Which United seat is right for you?

Good seats Better seats Best seats
United seating options
Basic Economy®
Economy®
Economy Plus®
Premium Economy℠
United First®
United Polaris®
Legroom Standard legroom and space Extra legroom and space Even more legroom and space, fully reclining seats United Polaris®
Location on plane Back of the plane (Basic Economy/Economy), middle of the plane (preferred seating) Front of Economy cabin Front of plane
Seat map color White (Basic Economy/Economy), white with a black triangle (Preferred seating) Blue or purple Dark blue
Earn Premier qualifying points Preferred seating only Yes Yes
In-seat power Not always Yes Yes
Complimentary alcoholic beverages United Premium Plus℠ (international only) Yes
Meal services Refreshments, premium snacks or full meal service
Premier® services Premier Access® check-in and security lanes and priority boarding
Fully reclining seats United Polaris seats convert to a flat 6 foot, 6 inch bed with direct aisle access

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Frequently asked questions about our seating options

For all fare classes except Basic Economy, you’ll be able to pick your seat or change your seat assignment. If you have a Basic Economy ticket, you’re able to purchase a seat assignment during booking and up until check-in opens. Learn more about Basic Economy restrictions.

You can choose a seat or change your seat assignment for most United- and United Express®-operated flights on united.com, on the United app or through your travel agent. If no seat assignments are available, you can check back closer to departure to see whether seats have become available. Learn more about seating options.

Seat assignments, no matter the fare class you purchase, aren’t guaranteed and could change without notice because of schedule changes, equipment swaps or other unforeseen circumstances.

We’ll always try to assign you the same or similar seat type and location and keep you with your traveling companions when you’re booked in the same reservation, unless you’ve purchased a Basic Economy ticket without purchasing advance seat assignments. We know that your seat assignment is important, so we’ll do our best to keep your original seat preference.

We may briefly hold some seats for operational reasons, and don’t allow seat selection or changes for Basic Economy tickets. If you’re unable to choose a seat, we’ll assign you one at check-in or at the departure gate.

All customers with Basic Economy tickets, including United MileagePlus® Premier® members, are eligible to purchase Economy Plus seating at check-in only.