United Airlines Seat Selection Policy

Whether you are concerned about extra legroom, window views, or seats with family members, this page will provide the updated information you need about United flight seat selection and flexible options. A comprehensive guide to Basic Economy limitations and Premium Plus advantages will help you plan a more comfortable trip.

Things You Should Know About United Seat Selection Before Flying

Here are the key considerations you should know about United Airlines seat selection before flying:

• If you are a Basic economy ticket holder, you can buy a seat assignment during the booking process and until check-in. (for instance, pay 15$-20$ during booking and choose seat instead of being auto-assigned at the gate.)
• Some seat choices come with a particular United Airlines seat selection fee, especially for upgrades or exceptional seating zones.  
• If you are trying but unable to choose a seat, it may be because the airline is holding the seats for operational purposes. In that case, the airline authority will assign you a seat at check-in or the departure gate. 
• Please note that your seat assignment is not guaranteed. Therefore, validate that you check in on time. If you don’t, your reserved seat might be cancelled by united. 
• If you belong to United Airlines seat selection basic economy or any other fare class and your seat is changed without notice because of unforeseen circumstances, you can speak to the airline representative, and the experts will do their best to make sure you are seated. 
• Passengers in the Basic Economy fare class are not permitted to advance in seat selection. Seats are usually assigned to them at check-in. However, travelers may be asked to pay the United Airlines basic economy seat selection fee.
• Book early for better seating possibilities with an exceptional United seat selection price.

How United Airlines Seat Selection Works? 

Understanding how United seat selection works is straightforward. However, it entirely depends on your fare type. Each fare class has diverse seating choices and amenities. Here is what passengers can expect from different fare options. 

• Basic Economy - Basic Economy is one of the most affordable options. However, it also comes with certain restrictions. According to the Basic Economy United Seat Selection guidelines, seats are automatically assigned to passengers. Regarding baggage, only a personal item is included; carry-ons may incur extra charges. 
• Economy - The Economy fare class combines comfort and affordability with various features. In this class, passengers can choose their seats themselves during the booking or check-in process, often at no extra United Airlines seat selection fee. Additionally, travelers can enjoy 30 to 31 inches of legroom for a comfortable journey. United Economy seat selection in flight perks includes free snacks, Wi-Fi, etc.
• Economy Plus - Economy Plus fare class delivers extra legroom and seating flexibility nearer to the front of the Economy Cabin to guarantee a joyful experience. Passengers are permitted to upgrade to Economy Plus anytime from booking to check-in. It is essential to know that MileagePlus Premium members can get free economy plus seats. If you are not a member, join and earn complimentary flight advantages. 
• Premium Economy - United Airlines Premium Economy, also known as Premium Plus, offers passengers wider, more padded seats with increased legroom, approximately up to 38 inches of pitch. This fare class also provides a deeper recline, a firm pillow, a blanket, and a complete amenity kit that includes essentials like hand cream, lip balm, etc. 
• United Polaris - This is a top-tier business-class product for long-haul international flights. This fare class (Polaris) features 1-2-1 or 1-1-1 seating arrangements. Additionally, passengers can enjoy a lie-flat bed, direct aisle access from every seat, privacy features, etc. 
• United First - United First seating arrangements on most aircraft feature a 2-2 configuration, which means two seats on either side of the aisle. As the name suggests, the seat pitch is the length (distance) between the point on one seat and the point on the seat in front of it. Generally, the seat pitch is 37 inches.

How Much Does Seat Selection Cost on United?

The United seat selection fee varies according to the fare you have purchased. We will examine each fare class individually to understand the charges associated with seat selection. 

• United Basic Economy Seat Selection Fee

For basic Economy passengers, seat assignments are not permitted for free. However, passengers must pay a particular United basic economy seat selection fee, which typically starts at $15 per flight per traveler. 

• United Seat Selection Cost For Economy 

For passengers planning to book their flight ticket in the regular economy fare class, there is no United seat selection cost. However, this fare class allows carry-on bags and complimentary seat selection. 

