Know These United Airlines Seat Selection Rules

A perfect spot makes a person great, which also applies to traveling, because seats are far more than just a sitting space. Seats can decide your mood throughout the journey and set the trip’s tone.

For instance, a passenger on the flight is sitting on a seat where he is not able to stretch his legs, can’t easily access in-flight services, or can’t enjoy the breathtaking views from the window, then there is a possibility that a single seat may ruin the excitement of the passenger to reach the destination and enjoy the trip.

Seat selection on a flight holds so much significance in its own right. Therefore, United Airlines seat selection is a much-needed amenity for travelers, whether they are embarking on a long-haul journey or a short itinerary. Choosing the right seat on the flight can make a big difference in your journey, or even completely change the meaning of traveling for you.

Here, we will explain every aspect of United Airlines seat selection so that you won’t be inconvenienced or have your mood spoiled during travel just because of a seat.

Can You Pick Your Seats On United Airlines?

Yes, you can pick your seats on United Airlines. Under the United seat selection policy, passengers can choose seats across cabin classes, including Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class. However, seat selection can be either free or paid on United Airlines, which depends on a passenger’s fare type.

• United Airlines Seat Selection Basic Economy: Only Basic Economy class passengers on United Airlines are now permitted to select their seats during or after booking. However, Basic Economy passengers can purchase their seats through the United Basic Economy seat selection fee.
• United Airlines Seat Selection Other Classes: Passengers traveling in Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class can avail of United flight seat assignment for free.

What Are The Different Seating Classes On United Airlines?

There are a total of six types of classes for United international flights and domestic flights. Passengers can choose their preferred seating class in six different classes available on United Airlines: Basic Economy, Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class.

1. What Is Basic Economy Seating On United?

United Airlines basic economy seats are the most cost-effective option for traveling with United Airlines. The lowest-cost seating on United offers the fewest perks while traveling with standard comfort and complimentary drinks, snacks, and entertainment.

Since United Airlines seat allocation is not available for Basic Economy passengers, the airline assigns seats automatically for them. A passenger with a Basic Economy fare can carry only a personal bag-sized item.

2. What Is Economy Seating On United?

Flying economy on United Airlines may not be a premium experience, but it offers a standard comfortable seating experience along with some valuable services such as free seat selection and standard legroom. Additional perks the airline gives in the Economy class are complimentary snacks, beverages, and non-stop entertainment.

3. What Is Economy Plus Seating On United?

Travelers often show their frenzy over booking United Economy Plus seating since it offers extra comfort with extra legroom at an affordable price. Along with extra legroom and comfortable seats, passengers of Economy Plus also get priority boarding over Economy and Basic Economy passengers because the Economy Plus cabin is located toward the front of the aircraft.

The additional perk in this class is passengers can choose their preferred seats for free during the booking.

4. What Is Premium Plus Seating On United?

United Premium Plus is basically an enhanced version of Economy Plus, where seats are wider with adjustable leg rests, providing an ideal comfortable experience to the travelers.

Other perks passengers enjoy in Premium Plus class are chef-special meals, complimentary drinks, baggage handling, and faster boarding than the aforementioned classes. United Airlines seat choice is also accessible in this class.

5. What Is First Class Seating On United?

The first class seating option on United Airlines is a premium option to travel that offers a luxurious traveling experience with its lie-flat seats, extra legroom, endless entertainment, in-flight meals, quick boarding, priority check-in, and baggage allowance as well.

The ticket holders of United Airlines’ first class can select their seats for free during various phases of the reservation.

6. What Is Polaris Business Class Seating On United?

Polaris Business Class seats are available for international flights. It is a super luxurious seating option on United Airlines, which features a wide range of amenities such as a lounge, in-flight dining, leisure seating, free seat selection, flat-bed seats, premium drinks, priority check-in, and boarding.

What Is A Preferred Seat On United?

United Airlines preferred seats are those that offer priority boarding, quick disembarking from the flight, and premier points to the members of Mileage Plus. The preferred seats are actually a part of the Main Cabin class, but they are located in the first few rows just behind the Economy Plus, allowing passengers to easily access the in-flight services.

Now you must be wondering if a preferred seat on United Airlines is offering so much, then why would we select Economy Plus seats? We have answered this question by comparing United preferred seat vs economy plus seat.

Is Economy Plus Better Than Preferred Seat On United?

Despite the fact that Economy Plus is more expensive than the preferred seat on United Airlines, the Economy Plus seat is considered better than the preferred seat because Economy Plus seats offer extra legroom than the preferred seat. Other amenities like bulkhead, comfortable seats, and priority boarding are offered by both seats.

How Do I Choose My Seat On United Airlines?

Seat selection on United Airlines is quite simple and quick as well. Whether you want to select a seat on the flight before booking or after booking, you need to do it through the airline’s website or mobile app.

