Complimentary Economy Plus seating for travelers on award tickets is based on the traveler's status at booking for Premier Gold and above or at time of check-in for Premier Silver, rather than the status of the member whose miles were used to purchase the award ticket.

Yes, United Airlines Premier status provides high-value access to Economy Plus® seating, which offers up to 6 inches of extra legroom and a position near the front of the plane. The timing of this benefit depends on your specific elite tier. Premier Silver members can confirm their Economy Plus seat for free at the time of check-in (24 hours before departure) for themselves and one companion. Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K members enjoy the premier benefit of selecting Economy Plus at the time of booking for themselves and multiple companions (up to 8 for Platinum and 1K). In 2026, this remains one of the most sought-after perks for frequent flyers, as it significantly improves comfort on long domestic or international flights without the cost of a "Premium Plus" or "Polaris" ticket. If you are a standard member without status, you can still purchase these seats, but having Premier status essentially turns every flight into a more comfortable, "upgraded" experience at no additional cost.