• United Airlines Seat Selection Fee For Economy Plus

Economy Plus seats are within the standard economy cabin, just behind the First Class seats. These seats deliver more legroom than standard economy seats. Economy Plus' United seat selection price starts at $29 per person per flight. If you want extra legroom and travel frequently, you can buy an Economy Plus subscription, starting at $599 plus tax for a year. This subscription will allow a passenger to reserve their Economy Plus seat.

What is Preferred Seating On United Airlines?

A preferred seat is a regular United Economy seat closer to the front of the cabin or close to exits. Please note that extra legroom is not provided in preferred seats. Benefits of buying preferred seats on United flights include earlier onboard service, faster food and drink delivery, and faster exit from the plane. Some feature are as follows: 

• It would give you same seat size as regular economy
• It is closer to front of Economy cabin
• It allows deplane faster and sit in desirable location
• It is even closer to the gate during boarding
• It depends on route and plane also priced between $19 -$49 per flight segment.
• MileagePlus members can get preferred seating at no extra cost.

United Fee For Seat Selection On Preferred Seating 

The United seat selection fee on preferred seating starts at $24 per flight per passenger for standard Economy tickets. Buying preferred seating for Basic Economy ticket holders will cost them around $36. To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of preferred seating, you should speak to the airline representative at 1-800-864-8331. If the official experts are inaccessible due to technical tribulations, contact OTA flight experts at +1-800-506-7805. 

United Seating Option For Different Fares: A Comparison  

From Basic economy United seat selection to First/Polaris fare classes, here's a comparison of United’s seating options across different fare types, helping you understand what you get with each fare:

United Airlines: Basic Economy vs. Economy vs. Economy Plus – Seat Comparison

The seat you choose on United Airlines impacts your comfort. Compare Basic Economy, Economy, and Economy Plus to find out which is right for you.

How Do I Choose My Seat on United Airlines?

No matter if you want to know the process for United Economy seat selection or any other premium fare class, choosing your seat on United flights is simple. Whether booking, managing your trip, or checking in, you have multiple options for every circumstance that suit you.

1 - During The Booking Process

During your United flight reservation, you can choose your seats on the official website as follows - 

• Step 1 - Open the official United Airlines website or the mobile application.
• Step 2 - Enter your attributes to book a flight.
• Step 3 - Press the find flights button to see the available flight options. 
• Step 4 - Proceed as instructed and look for the seat selection option.
• Step 5 - You will see a seat map showing all the available seats on the flight.
• Step 6 - Click on the seat you want to choose.
• Step 7 - Confirm your selection by paying the seat selection fee and completing your booking. 
• Step 8 - You will get a confirmation email on your registered ID. 

2 - After Buying The Ticket 

Once you have bought your flight ticket, you must select your seat. You can do so by obeying the straightforward instructions below - 

• Step 1 - Open the United Airlines official website, log in to your account, or go to the “My Trips” section. 
• Step 2 - Enter your last name and confirmation number to access your booking.
• Step 3 - Once you access your trip, choose “Seat Map” or “Change Seats.”
• Step 4 - You will witness a visual seat map displaying available seats on the flight. 
• Step 5 - Click on your desired seat, where options may include -
  • Standard Economy Seats 
  • Preferred Seats (Nearer to the front of the plane, subject to a fee)
  • Economy Plus (Extra legroom, may be subject to United Economy seat selection fee
• Step 6 - Confirm your booking. 

Tips:- If you have multiple reservations for the same trip, make sure to link your United reservations first to avoid seat assignment issues.

3 - During Check-In Online

Here’s how to choose your seat on United Airlines during online check‑in - 

• Step 1 - Open the official United website.
• Step 2 - Enter your last name and confirmation number.
• Step 3 - Press the Continue button to access your booking.
• Step 4 - When the seat map appears, you can select from any available seats - Standard, Preferred, or Economy Plus.
• Step 5 - Now, confirm and pay the fee (there are different charges for different fares; the United Economy Plus seat selection fee may differ from standard and preferred seats).
• Step 6 - Complete the check-in process and get your boarding pass. 

