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Choose your seat or upgrade on United

Whether you want a window, the family seated together, extra legroom in Economy Plus, or a lie-flat Polaris seat, here's how seat selection and upgrades work on United — and how we can arrange them for you.

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    How United seats & upgrades generally work

    The essentials. Availability and price depend on fare, route, aircraft and timing.

    Seat selection depends on fare:

    Most fares let you pick a seat when you book; Basic Economy assigns your seat at check-in and doesn't allow advance selection unless you pay for it.

    Economy Plus is United's extra-legroom seat:

    Economy Plus sits further forward with more room. It's a paid upgrade on most fares, a complimentary benefit for eligible Premier members, and it's separate from a straight cabin upgrade.

    Sitting together isn't automatic:

    Travelling as a family or group? Book and select seats as early as you can — the best adjacent seats go first, especially on full flights.

    Upgrading to First, Business or Polaris:

    You may upgrade at booking, later in My Trips, with miles or PlusPoints, or as a Premier complimentary upgrade on eligible domestic routes — availability varies widely by route and status.

    Premier status helps:

    MileagePlus Premier members get complimentary Economy Plus, upgrade eligibility and better seat access. Add your MileagePlus number so any benefit applies.

    Seat and upgrade prices vary by route, cabin and timing and change constantly, so we don't list amounts. Tell us your flight and we'll check what's open and reserve it for you.

    Seat options by fare

    General guidance — what's included and what's paid depends on your fare and route.

    Basic Economy
    Seat assigned at check-in — advance choice costs extra
    United Economy
    Standard seat selection, usually included
    Economy Plus
    Extra legroom — a premium, or complimentary for eligible Premier
    First / Business / Polaris
    Premium cabin seating included, with priority services

    Ways to move up

    More than one path to First, Business or Polaris — availability varies by route and day.

    Pay, or use miles / PlusPoints

    Most predictable

    • Upgrade at booking or later in My Trips
    • Mileage or PlusPoints upgrades where space is open
    • Airline upgrade offers before departure
    • Price and space vary by route and demand

    Premier complimentary

    For status members

    • Complimentary upgrade eligibility on many domestic routes
    • Clears by Premier tier and booking time
    • Add your MileagePlus number so it's linked
    • Not guaranteed — depends on availability

    Add your MileagePlus number before you fly. Complimentary Economy Plus, Premier upgrades and better seat access only apply if your number is on the reservation — easy to forget, easy to add.

    Frequently asked

    Can I choose my seat for free?+
    On most fares, yes; on Basic Economy, your seat is assigned at check-in unless you pay to choose one earlier. Tell us your fare and route and we'll confirm what a specific seat will take.
    What's the difference between Economy Plus and a cabin upgrade?+
    Economy Plus is extra legroom within the Economy cabin — not a different class of service. A cabin upgrade moves you to First, Business or Polaris. We can price both for your flight so you choose with eyes open.
    Can I upgrade with miles, PlusPoints or Premier status?+
    Sometimes, depending on availability and fare rules. Premier members have complimentary upgrade eligibility on many domestic routes, and mileage or PlusPoints upgrades exist separately. Give us your dates and MileagePlus number and we'll check.
    How do I make sure my family sits together?+
    Select seats as early as possible — ideally right after booking. If good adjacent seats aren't showing, call us; we can look at the map and options across the whole party.

    Contact options

    Reach United directly, or let us handle it.

    Contact United Airlines directly

    The airline's own official channels — free.

    Websiteunited.com
    Reservations1-800-864-8331
    AppUnited app

    Or let a BargainAirTicket agent do it

    Independent · 24/7 · English & Español · service fee applies.

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    More United Airlines help

    Related guides.

    Full United Airlines guide Baggage policy Manage booking Check-in

    BargainAirTicket is an independent travel marketplace operated by Bookmecheapest LLC — not an airline and not a representative of United Airlines or any airline. "United Airlines" and related marks are trademarks of their respective owners, used here only to describe the ticketing support we offer. Fares, fees, and policies are set by the airline and change frequently — always confirm current information at united.com. We assist with bookings, changes and cancellations on any airline for a service fee, quoted before you're charged.

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