When planning a trip, many travelers place a high value on comfort and convenience, especially during their flight. One of the most critical factors affecting both is seat selection. Selecting the appropriate seat can be the difference between a comfortable and stress-free travel and a confined and unpleasant one. United Airlines, one of the largest and most prominent airlines in the United States, offers various seat selection options that cater to a range of preferences and needs.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide everything you need to know about seat selection on a United Airlines flight, from available seat types and how to choose them, to fees, tips, and frequently asked questions.
United Airlines Seat Selection: An Overview
United Airlines offers several ways to select your seat depending on your ticket type, fare class, frequent flyer status, and the time of booking. The passengers can easily choose seats on a United Airlines flight while booking their flight via the mobile application, website or at the airport.
However, whether you can choose your seat for free or need to pay a fee depends on multiple factors. United Airlines operates a diverse fleet and offers a range of seating options, including Economy, Economy Plus, United First, and United Polaris Business and First Class, each offering varying levels of comfort, legroom, and amenities.
Types of Seats You Can Choose on United Airlines
United Airlines offers different classes and seat types to cater to various budgets and preferences. Understanding the differences between these classes can help you make an informed decision about which seat to choose.
- Basic Economy
In United Airlines the Basic Economy is the most restrictive fare class seat. It offers the lowest fare but comes with significant limitations. The most notable restriction for Basic Economy passengers is that they are not allowed to choose their seats for free. Seats are automatically assigned at check-in, and the airline makes it clear that groups traveling together may not sit together.
However, Basic Economy passengers do have the option to pay for seat selection. Fees vary based on the route, time of booking, and seat location. Paying for seat selection can increase your chances of sitting with your traveling companions or choosing a window or aisle seat for added comfort.
- Economy Class
Regular Economy Class passengers have more flexibility compared to Basic Economy. When you book an Economy Class ticket, you can select your seat at the time of booking or any time before check-in, often for no additional cost. United offers a range of standard economy seats, including window, aisle, and middle seats, with varying seat pitch and width depending on the aircraft.
If you book an Economy Class ticket but don’t select a seat in advance, United Airlines will assign you a seat at check-in for free. However, if you have specific seating preferences, it is recommended to select your seat as early as possible, as seat availability decreases closer to departure.
- Economy Plus
Economy Plus is an upgraded economy option that provides extra legroom for added comfort. United Airlines charges an additional fee for Economy Plus seats, but MileagePlus Premier members (frequent flyers) may be eligible for complimentary access, depending on their status.
Economy Plus seats are located in the front section of the Economy cabin, allowing for a quicker exit upon arrival. Passengers also enjoy several inches of additional legroom, making it a popular choice for taller passengers or those who want a little more space to stretch out on longer flights.
- United First and United Business Class
For travelers seeking a premium experience, United First and United Business Class offer enhanced comfort, service, and amenities. Passengers traveling in these premium cabins can select their seats at the time of booking without additional fees.
The seats are spacious and often lie flat, especially on international routes, offering maximum comfort for long-haul flights. In addition to better seats, passengers enjoy priority boarding, access to airport lounges, and gourmet meals onboard.
- United Polaris Business and First Class
United Polaris is the airline’s premium long-haul international business-class product. The passengers flying in the United Polaris will get a great in-flight experience with direct aisle access, gourmet dining, premium bedding, fully lie-flat seats, and the United Polaris lounges at airports.
Seats in Polaris cabins are assigned at the time of booking, and passengers can choose their preferred seat location, such as a window or aisle seat, without any additional cost.
How Can You Choose Your Seat on a United Airlines Flight?
You can easily select your seat in United Airlines as they provide different methods to choose the seat as per your requirements. Each method is relatively straightforward, allowing passengers to choose the best seat for their needs.
- During the Booking Process
One of the easiest ways to select your seat is at the time of booking your flight. United Airlines’ online booking system allows passengers to view available seats on the seat map and choose their preferred option. If you’re booking through a third-party travel website, United Airlines seat selection is available as part of the process, or you may need to visit the United Airlines website afterward to select your seat.
