Seat options and upgrades
All the information you need on how to buy, change or upgrade your seat.
Seat options
You can choose a seat on most United- and United Express®-operated flights and in all cabins, except Basic Economy.
When to choose a seat
When to choose a seat
When buying your ticket on united.com or the United app
Through My trips after buying your ticket
During check-in online or at a check-in kiosk
When buying your ticket on united.com or the United app
Through My trips after buying your ticket
During check-in online or at a check-in kiosk
Choose your seat today
Get to know onboard services, from inflight wi-fi to United Private Screening℠.
Pick a seat preference
Go to the seat map in our app to tell us your seat preference at any time between booking and check-in. If your preferred seat is available, we’ll assign it to you.
We allow up to two children under 12 to sit next to one adult family member for free. For more information, go to the FAQ section.
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Special seating areas
Exit row
In keeping with FAA rules, to sit in an exit row you must:
- Be 15 years of age or older
- Be willing to help in an evacuation
- Be physically able to help in an emergency.
Exit row
In keeping with FAA rules, to sit in an exit row you must:
- Be 15 years of age or older
- Be willing to help in an evacuation
- Be physically able to help in an emergency.
Bulkhead
Bulkhead seating rows have a fixed wall directly in front of them. When a bulkhead seat is in an exit row, the exit row policy applies. Because of the fixed wall, there won’t be under-seat storage in front of you. Bulkhead seating is offered as Economy Plus seating.
Bulkhead
Bulkhead seating rows have a fixed wall directly in front of them. When a bulkhead seat is in an exit row, the exit row policy applies. Because of the fixed wall, there won’t be under-seat storage in front of you. Bulkhead seating is offered as Economy Plus seating.
Accommodations
Seating information for customers with disabilities can be found on the accessible seating page.
Know before you go
If you have a Basic Economy ticket, you can buy a seat assignment during booking and up until check-in.
If you try but can’t choose a seat, it may be because we are holding seats for operational reasons. In that case we will assign you a seat at check-in or at the departure gate.
Remember that your seat assignment isn’t guaranteed. Make sure to check in on time or your reserved seat could be canceled. If it changes without notice because of unforeseen circumstances, you can speak with a representative and we will do our best to make sure you’re seated.
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Seat changes and upgrades
You can change or upgrade your seat on most United- and United Express-operated flights. How and when you do it is based on your Premier® status level.
Non-members
You can buy an Economy Plus seat or upgrade their cabin during the booking process. If you’re traveling on a Basic Economy ticket, you can only buy an Economy Plus seat at check-in.
Non-members
You can buy an Economy Plus seat or upgrade their cabin during the booking process. If you’re traveling on a Basic Economy ticket, you can only buy an Economy Plus seat at check-in.
Members
You can change or upgrade at any point up to boarding, and sometimes on board. If no seat assignments are available, check again closer to departure or ask a representative at the gate. You must ask a flight attendant to change seats on board.
| Type of Upgrade | When you can upgrade | How you can upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade to Economy Plus or a premium cabin* | At any point before boarding |
|
| Request a MileagePlus Travel Award | During and after booking |
|
| Request a MileagePlus Upgrade Award | During and after booking, at check-in and at the gate |
|
| Request a Star Alliance Upgrade Award | After booking | MileagePlus members only:
|
*Premier members can also request a PlusPoints upgrade
Premier members also enjoy extra benefits like free upgrades, exclusive discounts, bonus award miles and more.
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When your seat assignment changes unexpectedly
Sometimes we must use a plane with a different seating arrangement than originally planned. We do our best to keep you in the same or a similar type of seat and next to others in your reservation. You can view seating options and change your seat through my trips or during check-in. Keeping your flight notification settings up to date will help you to stay updated.