The right seat can make all the difference in traveling. If extra legroom or proximity to an exit is most important, sitting next to your travel companion can be at the top of the list. United Airlines allows booking a seat choice before takeoff. In this guide, everything you need to know about seat selection with United Airlines is provided, including policy, fees, and how to do so after booking.

What is the Seat Selection Process at the Time of Booking?

One of the easiest times to do seat selection is actually during the process of booking itself.

Online Booking

After you have finished booking a ticket on either the United website or mobile application, you will be given the choice of selecting a seat under passenger details. The computer will paint a seating chart of the plane to show available seats. Different colors are used in the display representing Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Economy, First Class, respectively.

Third-Party Booking

If you're booking online with a third party, you are not going to be able to select a seat. To get a seat, login through the United Airlines website or its app and use your confirmation number to make a click into "Manage Reservations" to select your choice of seat.

Must I Select My Seat on United Airlines?

No, one is not supposed to make any selection for a seat in United Airlines. If you did not select your seat at the time of making the booking, it will automatically give you a seat at the time of check-in, but through this, you might get horrible seats like the middle seats or even separated from fellow travelers. Therefore, to have a smooth traveling experience, one should make proper use of United Airlines seat selection policy and get seats in advance.

Find Out How to change a United Airlines flight?

What are the Seat Types?

United Airlines offers a number of seating options, depending on your ticket class and preferences-

1. Economy Seats

Standard seats in the main cabin. These are included with most Economy tickets, but specific seat selection may come with a fee unless included in your fare.

2. Economy Plus

Offers extra legroom and is available for an additional charge. This option is ideal for taller passengers or those who prefer more space.

3. Premium Economy (United Premium Plus)

It provides wider seats, extra legroom, and other amenities.

4. United First/Business Class

Premium seats are located at the front of the plane, and they provide the maximum comfort available with ample legroom, reclining features, and enhanced dining services.

5. Basic Economy

The cheapest option does not include seat selection. At check-in, you'll be assigned a seat unless you pay extra for your preferred seat.

Does United Airlines Charge for Seat Selection?

United charges for seat selection on some tickets and for some seats but the fee depends upon the kind of ticket you have and the seat you want.

How To Select a Seat After Booking?

If you did not have a seat at the time of booking, you are able to select one after you book by following these steps-

• Log on to your United Airlines account, or access "My Trips" on the website.
• Once you are not signed in, it will ask for you to key in your booking reference and last name.
• Access to booking reservation, with seating map provided, select any seat.
• Finalize selection and pay the mandatory fee.

How To Choose Seats In United Airlines?

United Airlines offers the ability to choose seats with ease by the following ways-

• While booking: After providing the passenger's details, click on the seating map provided after that.
• After booking: Visit the "My Trips" section on the website or the mobile application and then select a seat.
• During Check-in: You can also make a choice when you are check-in online or at the airport if you have not done it so far.

How To Book By United Airlines App?

United Airlines app makes it easy to manage your seat selection on the go-

• Download and log in to the app using your MileagePlus account.
• Go to "My Trips" and then select your reservation.
• Open the seating chart and choose an available seat that suits your preference.
• Save your selection and pay for upgrades if necessary.

How to Upgrade for Better Seats?

If you’re looking for a more comfortable flying experience, consider these upgrade options-

MileagePlus Members

Use your miles to upgrade to Economy Plus, Premium Plus, or United First/Business Class.

Paid Upgrades

Purchase a seat upgrade during booking, check-in, or via the United app.

Complimentary Upgrades

Elite members of MileagePlus (Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K), based on availability, can get complimentary upgrades from United Airlines at the time of booking.

How To Get the Best Seats?

Book Sufficiently In Advance: The more advanced the rate is, the more options there are to select seats as preferred.

Set Alerts: If your desired seat is not available, track your reservation for seat switches or set alerts if available.

Upon reaching the airport, ask an airline representative at check-in or at the gate regarding available seats in case of last-minute changes.

Are United Airlines Seat Selection Fees Refundable?

The airline moves your seat for operational reasons and does not give you a similar seat. The flight is canceled, and you do not rebook. To request a refund, you'll need to call United Airlines customer service and explain your situation to them. This is part of their United seat selection fee policy.

How to Book for Families and Groups as Special Considerations?

Traveling with family or a group? United Airlines has options to make sure you all sit together-

• Seat Bundling: Select seats for everyone in your party during booking.
• Family Seating: United Airlines tries to seat children under 15 years old next to an adult family member without extra charges, subject to availability.
• Group Travel Desk: For larger groups, contact United's Group Travel services to coordinate seating arrangements.

Check out Top Tips for Parents Using United Airlines UMNR Services

What are the Fees and Policies?

Basic Economy and Economy passengers may have to pay a fee for seat selection. You can get a refund if you paid for an upgrade but were not assigned your preferred seat. If you change your flight, your seat may not be moved, and you will have to select a new seat.

What to Do if You Are Assigned a Seat?

You may be automatically assigned a seat, especially with Basic Economy tickets. To change your seat-

• Check availability online or through the app.
• Pay any applicable fees to secure your desired seat.
• Arrive early at the airport and ask the gate agent about possible seat changes.

Seat Selection for Special Needs Passengers

United Airlines accommodates passengers with disabilities or special needs. Contact the United Accessibility Desk to request specific seating arrangements. Request bulkhead seats for extra space or seats near the restroom if needed. Passengers traveling with service animals should make advance reservations with the airline.

United Airlines Free Seat Selection

United Airlines offers complimentary seat selection in most tickets, but free seat selection is actually available to special ticket types and MileagePlus elite statuses. Families containing children under the age of 15 are free to have free seat arrangements where they can stay together.

United Airlines offers the option of choosing your seat, which could be the difference between comfort and convenience. The more you book ahead, the better equipped you will be to take advantage of United's tools, and knowing what they have to offer will allow you to pick the seat you need for your flight. Business or leisure, planning is what separates a smooth flight from an unpleasant one.