- After Booking
If you didn’t select a seat during the booking process or wish to change your seat, you can do so later through United’s website or mobile app. Simply log in to your reservation, view the seat map, and select your preferred seat. Keep in mind that the availability of seats may be more limited the closer you get to your departure date.
- At Check-In
During check-in, passengers who haven’t chosen a seat in advance can still do so. You can choose a seat and check in online 24 hours before the scheduled departure of your trip.
However, by this stage, seat availability may be limited, especially if you’re looking for popular seats like those in the exit row or window and aisle seats.
- At the Airport
If you haven’t selected a seat by the time you arrive at the airport, you will be assigned one at the check-in counter or kiosk. Depending on availability, you may still have the option to choose from the remaining seats. However, keep in mind that the later you wait, the fewer seat choices you’ll have.
United Airlines Seat Selection Fees
Whether or not you have to pay for seat selection on United Airlines depends on several factors, including your fare class, seat type, and frequent flyer status.
- Basic Economy Seat Selection Fees
Basic Economy passengers must pay a fee to select their seats in advance. Fees vary depending on the route and the seat location within the cabin. The cost can range from $10 to $30 for standard seats and can be higher for seats with extra legroom or those located in the front of the cabin.
- Economy Class Seat Selection Fees
For Economy Class passengers, seat selection is typically free, but fees may apply if you opt for Economy Plus or other preferred seating options, such as exit row seats. The fees for Economy Plus seats can vary, starting at around $20 per flight segment and increasing based on the route and demand.
- MileagePlus Premier Members
MileagePlus Premier members, especially those with higher status such as Premier Gold, Platinum, or 1K, may receive complimentary access to preferred seating options, including Economy Plus, depending on their status level. These members may also be eligible for complimentary upgrades to premium cabins, further enhancing their seating options.
Read Also: What Terminal Is United Airlines At STL?
Tips for Choosing the Best Seat on a United Airlines Flight
Selecting the ideal seat via the United Airlines seat selection process will enhance your traveling experience. Below mentioned tips will help you to choose your seat wisely:
- Book Early
Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so booking early gives you the best chance of getting the seat you want. This is particularly important for passengers with specific preferences, such as those who prefer window or aisle seats or need extra legroom.
- Consider Extra Legroom
If comfort is a priority, consider upgrading to an Economy Plus seat. These seats provide several inches of extra legroom, which can make a big difference, especially on longer flights. Passengers traveling in exit row seats also enjoy more legroom, though these seats are often in high demand and come with restrictions, such as the need to assist in an emergency.
- Check the Seat Map Regularly
United Airlines’ seat map is constantly updated as passengers book flights and select seats. Checking the seat map regularly can help you snag a better seat if it becomes available. You can easily do this by logging into your reservation on United’s website or mobile app.
- Use Tools to Find the Best Seats
There are several third-party tools and websites that provide detailed seat maps of United Airlines aircraft. These tools offer insights into seat pitch, width, and other factors, helping you make a more informed decision about which seat to choose.
- Choose Seats Wisely for Families or Groups
If you’re traveling with family or a group, it’s essential to select seats together as early as possible, especially if you’re in Basic Economy. Waiting until the last minute could result in your group being separated. Paying for seat selection in advance can help ensure you all sit together.
Bottom Line
United Airlines seat selection offers a range of options depending on your fare class, seating preferences, and travel needs. Whether you’re flying in Basic Economy, regular Economy, Economy Plus, or one of the premium cabins like United First or Polaris Business Class, you generally have the ability to choose your seat, though the process and associated costs may vary. Early seat selection, especially for popular seats, is always recommended to secure your preferred location. Overall, United Airlines offers flexible seat selection choices tailored to various budgets and preferences, ensuring that every passenger can find a seating option that suits their travel style.
FAQs
Yes, of course! you can choose your seats on United Airlines, but the rules and fees associated with seat selection depend on your fare type and seating preferences:
Basic Economy: In Basic Economy, you can choose your seat, but it comes with a fee. If you prefer not to pay, United will assign a seat for you during check-in.
