Does United let you pick your seat for free?

Final thoughts on selecting United Airlines seats The short of it is this: If you book at least a standard economy ticket, you'll be able to choose a seat for free during the booking process as long as you're traveling on a United-operated flight (versus a flight operated by a partner).



People Also Ask

Free seat selection is only permitted after check-in has opened. Check out our guide on how to book airline seats here and be clued up and ready for when check-in opens.

MORE DETAILS

Easyjet, Emirates, Norwegian, Jet2 and Ryanair say you'll be allocated a suitable seat free of charge. Air France says you'll be able to select a standard seat free of charge if you're able to walk onto the plane, and if you use a wheelchair, an appropriate seat will be allocated for you.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, Airlines Do Have the Right to Change Your Seat Without Warning.

MORE DETAILS

Expect to pay $10 to $20 per seat. But keep in mind: That's a per-segment cost. So you'll have to pay double for a round-trip flight – and even more if your flight isn't nonstop. If you want to make sure you get a certain seat, you're better off paying for an assignment right away.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

United Airlines United's family seating policy guarantees families with children under age 12 in certain cabins can sit together for free, regardless of fare type.

MORE DETAILS

After you finish booking your flight (or during the process, depending on the airline), you should click to view the seat map and make your pick. If you book your flight with friends or family members on the same reservation, they will likely be assigned seats nearby automatically.

MORE DETAILS

Sometimes, when an airline asks for volunteers to give up their seats and fly on a different flight, there are not enough volunteers. When this occurs, the airline will select passengers to give up their seats. This is called “involuntary denied boarding” or “bumping.”

MORE DETAILS

Choosing an airplane seat when you purchase a ticket doesn't guarantee you that seat. Guaranteed assigned seats on commercial flights is a myth. Even VIPs or celebrities sometimes lose their seats.

MORE DETAILS

Checking-in online allows you to check in for your flight earlier than if you waited until you got to the airport, which means there will be more seats available to choose from.

MORE DETAILS

Seat designation
On many aircraft, the rightmost seats have letter designations HJK, skipping the letter I. This is because each seat has a row number followed by letter; letters that may be confused with numbers (I, O, Q, S, or Z) must be avoided, usually for people with dyslexia.

MORE DETAILS

For all fare classes, except Basic Economy, you will 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.

MORE DETAILS