United Airlines Seat Selection Guide 2025

United Airlines offers a spectrum of seating options, ranging from the spaciousness of Economy to the elegance of premium cabins, each tailored to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re on a short or long-haul flight, the perfect seat can make all the difference.

Here is a comprehensive guide to United Airlines’ cabin layout, seating configurations, costs, and in-flight amenities.

United Airlines Seating Options

United Airlines has six seating classes: Basic Economy, Economy, Economy Plus, United Premium Plus, United First/Business, and United Polaris. Below is a summary of the seating options available on United Airlines:

1. Basic Economy: Basic Economy is the least expensive and least perks-rich seat option on United Airlines.

• Only personal belongings are permitted; carry-on may incur a cost.
• A seat is assigned automatically; there is no seat selection option available.
• Free refreshments, soft drinks, and entertainment are provided.

2. Economy: United Economy offers basic amenities along with standard seating.

• Offered additional flexibility than Basic Economy and standard legroom and recline.
• Includes one free personal item and one carry-on bag.
• In addition, enhancements such as Economy Plus and Preferred seats are available for purchase.

3. Economy Plus: Economy Plus is a great option if you need extra space to relax or catch up on work, or desire to sit closer to the cabin.

• It provides additional comfort with increased legroom for an additional fee.
• You can upgrade to Economy Plus at any time, from booking to checking in.
• MileagePlus Premier members can upgrade or get it for free.

4. United Premium Plus: United’s premium economy class is available on select long-haul international and premium transcontinental flights.

• Provide larger seats with extra space, movable footrests and legs, and greater recline.
• Delicious meals, free alcoholic beverages, luxurious beds, and amenity packs are provided.
• Priority baggage handling and boarding.

5. Preferred Seating: It is the greatest option for those seeking a more convenient seat location in the front rows behind Economy Plus. These seats give an excellent location on the aircraft, enabling you to board earlier and disembark sooner after landing, although they don’t provide additional legroom.

• Regular service with the ability to choose your seat when making a reservation.
• Deplaning earlier and being close to the front allows for speedier departures.
• MileagePlus members can earn Premier points when they purchase premium seats.

6. United First/Business Class: Business class seats on First and United Airlines offer first-rate luxury and service on both domestic and international flights.

• Spacious leather chairs, extra reclining, and priority service.
• Priority boarding, better food service, and, if possible, access to the airport lounge.

7. United Polaris Business Class: It is United’s premium international business class offering that provides the highest luxury.

• Completely flatbeds with direct access to the aisle.
• Fine dining and high-end beverages.
• Access to the exclusive lounge as well as priority services.

8. United Airlines Exit Row Seats: According to FAA regulations, you must fulfill the following conditions to sit in an exit row on United Airlines:

• You must be at least 15 years old.
• Be prepared to help with an evacuation in an emergency.
• In an emergency, be able to assist both intellectually and physically.

United Airlines Seat Class Comparison 

Here is a comparison table of United Airlines’ seat service available. 

United Airlines Seat Map & Chart

The United Airlines seat map is a useful tool that allows you to see the seating plan of your trip before you board. The seating chart, which includes available, reserved, and premium seating, displays the seat configuration at the time of booking. Clicking “Seats” on the flight search results page will give you access to it.

The seat map remains available in the “Manage Trips” section after your ticket is booked. This ensures that you are comfortable with your pick and allows you to adjust your United Airlines seat assignment if necessary. The seat chart gives you clear information to help you choose the ideal seat for your trip, whether you want more legroom or to sit closer to the front.

What is the Cost of United Airlines’ Seat Selection?

Depending on your fare class, United charges a seat selection fee. United Airlines does not provide seat assignments for Basic Economy, but you can choose one for a cost, usually $15 per passenger per flight. Depending on your flight and seat location, the cost can change.

• Economy Plus: The range of seat selection costs for passengers traveling in Economy or Economy Plus is $29 to $299 per flight. Economy Plus offers more legroom but at a greater price.
• Preferred Seating: Tickets for standard economy start at $24, while those for economy start at $36.
• Upgrades: Upgrades to United First, United Polaris, or Economy Plus start at $29, while premium seats can cost up to $9,999.

Here is a table summarizing the fee structure of seat selection at United Airlines flights.

How to Upgrade Seats on United for Free?

You must use PlusPoints or be a MileagePlus Premier member to qualify for a complimentary United Airlines seat upgrade. Here’s how to do it:

• Use PlusPoints: Members who are Premier Platinum or 1K can spend PlusPoints to upgrade both local and international flights for themselves or their travel companions.
• Earn Premier Status: You have a better possibility of receiving free upgrades if you have a higher Premier status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K), depending on seat availability.
• Check the Upgrade Chart: To find out which flights are eligible for complimentary upgrades, review the United Airlines upgrade chart.
• MileagePlus Upgrade Awards: MileagePlus Upgrade Awards allow Premier members to seek complimentary upgrades on both Star Alliance and United Airlines flights.
• Gate Upgrades: A last-minute upgrade can be requested at the gate if none was booked before the journey. Priority is given to premier members based on availability.

Visit the United Airlines Offices to know more about specific services provided by the airline.

Final Words

United Airlines seat selection offers a range of different options based on ticket class, seating preferences, and travel demands. You can usually select your seat whether you’re flying in Basic Economy Plus or one of the premium cabins, such as United First or Polaris Business Class; however, the procedure and related expenses may differ. Perfect for planning your next trip with United Airlines.

Whether you require more legroom, a quieter environment, or a seat near the front of the plane, choosing the right seat ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.

FAQs