Note - In addition to online check-in beginning 24 hours before scheduled departure and the official website for choosing seats, passengers can also choose seats through airport kiosks. This will help them avoid unanticipated changes in plans or flight changes. For assistance from an official United spokesperson, call 1-800-864-8331. If the official experts are unavailable due to technical difficulties, contact OTA flight experts at +1-800-506-7805. 

United Airlines Seat Selection on International Flights

When passengers book an international flight on United’s official website or mobile app, they can select a seat immediately after choosing the flight. The seat map will display all available options. Please note that if you have decided to travel with a basic economy fare, seat selection is not included; you will either have to pay United seat selection basic economy fee or wait for one to be randomly assigned to you by the airline. 

United Seat Selection Fee International

There are different charges for seat selection on international flights depending on the fare type and seating choice. Let’s discuss the United seat selection fee international guidelines. 

• For Basic Economy, seat assignments are not included with your booking. You can purchase anytime after booking, typically at $15. Otherwise, the seat will be assigned to you unsystematically. 
• Standard Economy tickets provide a free basic seat selection facility. 
• For Preferred Seats, the fee starts at $24 per flight per passenger for standard Economy tickets. Buying preferred seating for Basic Economy ticket holders will cost them around $36.
• The Economy Plus fare provides passengers with extra legroom and varies significantly in price, from around $29 to $299 per segment. 
• Premium fares such as United First and Polaris include seat selection with no extra charges.  

Is the United Seat Selection Fee Refundable?

In some instances, such as last-minute changes in plans or flight disruptions, you may be transferred to a different seat than the one you initially selected. If this is the case, you should acquire a new boarding pass. 

As a result of moving to a new seat of lower value than the original, you are entitled to a refund under the United seat selection fee refund policy in either of the following two ways: 

• If you are given a new boarding pass, you will automatically be refunded the fee associated with your original seat. 
• You can use the refund request  form if you were not offered a new boarding pass. 

In a preferred seating condition, however, if you cancel United flight, you can receive a refund under the United seat selection fee refund policy. However, if the airline cancels your flight or there is a schedule shift, your preferred seating will be transferred to your new booking for free. 

What Can Be The Reason For The United Seat Assignment Pending? 

This United seat assignment pending condition is due to a straightforward reason. The airline may be holding seats for operational reasons, which could explain the situation. In such a case, the airline experts will assign you a seat at check-in or at the arrival gate.

Is Seat Selection Worth It On United?  

Seat selection on United Airlines flights can be worth it based on travelers' priorities. For example, if you value sitting with family and friends, avoid middle seats, and prefer window seats, paying for your desired seat selection may offer you peace of mind. 

Preferred seats allow faster boarding and deplaning, while Economy Plus seats offer extra legroom and perks, ideal for long-distance flights. However, if you are planning to travel solo or on a short flight, skipping the fee can be an option, especially with Standard Economy, where basic seats are free of cost.

Tips: If you are traveling with pets, especially birds, check our United Airlines Birds in Cabin Policy to understand seat and cabin restrictions.

Tips Before making Your Seat Choice in United

• You must use the United app or seat map to visualize your options and pick the best seat accomodating your needs.
• You should also consider the trade-offs, as windows seat give views and less freedom to move, aisle for convenience, front for peace and rapid exit and exit rows for legrooms but limited recline.
• If seating together matters and you have booked basic Economy then pay the extra fee for this.
• United Airlines employs automated seat assignment system that consider automatically group booking and preferences. But, still early seat selection remain deciding factors for your seating.

Note:- At Flying Rules, our goal is to provide passengers with accurate and up-to-date information about airline policies, this page is on United seat policy . All content presented on this page is based on thorough research and verified through official United Airlines sources to ensure reliability and clarity. and We are not affiliated with United Airlines, we are committed to helping you make informed travel decisions.

Updated: 2025