Economy and Premium Cabins: If you book a regular Economy Class ticket, you can choose a standard seat for free. You can also opt for paid upgrades like Economy Plus, which offers more legroom. In premium cabins like United First, United Business, and Polaris, seat selection is free and included in your fare.
MileagePlus Premier Members: Frequent flyers with MileagePlus status can often choose preferred seating or Economy Plus without paying extra, depending on their tier level.
By selecting your seat early, you can increase your chances of securing the seat that best fits your preferences, such as a window or aisle seat, or one with more legroom.
The cost of seat selection varies depending on the fare class, route, and seat type. Basic Economy passengers can expect to pay between $10 and $30 per person for prior seat selection.
Selecting a seat on United Airlines is a straightforward process that can be done at various points before your flight. Here are the main ways to select your seat:
During Booking: The easiest way to choose your seat is when you’re booking your flight. After selecting your flight, you’ll be shown a seat map where you can pick your preferred seat. You can do this either on the United Airlines website or through their mobile app.
After Booking: If you didn’t choose a seat during the booking process, you can log into your reservation on United’s website or mobile app and select a seat later. Go to the “Manage Reservations” section, enter your booking details, and access the seat map to make your selection.
During Check-In: If you haven’t selected a seat before, you can choose a seat during online check-in, which opens 24 hours before departure. Keep in mind that seat availability may be limited at this stage.
At the Airport: If you wait until you arrive at the airport to choose your seat, you can do so at a check-in kiosk or counter. However, seat availability will be limited to what is left.
Seat selection on United Airlines is free in some cases, but it depends on your fare class and seating preference:
Basic Economy: If you’re flying in Basic Economy, you won’t get free seat selection. A seat will be automatically assigned to you at check-in unless you choose to pay for a specific seat.
Economy and Other Fare Classes: For passengers in regular Economy Class and higher fare classes, standard seat selection is typically free. However, if you prefer a seat with extra legroom, such as Economy Plus or a preferred seat in the front of the cabin, there is usually an additional fee.
MileagePlus Premier Members: Frequent flyers with United MileagePlus status may get complimentary access to preferred seating or Economy Plus, depending on their tier level.
If you’re flying for the first time or unsure how to secure your seat, here’s a step-by-step guide:
At the Time of Booking: The easiest way to get your first seat is to select one during the booking process. Once you’ve chosen your flight, the system will show you an interactive seat map. From there, you can click on any available seat to reserve it.
After Booking: If you didn’t choose a seat during the booking, you can still select one by going to United’s “Manage Reservations” page. You can log in with your booking reference and last name, then choose from available seats.
At Check-In: If you prefer not to select a seat during booking or want to avoid additional fees, you can wait until check-in opens 24 hours before the flight. At that time, you can choose from the available seats. However, availability may be limited, especially for more desirable seats like those by the window or aisle.
If You Don’t Select a Seat: If you don’t choose a seat before check-in, United Airlines will assign one to you automatically at check-in or at the airport.
Yes, you can choose your seat on United Airlines if you book a Basic Economy ticket, but it comes with limitations. Basic Economy fares are the most restrictive, and seat selection is not included for free. Here’s what you need to know:
Paying for Seat Selection: While Basic Economy passengers are automatically assigned a seat during check-in, you do have the option to pay for seat selection in advance. This allows you to choose your seat, whether it’s a window, aisle, or even a seat closer to the front of the plane. The fee for seat selection varies depending on the route, the specific seat, and availability, typically ranging from $10 to $30 or more.
Automatic Seat Assignment: If you decide not to pay for seat selection, a seat will be assigned to you automatically at check-in. Keep in mind that passengers traveling together in Basic Economy may not be seated next to each other unless they opt to pay for seat selection in advance.
Limited Options: Seat availability may be limited for Basic Economy passengers, especially as the flight date approaches. Popular seats, such as those by the window or in the exit row, may already be taken, so paying for seat selection early can help secure your preferred seating arrangement.