United Airlines Seat Selection: Upgrades, Availability, and Options Decoded
United Airlines Seat selection is an option provided to every traveler to select seats according to their preferences. They can choose seats while booking the ticket, after booking the ticket, and at the airport. United Airlines also gives options to upgrade seats. There are multiple options for seat selection that are available depending on the cabin of the aircraft.
Not all cabins offer seat selection. If someone from the basic economy wants to select their seat, then they will have to pay charges. There are special seats available near the exit row and bulkhead, but there are some restrictions on choosing these seats, regulated by the FAA.
Types of United Airlines Seat Selection Options Available
United Airlines offers various options to choose seats across different cabins of the Aircraft, including Basic Economy, United Economy, Economy Plus, United Premium Plus, United First, and United Polaris. Each cabin offers different levels of comfort, space, and facilities.
- Basic Economy: The lowest fare cabin of United Airlines, where seats are often assigned during the time of check-in, and baggage restrictions are sometimes applied.
- United Economy: The standard Economy class offers a variety of seats to travelers.
- Economy Plus: It’s an upgrade with the Economy class that extends extra legroom in seats.
- United Premium Plus: A premium Economy cabin which provides more space and recline than the economy and is upgraded with meals and drinks on flights.
- United First: This is mostly offered on domestic routes and some international routes that provide enhanced comfort and services as compared to economy cabins.
- United Polaris: United Airlines’ premium international business class cabin that features lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, and luxurious dining and personalized services on long routes.
NOTE: United First and United Polaris are both premium cabins of United Airlines, but on different routes. United First provides comforting services for short distances, while United Polaris mostly offers services that can make international flights comfortable.
Special Seating Areas that Fliers shouldn’t miss while using United Airlines Seat Selection
There are some special seating areas in the exit row and the bulkhead that are available for purchase.
- Exit Row
Travelers can choose exit row seats, but there are some restrictions imposed by the FAA to ensure safety. A passenger sitting in the exit row must be:
- 15 years old or above in age.
- Willing to help with expulsion.
- Physically fit to help with emergencies.
- Bulkhead
Bulkhead seats are airplane seats located directly behind a wall or partition separating different sections of the cabin, such as between classes or between cabins. Bulkhead seats are provided as Economy Plus seats, and if bulkhead seats are in the exit row, then the exit row rules will apply.
Difference in United Airlines Seat Selection
There is a United Airlines Seat Selection Map that helps in understanding the difference between the seats of different cabins and selecting which one is best for them.
| Basis | Good Seats on United Airlines | Better Seats on United Airlines | Best Seats on United Airlines |
| Seating Cabin Options | Basic Economy and Economy | Economy Plus and Premium Economy | United First and United Polaris |
| Legroom | Usual Legroom and Space | Extra Legroom and Space | More Legroom than other cabins and fully reclined seats in United Polaris |
| Location on the Aircraft | Back of the plane | In front of the Economy Cabin | In the front of the plane |
| Seat Map Color | White, White with a black triangle | Blue or Purple | Dark Blue |
| Premier Qualifying Points Earned | Preferred seating only | Yes | Yes |
| In-seat Charging stations | Not available most of the time | Always present | Always present |
| Complimentary Alcoholic Drinks | Not available | Only in the International flights of United Premium | Provided all the time |
There are additional services that are only presented if passengers use United Airlines Seat Selection and book Premium cabin seats, i.e., United First and United Polaris. These services include complimentary snacks or full meal service, Premier access for priority check-in, security lanes, and early boarding. And United Polaris seats convert to a full-size 6-foot, 6-inch bed for utmost comfort.
Preferred Seating in United Airlines
A Preferred seat is a normal United Economy seat, which is close to the exit of the plane. This offers seats a little closer to Economy Plus Cabins. There are certain benefits of preferred seats:
- Preferred seating passengers get earlier onboard services as drinks and food, sooner than usual economy members.
- Preferred seating passengers often get off the plane quickly as they are quite near the exit.
- Fliers who are also MileagePlus members can earn Premier points by purchasing preferred seats.
Buying Preferred Seats
Fliers who are traveling through United or United Express flights can book a preferred seat. However, the prices are different for every route.
People can buy this through United Airlines’ official website or app.
They can use the United Airlines seat selection map and choose this seat while booking the ticket. If the ticket is already booked, passengers can upgrade it by visiting the “My Trips” section of United Airlines.