• United Airlines Seat Selection During Booking: While booking a flight ticket through the website, you need to click on the “Choose Your Seat” option for the flight you selected during booking. After clicking Choose Your Seat, you will be redirected to the United seat selection page, where you can choose your preferred seat through the seat map. Confirm your seat by paying the additional United seat selection fee, if any.
• United Airlines Seat Selection After Booking: The passengers who have completed their booking but have not yet selected their seats need to visit the official website of the airline and navigate to the My Trips section, where they will find the Manage Trips option after logging into their account through reservation code and last name. Kindly select the flight for which you booked tickets and then open the seat map to choose your seat. You just need to select the seat from the available options and confirm the seat with a successful payment if it applies.

How Much Does United Charge For Seat Selection?

United Airlines does not charge a seat selection fee in higher classes like Premium Plus, Business Class, and First Class where it offers seat selection absolutely free, but for Economy and Economy Plus classes only standard seats are free to choose from while a few other seats can be selected only with a United Airlines seat selection fee.

In Basic Economy class, no seat can be reserved or booked without a United seat selection fee. Therefore, the fee for selecting a seat on United Airlines depends on a passenger’s fare type and seat preference. Generally, the United Basic Economy seat selection fee starts at $15 per seat, while preferred seats in Economy class start at $24 and $36 in Basic Economy.

Can You Change Seats After Checking In United?

The United seat change policy says that seats can be changed on United flights even after check-in. However, the availability of seats is a must for the United change seats after check in.

To change the seat, a passenger can use the airline’s website, mobile app, or visit the airport if there are seats available on the flight. Kindly note that passengers with Basic Economy fare can not change their seats after check in.

Conclusion

United Airlines seat selection might not be compulsory, but it can play a vital role in making your journey memorable, as it allows passengers to sit in their desired seats by choosing from a pool of seats and classes.

Based on a passenger’s budget, United Airlines seats come with various amenities such as extra legroom, bulkheads, complimentary meals, priority in boarding and check-in, easy access to services, and wider sitting space. By knowing the United Airlines seat assignment, you can better plan a trip.

FAQ’s

Does United Airlines have assigned seats?

Except for Basic Economy fare, United Airlines offers assigned seats to passengers of every fare.

Does United seat families together?

Yes, United Airlines strives to seat families together, but it does not guarantee it. However, an adult can sit with two children under the age of 12 if they travel under the same reservation without any charge.

Does United charge for seat selection?

Only Basic Economy passengers are charged for seat selection within their cabin, as United Airlines offers a free seat selection in other classes.

What happens if you don't select a seat on United?

United Airlines holds the right to select a seat to passengers who do not select their seat at the check in or at the departure gate.

How are seats assigned on United Airlines?

For the Basic Economy fare, United Airlines assigns the seat automatically as seat selection is not complimentary with this type of fare. Passengers of other classes and fares can select their seats, but seat selection is always subject to the availability of seats at the time of request made and the time of seat selection as well. The passengers can select their seats during booking, after booking, or at check-in. If they don’t select a seat till the departure gate, the airline assigns seats to them automatically.

How does United seat preference work?

The United seat preference depends on fare type, as the Basic Economy fare of United does not offer any amenities or services. The higher the fare, the more preferences and priorities a passenger will get on United Airlines.

How do I get seats together on United Basic Economy?

However, United Airlines does not guarantee to seat together, but early check-in can result in seats together. For Basic Economy fare, passengers can purchase seat selection in advance to get seats together.

Is it worth upgrading to United Economy Plus?

If you prefer extra legroom and priority boarding, then United Economy Plus is worth it. Otherwise, the quality of the seat and associated amenities are the same as Economy.

Do you get free drinks with United Economy Plus?

The United Economy Plus fare does not offer complimentary alcoholic drinks, but you can get soft drinks, juices, tea, and other non-alcoholic beverages for free.

What is the difference between economy and premium economy on United?

The major difference between Economy and Premium Plus (premium economy) on United Airlines is the extra legroom and deeper recline. Other significant differences between them are a confined seating area, wider seats, complimentary meals, and drinks.

How do I find out how many seats are available on a United flight?

The United seat map is the best way to check out how many seats are available on the flight. Otherwise, you can also contact the airline’s customer support representative for the same.

How do I get a better seat on United without paying?

Passengers with a fare type higher than Basic Economy can select their preferred seat using the seat selection service for free, but Basic Economy passengers can get better seats without paying by checking in early, giving seat preference in the United app, traveling on off-peak days, and traveling with a companion, especially children.

How late can you change seats at United?

You can change seats on a domestic United Airlines flight as late as 30 minutes before the scheduled departure and as late as 60 minutes for an international flight.

Are United seats plus size friendly?

Since the standard size of United seats ranges from 16.1 to 18.5 inches, which is considered a friendly size.

Why does United change my seat?

If an unprecedented situation occurs, the airline might change your seat. Moreover, your seat can also be changed if the flight or schedule changes.

How to change seat preference in United app?

First of all, open the United app, log into your account, search for the flight, go to Change seats, and select another seat from the United seat map and save the preference changes.

How much does seat selection cost in the United Basic Economy?

Seat selection in the Basic Economy class of the United States varies based on the availability of seats, the type of selected seat, the flight type, and the time of the request made for the seat selection. The minimum amount for seat selection is $15 per seat, and it can go higher depending on the situation.