Step-by-Step Guide To United Airlines Seat Selection

Having a seat of your choice indeed brings great relaxation during the flight journey. Hence, most airlines, including United Airlines, allow passengers to choose seats according to their preference. However, it’s not a free choice to make and involves charges most of the time. That’s why it’s suggested to check the airline’s seat selection policy first before selecting a seat on the plane.

As is known, the charges for selecting a seat depend on the fare type and class. To avoid confusion, United Airlines has established a seat selection policy. This policy streamlines the process of finding complete information on United seat selection, eliminating the need to navigate through pages. Let’s understand it thoroughly in this blog.

How United Airlines Seat Selection Work?

Selecting a seat on a United Airlines flight is as easy as booking a reservation on other forms of transportation. However, this selection usually involves charges, and the amount varies depending on the type of reservation you have made.

Speaking of how United Airlines seat selection policy works, the airline permits passengers to select their seats when making the flight reservation. The selection made after booking or on the day of flight departure may include additional charges in addition to the standard charges. Hence, it is best to choose the seat during the initial booking process if you want to save some bucks or don’t want to lose your preferred seat.

Why Choose Your Seat Early on United Airlines?

Apart from choosing a seat, United allows seat changes even if the booking or seat has already been made. However, it may require paying additional charges, which depend on availability.

Basic Economy ticket holders are allowed to buy a seat assignment during booking or at check-in, but once they board the flight, it can’t be changed. Hence, be cautious when purchasing a seat and read United Airlines seat selection policy.

How To Choose A Seat On United Airlines?

To choose a seat on United Airlines, passengers have several options, which are mentioned below:

At the time of flight reservation: As stated before, passengers can select a seat according to their preference during the flight reservation for most fare classes. The official website or the app can be used for both booking flights and purchasing a seat.
After the flight reservation: United permits passengers to select a seat even after the reservation is made. But this delay can cost you the desired seat. Additionally, a seat can be changed through the official site until check-in or at the airport.
Seat selection for Basic Economy: A passenger can purchase a preferred seat at the time of booking or check-in; however, once the process is complete and you board the flight, no changes can be made to the selected seat.
Upgrades: United seat selection can be made using the upgrade facility for Economy Plus or for a premium cabin. The request for an upgrade can be made at any time before boarding the flight, either via the website or app or at check-in.

These are the ways through which passengers can choose a seat to have a smooth and relaxed flight journey. However, none of these options is free to choose; a specific fare amount needs to be paid, depending on the ticket type, destination, and timing. Additionally, making a request after the flight reservation can lead to disappointment as the choice of seats is subject to availability.

How Much Does Seat Selection Cost On United?

As mentioned, seat selection on UA is not a free service, even if your ticket is booked in first or business class. The United seat selection fee is required to select a preferred seat, and the charge depends on the ticket type, destination, and the time of booking or seat selection. Below is a table that helps you understand how the seat selection policy works and what charges need to be paid for which type of calls or seats:

United Airlines Seat Selection Cost by Fare Type (2025)

Fare Type / Cabin	Seat Selection Option	Cost Range (USD)	Notes
Basic Economy	❌ Not included	$0 – Seat auto-assigned	No advance selection; upgrades not allowed unless you’re Premier Silver+
Economy (Standard/Main)	✅ Free standard seats	$0	Included with fare; choose at booking or check-in
Preferred Seating	💵 Paid upgrade within Economy	$9 – $49+	Closer to front or aisle; no added legroom
Economy Plus	💵 Paid upgrade from Economy	$20 – $129+	Extra legroom (~6”), near front of cabin
Premium Plus (Premium Economy)	✅ Free seat selection	Included	Offered on select long-haul aircraft
Business Class	✅ Free seat selection	Included	Includes lie-flat or recliner seats, depending on route
United Polaris (Intl. Business)	✅ Free seat selection	Included	Access to all seats in the cabin, including Polaris lounges
First Class (Domestic)	✅ Free seat selection	Included	Premium seating with wider recline and early boarding

This chart provides clear information regarding the United seat selection fee and key points to consider before selecting your seat.

What Is The Difference Between United Basic Economy, Economy, and Economy Plus Seat Options?

The major differences between Basic Economy, Economy, and Economy Plus seat options are legroom, carry-on baggage allowance, and seat selection. According to the United seat selection policy, tickets purchased for Basic Economy do not offer the option to select a preferred seat, and even carry-on bags are restricted. Means a basic economy ticket holder is not eligible to bring a full-size carry-on bag, whereas Standard Economy permits passengers to choose a seat according to their preference and permits them to bring a full-sized carry-on.

