How Can I Select My Seat on United Airlines

When booking a flight with United Airlines, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing your seat. While some passengers are happy to let the airline assign a seat, others prefer to pick one ahead of time to ensure they have the most comfortable experience possible. In this blog, we’ll cover how seat selection United Airlines, including any fees that may apply, so you can make the best choice for your journey.

Seat Selection Options on United Airlines

United Airlines offers several ways to select a seat, depending on the type of ticket you’ve purchased and your preferences. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Automatic Seat Assignment

   • If you don’t select a seat, United will automatically assign one to you. This often happens during the booking process or at check-in. While this is a convenient option, it may not give you the exact seat you want, especially if you're traveling on a more crowded flight. Main Customer Service: Dial +1 855–838-5939 available 24/7.

1. Choosing a Seat at Booking or Check-In

   • When you book your flight, United gives you the option to choose a seat from those available. If you book directly through their website or app, you’ll be able to view a seat map and select your preferred seat for free (depending on your ticket type). If you prefer aisle seats, window seats, or seats with extra legroom, you can pick one at this stage.
   • If you forget to choose a seat when booking, you can do so during check-in, which opens 24 hours before departure. Keep in mind that popular seats may be taken by the time you check in.

2. Basic Economy Seats

   • If you’ve purchased a Basic Economy ticket, the situation is different. United assigns you a seat at random during the check-in process, and you cannot select one in advance. Basic Economy tickets are the airline's most restrictive fare option, offering the least flexibility. If you prefer to choose your seat, you may want to consider upgrading to Standard Economy or a higher-class ticket.

3. Premium Seats and Upgrades

   • United also offers premium seating options, such as Economy Plus, which provides extra legroom and better seat selection. If you’re willing to pay extra for a more comfortable flight, you can select an Economy Plus seat at the time of booking or during check-in. Additionally, United offers upgrades to Business or First Class, which come with premium seating as part of the package.

Seat Selection Fees on United Airlines

While many standard economy passengers can choose their seat for free, there are certain situations where seat selection on United Airlines will come with an additional charge. These charges vary depending on factors like seat type, class of service, and flight duration.

1. Economy Plus:

   • If you want extra legroom and a seat near the front of the cabin, you can purchase Economy Plus seating. The cost for Economy Plus seats typically ranges from $20 to $200, depending on the flight length and how far in advance you book. On long-haul international flights, Economy Plus may be priced higher.

2. Upgrading to Premium Seats:

   • If you’re looking for even more comfort and want to sit in Business or First Class, United offers paid upgrades to these cabins. The fees for these upgrades can be significant, but they often provide a much more luxurious flight experience with additional perks like priority boarding, more spacious seating, and premium services.

3. Additional Charges for Seat Selection:

   • For some routes, particularly on heavily-booked flights or for passengers flying on Basic Economy tickets, seat selection fees can apply. Standard Economy passengers may be able to select certain seats for free, but seats with extra legroom, such as those in the exit rows, may come with an additional fee. These fees usually range from $10 to $50, depending on the seat and route.

How to Avoid Seat Selection Fees

united airlines seat selection fee If you want to avoid paying for a seat selection, you can choose a regular economy seat when booking your ticket, as many of these are included in the price of the ticket. You may also consider waiting until check-in to see if there are any available seats that meet your preferences without the extra cost.

Additionally, if you have elite status with United’s MileagePlus program or you are a premium cardholder, you may receive complimentary upgrades to better seats or complimentary access to Economy Plus.

Conclusion

Seat selection on United Airlines offers flexibility, but it’s important to understand your options and potential fees. If you value having a choice of where you sit, you can easily select a seat when booking or checking in, though fees may apply for preferred options. Whether you're flying Basic Economy or splurging on Economy Plus or Business Class, United gives passengers a variety of ways to ensure a comfortable flight. Just be sure to plan ahead and understand your fare type to avoid unexpected charges.

By knowing how seat selection works on United Airlines, you can make the best decision for your flight experience and travel with confidence.