Seat pitch
n/a
6’3″ (190 cm) sleeping area
n/a
18.5″ (46.9 cm)
31″ (78 cm)
Seat recline
n/a
180°
n/a
35″ (88 cm)
5″ (12 cm)
Seat width
n/a
20.6″ (52.3 cm)
n/a
6″ (15 cm)
18.5″ (46.9 cm)
Seat pitch
n/a
6’4″ (193 cm) sleeping area
n/a
37″ (93 cm)
31″ (78 cm)
Seat recline
n/a
180°
n/a
6″ (15 cm)
5″ (12 cm)
Seat width
n/a
20.6″ (52.3 cm)
n/a
17.1″ (43.6 cm)
16.3″-17.1″ (41.5 cm-43.6 cm)
Seat pitch
38″ (96 cm)
n/a
n/a
n/a
30”-31″ (76-78 cm)
Seat recline
5″ (12 cm)
n/a
n/a
n/a
2″ (5 cm)
Seat width
20.4″ (52 cm)
n/a
n/a
n/a
16.3″-17.3″ (41 cm-44 cm)
Seat pitch
n/a
38″ (96 cm)
n/a
36″ (91 cm)
31″ (78 cm)
Seat recline
n/a
6″ (15 cm)
n/a
5″ (12 cm)
3″ (7 cm)
Seat width
n/a
20.7″ (52.7 cm)
n/a
17.1″ (43.4 cm)
16.1″-17.1″ (40.8 cm-43.4 cm)
Seat pitch
38″ (96 cm)
n/a
n/a
37″ (93 cm)
31″ (78 cm)
Seat recline
7″ (19 cm)
n/a
n/a
5″ (12 cm)
3″ (7 cm)
Seat width
20″ (52 cm)
n/a
n/a
17″ (43 cm)
16″-17″ (40 cm-43 cm)
Seat pitch
37″ (93 cm)
n/a
n/a
34″ (86 cm)
30″-31″ (76 cm-78 cm)
Seat recline
5″ (12 cm)
n/a
n/a
3″ (7 cm)
2″ (5 cm)
Seat width
20″ (52 cm)
n/a
n/a
17″ (43 cm)
16″-17″ (41 cm-43 cm)
Seat pitch
37″ (93 cm)
n/a
n/a
34″ (86 cm)
30″ (76 cm)
Seat recline
6″ (15 cm)
n/a
n/a
5″ (12 cm)
3″ (7 cm)
Seat width
19″ (48 cm-50 cm)
n/a
n/a
17.7″ (45 cm)
17.7″ (45 cm)
Seat pitch
39″ (99 cm)
n/a
n/a
35″ (88 cm)
30″ (76 cm)
Seat recline
6″ (15 cm)
n/a
n/a
5″ (12 cm)
3″ (7 cm)
Seat width
19″ (48 cm – 50 cm)
n/a
n/a
17″ (43 cm)
17″ (43 cm)
United Express operates a further 5 aircraft through its partner airlines. You can view the aircraft and seat specs here .
United Business & First
Polaris Business & First
Premium Plus
Economy (Basic and Standard)
Hot Tip: Check out our post on United Airlines’ boarding policy so you’ll know what to expect from the boarding process as almost all airlines have a different procedure!
Customer satisfaction is a real mixed bag with United Airlines. Their social media channels and Tripadvisor reviews seem to attract many compliments from loyal customers, which is unusual as these outlets are often utilized to rant and rave about poor service!
Additionally, their PR team is pretty genius, sponsoring a number of great causes and shouting about their good deeds on social media — so even if the service was only mediocre for a customer, their philanthropic ways may improve consumer brand impression.
Lost baggage is a real gripe for United customers, being one of the most prominent issues on review sites. Also, inconsistencies of aircraft age can lead to disappointment in inflight amenities.
One customer complaint we found said they had experienced a seat-back entertainment system on once international flight and not on another. That’s going to disappoint any traveler.
United prides itself on their personal device entertainment, but this does rely on the customer having a smartphone/tablet at their disposal.
United Airlines had 1,169 complaints lodged against them from January-September 2018 according to the September 2018 Air Travel Consumer Report . The chart below represents the complaints by category.
