How much is United Airlines’ Seat Selection Fee ?
When booking a flight with United Airlines, one of the most important things travelers want to know is the United Airlines seat selection cost and how much the United Airlines seat selection fee may vary by fare type, route, or class. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including options available for Basic Economy, how to select seats after booking, international vs. domestic pricing, refund eligibility, and even where to apply a promo code for United Airlines seat selection.
United Airlines Seat Selection Policy: What You Should Know
United Airlines offers multiple seating classes and each comes with different seat selection rules. The United Airlines seat selection policy allows you to choose your seat during booking, after booking, or at check-in depending on the fare class.
- Basic Economy: Seat selection is typically not included and may require an additional United Airlines seat selection fee basic economy starting at $15. This fare is the most restrictive. Travelers who do not purchase a seat will be assigned one at check-in.
- Economy (Standard): Offers free seat selection, though Preferred Seats and Economy Plus carry extra charges. Preferred seats are often located toward the front of the aircraft, while Economy Plus provides extra legroom.
- Economy Plus: Offers more legroom, located near the front of the economy cabin. These seats can be purchased individually or accessed for free by elite members.
- Premium Economy / Business / Polaris: Complimentary seat selection is included for all fare classes in these premium cabins.
United Airlines Seat Selection Options by Fare Type
Understanding your seat selection options by fare type can help you plan better and avoid surprise charges. Below is a comprehensive breakdown:
| Fare Class | Seat Selection Availability | Cost Range |
| Basic Economy | Paid seat selection only, optional | $15 – $45+ |
| Standard Economy | Standard seats free; Preferred for a fee | $0 – $60+ |
| Economy Plus | Extra legroom; advance purchase or free w/ elite | $25 – $299 |
| Premium Plus / Polaris | Complimentary seat selection included | $0 |
You can view your United Airlines seat selection options and pricing in real-time by entering your flight number or itinerary on their official website. The prices are dynamic, meaning they can vary depending on demand, time of booking, and destination.
United Airlines Seat Selection: Domestic vs. International
The United Airlines seat selection fee international routes are generally higher than domestic ones. For example:
- A domestic route (e.g., Chicago to Denver) may have Preferred seats priced between $19 and $39.
- An international flight (e.g., New York to London) may show Economy Plus seats ranging from $79 to $299.
If you’re flying abroad, expect to pay more for the same level of seat upgrade you would get at a lower cost domestically. That’s why checking United Airlines seat selection by flight number is essential for accurate pricing.
Also, long-haul flights tend to have more premium seat options like Polaris or Premium Plus, which include perks like enhanced meals, lie-flat beds (in business), and more generous seat pitch and recline.
United Airlines Seat Selection After Booking
If you didn’t select a seat during booking, no worries. United Airlines seat selection after booking is available through several convenient channels:
- My Trips: Log into your United MileagePlus account or input your confirmation number to access seat changes.
- Mobile App: Tap your itinerary, then tap “Edit Seats” to choose or upgrade your seat.
- Airport Kiosk: Seat selection is also available during check-in at the airport, but availability may be limited.
Note: For Basic Economy, you may not be able to select a seat unless you pay an additional fee, and you might be assigned a middle seat.
United Airlines Seat Selection Refund Policy
The United Airlines seat selection refund policy states that seat selection charges are non-refundable unless:
- The airline makes a schedule or equipment change that affects your selected seat.
- You are involuntarily upgraded or moved due to operational requirements.
If a refund is applicable, it will usually be processed automatically, or you can contact United’s customer support for manual processing.
Using Promo Codes for Seat Selection
United occasionally offers discounts and promo code for United Airlines seat selection through:
- United MileagePlus promotions
- Seasonal campaigns like Black Friday or holiday sales
- Co-branded cards like the United Explorer Card seat selection perks, which may offer discounts or reimbursements for seat upgrades
Apply the United Airlines seat selection promo code at the final checkout screen during seat purchase or booking modification.
How to Choose Seats on United Airlines
You can make your United Airlines seat selection online at various points:
- During Booking: After selecting your flight, you’ll be prompted to select your seat from the seat map.
- After Booking: Go to “My Trips” on the website or app to modify or upgrade your seat.
- Mobile App: Navigate to your trip and tap on the seating section.
- Airport Check-in: Use a kiosk or ask an agent, although options may be limited.
Choosing the right seat depends on your priorities extra legroom, proximity to the lavatory, window or aisle preference, or boarding/deplaning speed.
United Airlines Seat Selection Map
The United Airlines seat selection map gives you a bird’s eye view of the aircraft, showing which seats are available and their costs. On this map:
- Blue seats typically represent standard economy.
- Purple or grey seats are often Preferred or Economy Plus.
- Green may represent premium cabin seating.
When you enter your flight number, United will provide the seat map specific to your aircraft. This is especially helpful for travelers looking for window seats or extra-legroom rows.
