The one common thing for which all passengers put in effort and are also a little tense is their comfort and peace during the flight journey. Both are somewhat associated with seat selection. Choosing one's own preferred seat to commence the flight journey always makes a difference. Travelling in a seat of their choice helps passengers experience a pleasant, stress-free journey.  

United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the country and offers a range of seat options to make your selection easy and match your preferences and comfort. But selecting seats of your choice may incur a United fee for seat selection in some scenarios. Are you worrying about the specific charges? We recommend that you follow this blog to learn about the policy, seating options, process, and fees.  

Overview Of United Airlines Seat Selection Policy

On United Airlines, you will be offered a variety of seating options to make your journey more pleasant. You can choose a window seat if you want to experience a spectacular view of the outside world from a porthole. Or choose an aisle seat if you want more freedom of movement and a bit of extra legroom. But choosing a seat of your own choice has a few restrictions that you must be aware of: 

• You can select seats or change your assigned seats prior(except Basic Economy).
• Basic Economy ticket holder passengers can’t select a seat during booking. But they can select their seat by paying the United fee for seat selection at online check-in. If you don’t want to pay the specific fees, then the airline will automatically assign you a seat. 
• Seat assignments are not guaranteed, and they may be changed due to various circumstances. In that case, you will be offered the option to reselect your seat, or you can contact the airline’s help desk for an explanation or assistance.  
• United Airlines suggests that you book early to secure a better seat at the lowest available price. 

Types Of Seats Offered On United Airlines

Basic Economy: This fare class is United Airlines' restrictive fare. In this class, you are not allowed to choose your own seats for free. You can select seats at check-in for a fee, though availability is limited. However, if you don’t choose to pay, then the airline will assign one. You can enjoy the maximum features at the lowest price.

Economy: In the Economy class, you will not have to pay the United fee for seat selection. This fare class offers a bit of flexibility and extra features compared to basic economy. You are permitted to bring one free carry-on bag and one free personal item.

Economy Plus: This fare class provides access to in-seat power and extra legroom. Seat selection is free, and the seats are closer to the cabin. 

Premium Economy: This fare class is also called Premium Plus. In this class, you avail the benefits of bigger, wider seats, a semi-private area, a power outlet, an amenity kit, etc. However, you can also access the entertainment screen.

United Polaris: United Polaris is the premium fare class on United Airlines flights. In this fare class, you receive premium services such as priority check-in, priority boarding, bag handling, a lie-flat bed, fine dining, and lounges. However, with this fare class, you can enjoy all drinks (including alcohol) for free. 

United First: United First class offers almost every perk available in other fare classes. In this fare class, seating is in a 2-2 configuration.  The seats are configured in such a way that they provide you with extra space to recline. 

When Can I Choose A Seat On United Airlines?

On United Airlines, passengers can select their seats during reservation, after booking, and at online check-in. However, the process for all scenarios of seat selection is elaborated below with their step-by-step explanation:

During Reservation

• Open the United Airlines official website.
• Mention the details to book a flight.
• Locate and click on the Find Flights option to view the available flight options.
• Follow the screen instructions and choose the seat selection button.
• Now you’ll see the seat map. From the available options, choose your preferred seat.
• Confirm the seat selection by paying the United fee for seat selection, if applicable.
• At your registered email address, you will receive a confirmation email with the updates.

After Booking

• Open the United Airlines official website.
• Log in to your account using the credentials.
• Navigate to the “My Trips” section.
• Input details, including the last name and confirmation number, to retrieve your booking.
• After retrieving your trip, click the “Seat Map” or “Change Seats” option.
• On your current screen, you’ll view the seat map.
• Choose one of the available seats from the seat map and proceed.
• Confirm your booking.

At Online Check-In

• Open the United Airlines official website.
• Access your booking by inputting details like the last name and confirmation number.
• Hit the continue button to access your booking.
• From the available seats on a seat map, you can select your preferred seat.
• Confirm the selection, and pay the applicable United fee for seat selection. 
• Finish the check-in process and get your boarding pass.

Do I Have To Pay For Seat Selection On United Airlines?

United Airlines does not charge fees for selecting seats (except for Basic Economy). Hence, all other fare types don’t require extra cost for seat selection. However, if the fees are incurred, then they mostly depend on the ticket type(flight route and fare) and the timing of booking or seat selection. It is always recommended to contact the United Airlines helpdesk for specific information on the United fee for seat selection.

Winding Up!

The airline offers a range of seat options based on your preferences and needs. However, you choose from any of the fare classes for which your budget allows. Hence, for any further assistance regarding seat selection or how to edit name on United Airlines ticket, contact a customer service representative at 1-(800)-864-8331. Or contact a travel expert at +1-800-506-7805 for swift solutions.