There are a number of different review websites out there when it comes to airline ratings. Here are a few of the most popular so you can see the general consumer opinion for United Airlines.
Skytrax Ranking: 3 Star Airline (out of 5)
Skytrax Customer Rating: 3/10 (average from 2,594 reviews)
TripAdvisor Airline Review Rating: 3/5 (average from 36,791 reviews)
Kayak Customer Rating: 7/10 (average from 61,414 reviews)
AirHelp.com Overall Rating: 7.59/10 (departure/arrival performance, service, and satisfaction of claims processing)
Airlineratings.com Safety Rating : 7/7 (takes into consideration whether the airline has an IATA Operational Safety Audit Certification, government and crash records, plus information from the World’s Aviation Governing Body).
United Airlines supports numerous charities across their main hub locations and across the globe. It strives to be a more sustainable airline supporting environmental charities and operations such as Clean the World and Conservation International.
United also supports many youth projects, including Youth Guidance with the goal of inspiring future leaders.
Overall, customer satisfaction seems to be somewhere in the middle for United — and as with other legacy U.S. carriers, there will always be a place for the airline with reasonable fares and route availability.
United will never have the sass and style of Virgin Atlantic or the service and luxury of the Middle Eastern airlines, but it serves its purpose and does have a loyal customer base (although this may be dwindling slightly, with many referencing the “good old days” when United was great).
Their current focus seems to be on revamping their premium cabins, with their Polaris offering in business and first — but we’re hoping they don’t neglect economy for too much longer either.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .
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Introduction:
Flying with United Airlines offers various options for seat selection, each tailored to different passenger preferences and needs. Understanding United's seat selection policies, including their Basic Economy offering and methods for seat selection, is essential for a smooth and comfortable journey.
United Basic Economy is a fare option designed for travelers seeking the lowest possible price. While it provides access to the same amenities and services as standard economy, there are a few notable restrictions, particularly regarding United Airlines Seat Selection Policy :
1. Seat Assignment: With United Basic Economy, passengers are not allowed to select their seats in advance. Instead, seats are assigned at check-in or at the gate, which means there's a chance of being separated from travel companions or receiving less desirable seats.
2. Seat Upgrades: Passengers with Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for upgrades, including Economy Plus or premium cabin upgrades, regardless of their frequent flyer status.
3. Boarding Priority: Basic Economy passengers typically board last, after all other passengers, which can result in limited overhead bin space and a potentially longer boarding process.
For travelers who prefer more control over their seating arrangements, United offers several options for seat selection:
1. During Booking: The easiest way to select a seat is during the booking process. When purchasing your ticket online or through the United mobile app, you'll have the option to choose your seat from available options.
2. After Booking: If you didn't select a seat during booking, you can still do so later through the United website, mobile app, or by contacting United reservations. Keep in mind that seat availability may be limited, especially closer to the departure date.
3. United MileagePlus Status: Frequent United flyers with MileagePlus Premier status or higher enjoy complimentary seat selection, including Economy Plus and preferred seating, depending on their tier.
4. Paid Seat Selection: For passengers traveling on Basic Economy fares or those who want specific seat assignments, United offers paid seat selection. Prices vary depending on the route, seat type, and availability, with options ranging from standard economy seats to extra-legroom Economy Plus seats.
If you haven't selected a seat before arriving at the airport, there are still opportunities to secure your preferred seating:
1. Check-In Kiosk: Upon arriving at the airport, use the self-service check-in kiosks to check in for your flight. During this process, you'll have the option to select available seats.
2. Airport Counter: If you prefer assistance from a United representative, visit the airport counter to check in and request your seat assignment. Keep in mind that seat availability may be limited, especially during peak travel times.
3. Gate Agent: In some cases, seat assignments may only be available at the gate. Arrive early and speak with the gate agent to inquire about available seating options and any possible upgrades.
Navigating United Airlines' seat selection policies is key to ensuring a comfortable and stress-free travel experience. Whether you opt for United Basic Economy or prefer to select your seat in advance, understanding your options empowers you to make informed decisions that suit your preferences and budget. By utilizing the various methods for seat selection, you can secure the perfect spot for your journey with United Airlines.
