seat is the best option for more sleep, productivity, and your overall travel experience.
United Airlines Seats for Elite Members
MileagePlus Premier member? You’ve got some great benefits when it comes to seats. Elite members are the first ones (often) to get the best seats on the plane, which limits the availability for Economy Plus travelers. Plus, if you’re traveling with companions, your benefits extend to them, which can prove to be beneficial for families or business travel.
- Premier Silver: Access to preferred seats at booking; Economy Plus at check-in.
- Premier Gold and above: Complimentary Economy Plus at booking for you and a companion.
- Premier 1K: Priority for complimentary upgrades to First or Business Class on select routes.
Signing up for MileagePlus is free and offers growing perks as your travel increases, so even infrequent travelers should consider enrolling.
Sign up for MileagePlus – free of cost, and get perks as your travel increases, so even occasional travelers can also consider this.
United Airlines Seat Map
During flight booking, we often imagine where we’ll be sitting, we’ve all been there. So, getting to know the seat map can help you make smart decisions, like picking a seat near the front for faster exit or far from the restroom for a quieter setting. United Airlines often updates its aircraft types at the very last minute, so you must recheck the United Airlines seat selection map before check-in for unwanted surprises.
Use the United Airlines seating chart by flight number by:
- Going to United.com
- Clicking on “My Trips” or during the booking process
- Enter your flight number or route details
- View the seat layout, including bathrooms, exit rows, and more
Do this and avoid the middle seats or pick rows with extra space. Sites like SeatGuru offer detailed seat maps and reviews of the same.
Can You Choose Your United Seats in Basic Economy?
United Airlines seat selection Basic Economy isn’t allowed unless you pay for it.
- You can pay for a seat during or post booking (starts around $9)
- Use the mobile app or official website to purchase preferred eating or Economy Plus
- You must wait until you check in for an automatic seat assignment.
If you’re flying solo and don’t really care about seat location, picking Basic Economy is fine. But with a group or family, consider upgrading or adding a seat. This will get rid of the last-minute hassle.
What Happens If I Don’t Select a Seat on United?
If you skip selecting a seat, the airline will assign you one automatically when you check in. What it means is listed below:
- In Basic Economy, you’ll likely get a random middle seat.
- In Standard Economy and above, you might get a decent seat, but there’s no guarantee.
Leaving the seat to your fate if you wish to sit with friends, business partners, or others, is not the best way to go about it. So, the earlier you book or check in, the better your chances will be of getting a good spot.
Final Thoughts on Selecting United Airlines Seats
Picking a good seat during United seat selection can change the course of your flying experience. From early boarding and faster exits to extra legroom and peace of mind, investing in a seat is most of the time worth it. United Airlines seat selection online process makes it easier for travelers to get their preferred choice, but if you are not willing to spend, then be ready for cramped spaces and unpredictable seat assignments. The online tools, like checking the map, upgrading for more leg space, and a bit of planning, can make your journey a lot smoother. If you need any kind of assistance related to booking or last-minute flight deals, connect with our travel specialists at (888) 655-2474 today!