United Airlines Seat Upgrade Options
Travelers can easily upgrade their seat selection on United Airlines flights. Seats can be upgraded to Economy Plus, United Premium Plus, and cabins can be upgraded to business or first class for a better onboard experience.
How to Upgrade United Airlines Seat Selection
This can be done while booking, after booking, and at the check-in counter. Even reward points can be used to request upgrades.
- United Airlines Seat Selection during Booking: Visitors can select Economy Plus or Premium Economy while booking tickets through the United Airlines app or website, united.com
- United Airlines seat selection after booking tickets: Passengers can upgrade their seats even after booking their flights. They have to manage their seat preference in the “My Trips” section, click on “current reservations,” and look for a potential upgrade.
- United Airlines seat selection at Check-in: They can look for available upgrades, if any, at the time of check-in, whether online or at the airport.
- MileagePlus Members: Passengers can utilize miles, Plus points, or Star Alliance upgrade awards to request upgrades.
- At the Airport: Travelers can ask for assistance from the staff present at the airport in upgrading their seats at United Airlines Flights.
Along with upgrading seats, passengers can also make changes to their names on the ticket according to United Airlines Name Change Policy.
United Airlines Seat Selection Fee
United Airlines Seat selection may incur a fee depending on the cabin. While some offer complimentary seat selection, charges are imposed for upgrading seats.
- Basic Economy
Seat selection is not included in basic economy tickets. People can pick a seat starting at $15 per person, per flight, though prices are dynamic and vary by route and demand. If passengers do not select any seat on their own, they will be assigned seats by the airline.
- Standard Economy
Complimentary seat selection at booking for standard seats.
However, upgrades like Preferred or Economy Plus carry extra fees.
- Preferred Seating
Standard economy passengers can enhance their United Airlines seat selection with preferred seats. It cost them $24+ per person, per flight.
Basic Economy fliers will have to pay more for this, $36+ per person.
- Economy Plus
It offers extra legroom and special seats. Pricing starts around $29+ per person, per flight, and can be much higher depending on the route.
Frequent Flyers can buy an annual Economy Plus subscription at $599, covering themselves and up to eight companions.
- Premium Plus / Business / First Class
Seat selection is included in the ticket—no extra fee. They have access to select their seat according to their wish.
Things to keep in Mind while using United Airlines Seat Selection Option
United Airlines’ Seat selection is a simple process through which one can get seats according to their preference. This can be more streamlined if people keep some important things in mind while booking United Flights.
- Avoid Basic Economy: If possible, try to avoid basic economy class as it restricts the seat selection until check-in, while other cabins allow pre-selection.
- Comparing Seats: Research thoroughly and compare the seats before booking to dodge extra charges.
- Frequent Flyer Status: High-status members can get access to United Airlines’ Seat selection and complimentary Economy Plus seating sometimes.
- United Airlines Seat Map: Passengers should utilize the seat map to make better choices. Look for seat colors indicating different classes (e.g., blue or purple for good seats, white for standard).
- Start to book early: Seat fees tend to rise as the plane starts to fill. That is the reason; it is advised to book early to get a perfect seat.
Final Analysis
Selecting seats in United Airlines flights is a straightforward process that comes with a lot of options and benefits. Fliers get to choose their seats as per their choice. Premium and Elite members get complimentary seat selection and upgrades. However, basic economy travelers will have to pay more, whether they want to book a seat or upgrade it. MileagePlus members can use their rewards to reform their United Airlines Seat Selection.
FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, United Airlines does offer seat selection on its flights. However, it may not be complimentary depending on the cabin.
It’s not compulsory to select seats on United Airlines. It is an option to provide seats according to your preference. If you don’t select your seat, the airline will assign it to you.
You can select seats on United Airlines through its official app or website. During booking, after booking, and even at the time of check-in, in both online and offline modes.
Basic Economy Fliers will have to pay $15 to select their seats on United Airlines flights.
Yes, you will have to pay a little extra to choose a preferred seat at United Airlines.
People traveling in standard economy can pick a preferred seat for $24+, this price can increase or decrease depending on the distance of the flight.
You can upgrade your seat selection by accessing the “current reservations” in the “My Trips” section of the United Airlines official website or app.
Yes, you can use miles, Plus points, or Star Alliance upgrade awards to request a seat upgrade at United Airlines.
Yes, traveling with United First cabin, you will be provided with a complimentary seat selection option.
The basic economy cabin is located at the back of United Airlines flights.
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