United Airlines·Star Alliance
United Seat Selection & Upgrades
United Seat Selection & Upgrades — Summary
How United seat selection works by fare, extra legroom options, upgrade routes, and the family seating rules that let children sit with a parent free.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Choosing a seat: Free advance seat selection on United Economy and above.
- Extra legroom: Economy Plus offers up to 6 inches of additional pitch and is complimentary for Premier members and their companions.
- Upgrades: Premier members receive complimentary upgrades using PlusPoints (Platinum and 1K) or complimentary Premier Upgrades on shorter routes.
- Seating children with a parent: United seats children 12 and under with an accompanying adult at no extra cost, including on Basic Economy, using an automated family seating system that runs after booking..
Choosing a seat
Free advance seat selection on United Economy and above. Basic Economy passengers may pay for a seat assignment or take whatever is assigned at check-in.
Extra legroom
Economy Plus offers up to 6 inches of additional pitch and is complimentary for Premier members and their companions. It can be bought per flight or as an annual subscription.
Upgrades
Premier members receive complimentary upgrades using PlusPoints (Platinum and 1K) or complimentary Premier Upgrades on shorter routes. Cash and mileage upgrades are offered at booking and check-in.
Seating children with a parent
United seats children 12 and under with an accompanying adult at no extra cost, including on Basic Economy, using an automated family seating system that runs after booking.
Cabins available
United operates: Basic Economy, United Economy, Economy Plus, United Premium Plus, United First / Business, United Polaris.
United seats & upgrades — common questions
Do I have to pay to choose a seat on United?
Free advance seat selection on United Economy and above. Basic Economy passengers may pay for a seat assignment or take whatever is assigned at check-in.
Can my child sit with me on United?
United seats children 12 and under with an accompanying adult at no extra cost, including on Basic Economy, using an automated family seating system that runs after booking.
How do I upgrade on United?
Premier members receive complimentary upgrades using PlusPoints (Platinum and 1K) or complimentary Premier Upgrades on shorter routes. Cash and mileage upgrades are offered at booking and check-in.
More United help
Booking United? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.