United Airlines Seat Selection Options, Fees & How to Choose Your Seat?

Flying United Airlines comes with plenty of seat choices but knowing which option fits your budget and comfort needs is not always clear. Travelers usually ask the same questions about free seat assignments, extra legroom and family seating.

This guide presents everything regarding the United Airlines seat selection policy so you can pick the right seat without stress. You can get in touch with United Airlines customer support at +1-800-864-8331 or FlyoGarage at +1-877-658-1183 for more details.

Does United Airlines Offer Free Seat Selection?

United does offer free seat selection but with limitations. You can select your seat for free when you book your flight if you purchase a standard economy ticket and not a basic economy ticket. This includes standard seats in the main cabin but excludes preferred seats or extra legroom seats which usually cost extra.

If you don’t select a seat, United will automatically assign one at check-in. But this comes with risk as you might end up in a middle seat or seated far away from your travel companions.

How Are United Economy Seats Different from Each Other?

This is where things can get confusing since all three are part of the United Economy cabin but offer different levels of comfort.

Standard Economy seats: These are the default free options in the main cabin. They are basic with no extra legroom or perks but they will get you to your destination without added cost.
Preferred seats: These are still standard-size seats but placed in more convenient spots like toward the cabin’s front or near exit rows. They make boarding and deplaning faster and give you better access to overhead bins. You will pay a fee unless you are a MileagePlus Premier member.
Economy Plus: This is United’s extra legroom section. You will get up to six more inches of space and usually sit closer to the front. These seats cost more but frequent flyers can buy an annual subscription or earn free access through elite status. This option is worth the splurge for tall passengers or long flights.

How Do Premium Cabins Handle United Seat Assignments?

The United seat selection policy works differently if you are flying Premium Plus, Business Class or Polaris. These cabins include seat selection in the ticket price.

United Premium Plus: These are premium economy seats with wider seating, more recline and upgraded amenities. You will select your seat at booking without an additional fee.
Business Class and Polaris: You are guaranteed a spacious seat with lie-flat options on long flights in these cabins. United seat selection is included in the ticket price though some premium seats may be reserved for elite members.

How Can I Select My Seat on United?

You can select your seat in various ways:

During Booking: You will be displayed a United Airlines seat map where you can pick your seat after entering your passenger information.
After Booking: Log in to your reservation via the United website or mobile app and choose from the available options.Check-in Window: If you wait until check-in which is 24 hours before departure, you may find last minute preferred or Economy Plus seats available for purchase.

Keep in mind that United seat assignments depend on availability, and prices may increase as the flight date approaches.

How Much Does United Seat Selection Cost?

The United Airlines seat selection fees vary by fare type and seat preference. For Basic Economy tickets, advance seat assignments start at $36 per flight while preferred seats in standard economy start at $24 and Economy Plus seats with extra legroom start at $29 per flight.

The United seat selection is free for standard economy if you choose from the remaining regular seats at booking but fees apply for preferred or Economy Plus seats.

Are United Seat Selection Fees Refundable?

Generally, the United seat selection fees are non-refundable even if you change or cancel your flight. The only exceptions are if:

The airline changes your seat due to an equipment swap or operational needs.
You are involuntarily bumped from your chosen seat.
You can request a refund through United’s website or customer service in those cases.

Does United Offer Exit Row Seating?

United does offer exit row seats which typically provide more legroom than standard economy seats. But these seats come with certain restrictions. Passengers must meet safety requirements like being age 15 or older along with being physically capable of assisting in an emergency and able to understand crew instructions.

Exit row seats are not free of cost and usually carry a similar or higher price than Economy Plus.

How Does United Handle Families Sitting Together?

Parents often worry about being separated from their children. United addressed this with a new family seating policy. Children under 12 are automatically placed with at least one adult in their group whenever possible even on Basic Economy tickets.

The safest route is to select seats together when booking or pay for Preferred or Economy Plus. Think of the policy as a backup and not a promise.

Is It Worth Paying for United Seat Selection?

Whether paying for the United seat selection is worth it depends on your travel style:

Budget travelers: You can stick with Basic Economy and accept the random assignment if saving money matters most.
Comfort seekers: Economy Plus is worth the splurge for extra legroom especially on long flights.
Frequent flyers: Investing in a subscription or elite status can give you consistent access to better seating without paying each time.

Conclusion: United Airlines Seat Selection

United Airlines gives a range of seat options from random Basic Economy assignments to premium Polaris business class. The ideal choice depends on how much you value comfort, convenience and budget. Paying a bit more for Economy Plus or Preferred seating is a smart way to make the journey smoother for most travelers. You can contact United Airlines at +1-800-864-8331 or FlyoGarage at +1-877-658-1183 for any queries.