Tips to Save on United Airlines Seat Selection
- Book Early: The earlier you book, the better the seat availability and sometimes lower the seat selection fee.
- Elite Status: MileagePlus elite members often receive free or discounted Economy Plus and Preferred seat access.
- Use Promo Codes or Offers: Watch out for promotions that may include free seat selection or discounts.
- Consider Travel Credit Cards: The United Explorer Card may offer perks like free checked bags and seat selection benefits.
- Travel Light: Choosing a basic economy fare and not paying for a seat can work if you’re willing to take a middle or random seat assignment.
Key Takeaways
- United charges a seat selection fee depending on fare and seat type.
- Basic Economy has limited or no free options.
- Premium cabins include complimentary seat choices.
- Promo codes and Explorer Card benefits can offer discounts or upgrades.
- Use the seat map and flight number lookup to make the best choice.
With this comprehensive understanding of United Airlines seat selection cost, you’ll be better equipped to find the best seats for your journey whether you’re flying across the country or overseas. Be sure to take advantage of early booking, available promotions, and elite status benefits to maximize your seat comfort without overspending.
Related Travel Questions You Might Be Asking
If you’re planning your trip with United Airlines, you may also be wondering about broader air travel topics that affect your booking and airport experience. Here are some important guides we’ve created to help answer your related questions:
- Can You Fly Without an ID: Understand the rules for identification on domestic and international flights in the U.S. and abroad.
- Find Southwest Airlines $29 Flights Today: Learn how to track and book Southwest’s limited-time low fares and compare them to United’s budget options.
- What’s the Busiest Travel Day of the Year: Know when airports are most crowded so you can choose flights and seat selections more wisely.
- What Age Is a Child Free to Fly in India: Get clarity on infant and child fare rules for domestic Indian routes.
- What Is the Minimum Age to Fly: Check age restrictions for minors traveling alone on various airlines, including United Airlines.
Conclusion
Choosing the right seat can significantly impact your in-flight comfort, whether you’re flying short-haul or long-haul with United Airlines. With various fare classes, seat options, and upgrade opportunities, understanding the United Airlines seat selection cost and policies helps you avoid unnecessary fees and make smarter travel decisions. From Basic Economy restrictions to Economy Plus advantages, and even elite member perks, United offers flexible seating choices for every type of traveler.
As one of the Best Airlines in the Americas, United Airlines continues to enhance the passenger experience through accessible online tools, mobile-friendly seat maps, and loyalty-driven upgrades. For the most accurate guidance, fare comparisons, and expert tips on selecting the best seat, visit AerolineaTelefono, your trusted resource for airline information, savings strategies, and updated policy insights across all major U.S. and Latin American carriers.
Whether you’re planning your next domestic getaway or international journey, AerolineaTelefono helps you fly smarter, not pricier.
FAQ
Can I use United TravelBank credits to pay for seat selection?
Yes, TravelBank credits can usually be applied toward seat selection fees when booking directly through the United website, as long as the credits cover the cost and the selected seats are eligible.
Do I earn MileagePlus miles for paying extra for seat selection?
Seat selection purchases do not earn additional award miles or PQPs. MileagePlus earnings are calculated based on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges only.
How can I find better seats on a nearly full United Airlines flight?
If a flight is full, check the mobile app regularly for newly released seats or ask the gate agent shortly before boarding. Sometimes Preferred or Economy Plus seats are released at the last minute.
Can I switch seats more than once on United Airlines?
Yes, you can modify your seat selection multiple times before check-in, as long as the desired seats are available. If you move to a higher-tier seat, you may need to pay the difference.
Are there non-reclining seats I should avoid on United flights?
Some seats, especially in front of emergency exits or at the very back of the plane, may not recline. Always review the seat map carefully or use tools like aerolineatelefono to verify seating details.
Is it possible to upgrade to Economy Plus for only one leg of my trip?
Yes, United allows you to select Economy Plus for either the outbound or return segment of your round-trip journey. This can help reduce costs if you only need extra legroom for one flight.
Can I get free seat selection when booking with a United flight credit?
United flight credits typically apply to the base fare and do not cover seat selection unless the original fare included those options or you have elite status that offers complimentary upgrades.
Are same-day seat upgrades available at a discount with United?
Yes, United often offers discounted Economy Plus or Preferred seat upgrades on the day of departure. These are available through airport kiosks, the app, or gate agents if there’s availability.
What if I lose my chosen seat due to a United aircraft change?
When aircraft changes occur, United tries to reassign passengers to comparable seats. If the equivalent seat is not available and you paid for seat selection, you may be eligible for a refund.
Can aerolineatelefono help with special seat requests for United Airlines?
Yes, aerolineatelefono can assist you in coordinating special seat requests with United Airlines such as aisle seats for medical reasons, accessible seating, or family seating assistance.
Explore the latest United Airlines seat selection cost, refund policies, and upgrade options for Economy, Premium Plus, and Business Class.