United Airlines Seat Selection

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28 May 2025

United Airlines Seat Selection: Everything You Need to Know

Picking the right seat can change your flight experience. United Airlines offers various seat options, each with perks and price tags. Knowing how to choose early can save money and stress. From standard seats to extra-legroom upgrades, you get to decide what matters most—comfort, cost, or convenience. This guide by WinkTravelDeals breaks down everything about United Airlines seat selection, including fees, when to book, and how to snag the best spot. Read on to make your next United flight a better ride.
 

Why Does United Airlines Seat Selection Matter?

Seat selection on United flights matters because it shapes your entire flight. Get a good seat, your trip feels smoother. Get stuck in a bad one, and you’re counting every minute.
 
United gives options—standard, preferred, and Economy Plus. But you have to act early. The best ones go fast.
 
If you skip selection, United assigns your seat. Could be a middle seat. Could be by the lavatory. No one wants that. Flying with someone? Then it’s even more important. Pick your seats, or risk getting separated. Also, your seat can affect boarding. Some seats come with earlier groups. That means more overhead bin space and less chaos.
 
Basic Economy tickets don’t include free seat selection. You’ll need to pay or take what’s left. Want extra legroom or aisle access? You won’t get it unless you choose it. You can select during booking, through the app, or later via “My Trips”. Don’t wait. Seats aren’t just spots—they decide your flight mood. Pick smart. Pick early. Let the seat work for you.
 

Types of Seating Available on United Flights

Types of Seating Available on United Flights

United Airlines seat selection gives you the following options:
 
  • Middle Seat – Least preferred. No direct aisle or window access. Often assigned in Basic Economy.
  • Aisle Seat – Easy access to lavatory and movement. Great for frequent flyers and longer flights.
  • Window Seat – Offers views and a wall to lean on. Best for undisturbed rest.
  • Exit Row Seat – Extra legroom. Ideal for tall travelers. Must meet age and fitness requirements.
  • Bulkhead Seat – No seat in front. Good legroom, but limited under-seat storage.
  • Front-Row Economy Seat – Quicker exit after landing. Often charged as Preferred Seating.
  • Economy Plus Seat – Extra legroom without paying for Premium cabins. Located near the front.
  • Preferred Seat – Standard seat, but better placement (front half of cabin). Faster exit, better boarding group.
  • Upgraded Recliner Seat – Found in Premium Plus. More recline, footrest, and comfort for long-haul flights.
  • Lie-Flat Seat – Offered in Polaris and some Business Class routes. Converts into a flat bed.
 

How United Airlines Seat Selection Works?

You pick your seat when booking, after booking, or through the app or website.
 
  • Booking your seat during ticket purchase – When you book a flight, you’ll see a seat map. Choose a seat based on your fare type.
  • Economy and higher fares often include free United Airlines seat selection. Basic Economy doesn’t.
  • Changing your seat after booking – Plans change? You can still pick or switch seats. Go to “My Trips” on United’s website. Enter your confirmation number and last name. You’ll see the seat map again and can update your selection.
  • Using the United app or website – The app and website both show real-time seat maps. You can view available seats, prices, and upgrade options. Easy to use, especially for last-minute changes.
United seat fees vary. It differs on route, fare, and seat type. The earlier you choose, the better your options. Waiting limits your choices and may cost more. Always double-check your seat before check-in. A good seat makes the flight easier.
 

Types of Seats on United Airlines

types of seats on united airlines

These are the various types of seats on United flights:
 
  • Basic Economy – Lowest fare. Seat assigned automatically. No changes. No group or family seating guaranteed.
  • Economy – Standard seats. Free selection available for most fares except Basic.
  • Preferred Seating – Located near the front of Economy. Faster exit. No extra legroom. Costs slightly more.
  • Economy Plus – Extra legroom. Available near the front of the cabin. Free for some MileagePlus elites.
  • United First – Domestic first class. Wider seats, more space, and complimentary meals.
  • Business Class – For premium transcontinental and international routes. Lie-flat seats on select aircraft.
  • United Polaris – Long-haul international business class. Lie-flat seats, premium dining, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding.
  • Premium Plus – United’s premium economy. More recline, footrests, and upgraded dining.
  • Exit Row Seats – Extra legroom. Must meet age and safety requirements. Often available for a fee.
  • Bulkhead Seats – No seat in front. Extra legroom. Limited storage space.
Want to know more about these United Airlines seat selections? Call at 1-866-579-8033.
 

United Airlines Seat Selection Fees

Fare Type / Seat Type United Airlines Seat Selection Fee
Basic Economy Starts at $5–$45 (varies by route and seat chosen)
Standard Economy Free (for regular seats)
Preferred Seating $9–$59 (based on distance and demand)
Economy Plus $20–$200+ (varies by route and availability)
Premium Plus Included with ticket fare
Business / Polaris Included with ticket fare
Exit Row Seats Usually part of Economy Plus or Preferred fees
Bulkhead Seats Included if chosen within Economy Plus or Preferred
 

Benefits of Choosing Your Seat Early

There are many pros of choosing United Airlines seats early. Some of which are:
 
  • Get a window or aisle before they’re gone.
  • Avoid middle seats on packed flights.
  • Sit with family or friends without stress.
  • Pick a spot closer to the front.
  • Enjoy quicker exit after landing.
  • Access overhead bin space before it fills.
  • Choose seats with extra legroom.
  • Avoid being stuck near lavatories.
  • Lock in a quiet section of the cabin.
  • Secure your favorite seat every time.
  • Skip the last-minute seat reshuffling game.
  • Pay less for preferred spots early on.
  • Avoid random seat assignments with Basic Economy.
  • Board in a better group with select seats.
  • Make long-haul flights more bearable.
  • Control your flight mood from the start.
  • Give yourself peace of mind before flying.
 

Can You Change Seats After Booking?

Yes, you can change seats after booking on United Airlines. Here’s how to do it:
 
  • Visit the United Airlines website or open the app.
  • Click on “My Trips” and enter your booking details.
  • Select your flight and choose “Change Seats.”
  • View the seat map and pick a new available seat.
  • Confirm the change and pay if there’s a fee.
  • Save the updated itinerary for reference.
 

Conclusion

United Airlines lets you tailor your seat choice to your needs. Booking early helps secure the best seats, especially for families or those needing extra space. Keep in mind, some seats carry fees, while others come free depending on your ticket type. If you call WinkTravelDeals at 1-866-579-8033, you can get help or make changes. Don’t leave your comfort to chance—understand the options, act fast, and fly smarter with United.
 

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