Does United Airlines Charge For Seat Selection?

admin
Chief Editor of - Book USA Airlines

Are you planning your next travel with United Airlines? One of the most important things to consider when booking a flight is selecting your preferred seats. But, does United Airlines charge for seat selection? Let’s dive into this topic to get a better understanding of their seat selection policy.

United Airlines offers various seating options for their passengers, including standard seats, Economy Plus seats, and United First seats. The good news is that standard seats can be selected for free during the check-in process. However, if you want to secure your preferred seat in advance, there may be a fee involved. Let’s explore this topic further.

Does United Airlines Charge for Seat Selection?

Does United Airlines Charge for Seat Selection?

If you’re planning a trip with United Airlines, you may be wondering if you’ll need to pay extra to choose your seat. This is a common concern among travelers, as seat selection fees can quickly add up and impact the overall cost of your trip. In this article, we’ll delve into United Airlines’ seat selection policies to help you determine if you’ll need to pay extra to choose your seat.

United Airlines’ Basic Economy Class

United Airlines offers a Basic Economy fare class that comes with certain restrictions, including limited seat selection options. When you purchase a Basic Economy ticket, you’ll be assigned a seat at check-in, and you won’t be able to choose your seat in advance. However, you can pay to upgrade to a regular Economy ticket, which will give you more flexibility in selecting your seat.

Read More:  Does United Airlines Fly To Cuba?

If you choose to upgrade to a regular Economy ticket, you’ll be able to choose your seat for free during the booking process. However, if you wait until after you’ve purchased your ticket to select your seat, you may need to pay an additional fee.

United Airlines’ Economy Class

If you purchase a regular Economy ticket with United Airlines, you’ll be able to select your seat for free during the booking process. United Airlines offers a variety of seating options, including standard seats, Economy Plus seats, and Preferred seats.

Standard seats are the most basic seating option and offer no additional legroom or amenities. Economy Plus seats are located in the front of the Economy cabin and offer additional legroom and other perks, such as dedicated overhead bin space. Preferred seats are located in the front of the cabin and offer even more legroom and other amenities, such as priority boarding.

United Airlines’ Premium Cabin Classes

If you’re traveling in United Airlines’ premium cabin classes, such as United Polaris business class or United First class, you’ll have access to a wider range of seating options. These classes offer lie-flat seats, additional storage space, and other amenities to make your flight more comfortable.

When you purchase a premium cabin ticket with United Airlines, you’ll be able to select your seat for free during the booking process. You can choose from a variety of seating options, including window seats, aisle seats, and seats with direct aisle access.

Benefits of Selecting Your Seat in Advance

While United Airlines doesn’t charge a fee for seat selection in most cases, there are still benefits to selecting your seat in advance. By choosing your seat early, you can ensure that you get the seat that you want and that you’re seated next to your travel companions. This can help you avoid the stress and inconvenience of trying to switch seats at the last minute.

Additionally, if you have specific seating needs, such as extra legroom or a seat with an unobstructed view, selecting your seat in advance can help you ensure that your needs are met.

Seat Selection vs. Seat Upgrades

It’s important to note that seat selection and seat upgrades are two different things. While seat selection refers to choosing your seat in advance, seat upgrades refer to paying to upgrade your seat to a higher class of service.

Read More:  When Does United Airlines Drop Prices?

If you’re interested in upgrading your seat, United Airlines offers several options, including Economy Plus, United Polaris business class, and United First class. However, these upgrades come with an additional cost, and the price can vary depending on the length of your flight, the time of day, and other factors.

Conclusion

In summary, United Airlines does not charge a fee for seat selection in most cases. If you purchase a regular Economy ticket or a premium cabin ticket, you’ll be able to select your seat for free during the booking process. If you purchase a Basic Economy ticket, you’ll be assigned a seat at check-in, but you can pay to upgrade to a regular Economy ticket to gain more flexibility in selecting your seat.

While selecting your seat in advance is not required, it can offer several benefits, such as ensuring that you get the seat that you want and meeting any specific seating needs that you may have. If you’re interested in upgrading your seat, United Airlines offers several options, but keep in mind that these upgrades come with an additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is United Airlines seat selection policy?

United Airlines allows passengers to choose their seats in advance for a fee. However, if you do not wish to pay for seat selection, United Airlines will assign a seat to you for free at check-in. If you want to guarantee your preferred seat, it is recommended to select it in advance.

The price for seat selection varies depending on the route, destination, and type of seat. United Airlines offers Economy Plus seats with extra legroom for an additional fee as well.

Can I change my seat assignment after selecting it?

Yes, you can change your seat assignment after selecting it on United Airlines. However, changes may result in additional fees depending on the type of ticket and the new seat selection. If you have already checked in for your flight, changes may not be possible.

It is recommended to review United Airlines’ seat selection policy and fees before making any changes to your seat assignment.

Do I have to pay for seat selection if I have a United Airlines MileagePlus membership?

United Airlines MileagePlus members may be eligible for complimentary seat selection depending on their membership status. Premier members, for example, may be able to select Economy Plus seats for free. However, basic MileagePlus members will still need to pay for seat selection.

If you are a MileagePlus member, it is recommended to review your membership benefits and seat selection policy to see if you qualify for any complimentary perks.

Read More:  Making The Most Of Your United Airlines Travel: Proven Strategies And Insider Insights

Is it possible to select seats for free on United Airlines?

Yes, United Airlines will assign a seat to you for free at check-in if you do not wish to pay for seat selection. However, keep in mind that your seat selection may be limited and may not be your preferred choice. It is recommended to select your seat in advance if you want to guarantee your preferred seat.

United Airlines also offers complimentary seat selection for certain passengers, such as those with disabilities or those traveling with infants, as well as premier members of the MileagePlus program.

What is Economy Plus seating on United Airlines?

Economy Plus seating on United Airlines is a type of seat that offers more legroom than standard economy seats. It is available for an additional fee and can be selected during the seat selection process. Economy Plus seats are located in the front of the economy cabin and provide a more comfortable flying experience.

If you are interested in upgrading to Economy Plus seating, it is recommended to review the fees and availability during the seat selection process.

5 Tips For Flying United Airlines (DO NOT MISS THIS)


In conclusion, United Airlines does charge for seat selection, but there are ways to avoid these fees. If you’re willing to take the risk, you can wait until check-in to select your seat for free. Alternatively, if you have elite status or a United co-branded credit card, you may be able to select seats for free.

Overall, it’s important to weigh the cost of seat selection against the benefits. If having a specific seat is crucial to your travel experience, it may be worth the extra cost. However, if you’re willing to be flexible and take a chance on a seat assignment at check-in, you can save some money.

Ultimately, it’s up to each individual traveler to decide whether or not seat selection fees are worth it. By understanding United’s policies and exploring your options, you can make an informed decision that works best for you and your travel needs.

About The Author

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top