Economy Plus seat selection offers passengers more legroom and provides several amenities, but the fee will be on the higher side. If you are still confused, then read the chart below:

United Airlines: Basic Economy vs. Economy vs. Economy Plus – Seat Comparison

Feature	Basic Economy	Economy (Standard/Main Cabin)	Economy Plus
Seat Selection	❌ Not included — seat auto-assigned	✅ Free standard seat selection	✅ Free seat selection in Economy Plus zone
Seat Location	Rear of cabin; often middle seats	Standard seats throughout main cabin	Front of Economy section, near exit rows
Legroom / Pitch	Standard (~30")	Standard (~30")	Extra legroom (up to 6" more)
Changeable / Refundable	❌ No changes allowed	✅ Changes allowed (fees may apply)	✅ Same as Economy (fare rules apply)
Boarding Group	Last boarding group (Group 5+)	Standard boarding (Groups 3–4)	Earlier boarding (Group 2)
Overhead Bin Access	✅ Included (as of 2023 policy change)	✅ Included	✅ Included
Checked Baggage	Fees apply	Fees apply	Fees apply
United MileagePlus Earning	Limited miles & PQPs	Full miles & PQPs (based on fare)	Full miles & PQPs
Upgrade Eligibility (Premier status)	❌ Not eligible	✅ Eligible	✅ Eligible

Note: Before selecting seats, ensure your details are accurate. United Airlines Name Correction policy allows minor spelling fixes with proper documents. Correcting your name early helps avoid check-in issues and ensures a smooth booking, seat selection, and overall travel experience..

United Airlines Seat Selection On International Flights

United seat selection can be made for international flights; however, the policy works differently for domestic flights and international flights. The seat selection policy of UA, particularly for international routes, has differentiation in the types of cabins available. It offers premium cabins, such as United Polaris and Premium Plus. Additionally, the seat selection depends on the aircraft and the particular overseas route. Another important thing to note is that some seats on the flight are reserved for operational purposes, and you cannot select them.

What Are United Seat Selection Fee International Route?

As stated United seat selection fee international routes depends on the fare type and the choice of the seat a passenger wants. Below are the fees for choosing a seat on a United flight for international routes:

As is known, the ticket booked for Basic Economy does not permit to choice of a seat. The airline will provide the seat at check-in. However, if you upgrade the ticket, you may be able to select a seat based on your preferences. Additionally, if you still wish to make a United Airlines seat selection basic economy ticket, you are required to pay $15.
When selecting a preferred seat, charges begin at $24 per flight, per flyer who booked a standard economy ticket. A Basic Economy preferred seat may cost $36. The amount can be increased depending on the specific flight, seat selection, and the date of ticket booking.
United seat selection fee for Economy Plus ranges from $29 to $299. This seat selection offers extra leg room.
However, the booking for premium fares, such as United First and United Polaris, does not require paying the Select Selection Fee, as it is typically waived during the flight reservation process.

Is The United Seat Selection Fee Refundable?

Several passengers likely have questions about the refund policy for canceling a seat or flight ticket booked with UA. Generally, passengers select a seat using the United seat selection policy to ensure a stress-free and relaxing journey. However, unexpected events can occur to anyone, leading to the cancellation of a ticket or seat.

Passengers often get confused between canceling a ticket and canceling a seat. UA generally offers a refund for canceling a flight made within a given time period, but does not offer a refund for canceling a seat. The airline allows you to choose or change a seat before or during the reservation; however, the fee paid for the preferred seat is not refunded, even if you receive a refund for your flight cancellation.

United seat selection fee will only be refunded if the airline cancels the ticket or flight. Additionally, the fare will be refunded if the passenger booked a fully refundable ticket. However, to avoid confusion, it is best to contact the airline's customer service at 1-800-864-8331 or speak with a flight expert at +1-800-633-0441.

Is Seat Selection Worth It On United?

Yes, it is worth using United seat selection policy to avoid an undesirable seat. This policy not only helps you get the seat you want but also ensures you sit with your travel companion. Several benefits include extra legroom, upgrading the whole cabin, comfort, and amenities that usually come with upgrading. However, the seat selection policy is not a free service; it incurs an additional fee depending on your request. But every penny is worth it.

How To Select A Seat On United Airlines?

Seat selection is preferred for long-distance flights, as it helps you feel relaxed throughout the journey and offers upgraded services. Below are the steps to select a seat on United Airlines:

Go to the United Airlines official website or use the mobile application.
Provide the details for the flight booking, including the date of travel, destination, and number of passengers.
Hit the button to find flights based on your travel information.
Follow the prompts and search for the option “United Seat Selection”.
A seat map will appear on the screen.
Choose the preferred seat on the seat map.
Once the process is done, pay the seat selection fee.
Once all the steps above are complete, wait for a confirmation email.

Using these steps helps you to choose a seat during the initial booking. The airline allows passengers to select an option for an existing reservation on the website or at check-in.

Conclusion

The United Seat Selection policy allows passengers to choose a seat during the flight reservation process. In case anyone forgets to select a seat during the initial booking, they can use the official website or contact the airline directly. Just go to the main site, log in to your account, access your flight details, and select the “Seat Map” or “Change Seat” option. A seat map will appear. Click on a seat from the available options, then confirm your booking. However, a preferred seat can’t be obtained for free, as it often requires paying additional charges that vary by route and seat. To know more, visit the site or call the airline at 1-800-864-8331. If you need more information, speak to a travel expert at +1-800-633-0441.