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It’s quite interesting to see how United has modified their basic economy concept since introducing it early last year. United first introduced basic economy on select flights last February, and then extended it to almost all domestic flights last May.
United (in particular president Scott Kirby) was quite smug about the introduction of basic economy. Kirby thought for sure it would be successful if implemented across their network, and expected that better segmenting the marketing would generate a billion dollars in incremental revenue annually. When they presented the numbers, they did so based on the percentage of passengers they thought would opt for basic economy, and didn’t account for the customers they’d lose because of the introduction of basic economy.
The fact that an airline thinks they can introduce this without losing a significant percentage of their passengers shows how the US airline industry is desperately in need of more competition, because they basically feel like they have captive customers. The good news is that basic economy hasn’t worked out the way United had hoped, and they’ve backtracked on it quite a bit. Originally almost all domestic fares (even expensive last minute tickets) had basic economy, while now they’ve eliminated basic economy from many of their more expensive domestic fares.
Well, United has now decided that they want to segment their passenger base even further. One of the main restrictions on basic economy tickets has been that you can’t select a seat assignment in advance. As of February 1, 2018, United is letting basic economy passengers pay to assign their seats up until 24 hours before departure (at that point seat assignments become free).
As you’ll see during the booking process, the page asking you to choose whether you want a basic economy fare or not now says “choose a complimentary seat, or change or upgrade seats,” rather than “choose, change or upgrade seats.”
The next page shows “advance seat assignments may be available for purchase during booking and up until check-in opens.”
So, how much is United charging for seat assignments on basic economy fares? It will vary by flight, but for a Tampa to Chicago flight for later in the year, they’re charging $5 to assign a middle seat, $10 to assign a window seat, and $15 to assign an aisle seat.
For what it’s worth, the fare difference between economy and basic economy is only about $20 one-way
I guess there are two ways to view this change on United’s part:
What do you make of United now selling seat assignments on basic economy fares?
It's terrible. Have to pay extra for seats just to sit next to my family. I have flying anxiety and they choose to seperate people. Smh! Paying for a checked bag, no carry-on, it's sad.
Just flew to kona. Three legs of our journey from Toronto. Stupidly paid to have aisle seats beside each other. Got to the check in...no record of us having paid, even though it had a receipt on my phone to provide proof. We lost our economy plus seats, but got to sit together. I spoke to the gentleman who was sitting in the seat I selected and paid for....guess what...he had paid for...
Just flew to kona. Three legs of our journey from Toronto. Stupidly paid to have aisle seats beside each other. Got to the check in...no record of us having paid, even though it had a receipt on my phone to provide proof. We lost our economy plus seats, but got to sit together. I spoke to the gentleman who was sitting in the seat I selected and paid for....guess what...he had paid for same seat! Is that not THEFT AND DECEIT? The customer service people were well versed in platitudes and passing the buck WORST AIRLINE EVER. CREW MEMBER TOLD BE STOP WHINING AND SUCK IT UP WHAT.......????
United Airlines practices kangaroo seating of late. Should you buy two seats at the same time (Economy or Basic Economy - makes no difference), they will separate you as a matter of principle. I was on a four-seats-abreast plane with a family member - we were assigned 'A' and 'C', while another couple was assigned 'B' and 'D'. Funny the length an airline will go to try to spite you! Of course, we traded. Of...
United Airlines practices kangaroo seating of late. Should you buy two seats at the same time (Economy or Basic Economy - makes no difference), they will separate you as a matter of principle. I was on a four-seats-abreast plane with a family member - we were assigned 'A' and 'C', while another couple was assigned 'B' and 'D'. Funny the length an airline will go to try to spite you! Of course, we traded. Of course, when traveling with a bratty kid, it can be better to count on sitting in a different part of the plane from him. Let him be someone else's problem for a few hours while you nap.
Some people pay for more leg room because they are tall.
We found ourselves on UNITED last week only because our usual JETBLUE non-stop was sold out and UNITED offered a convenient travel time. We booked our BOS-IAD-AUS round trip through EXPEDIA which immediately books you into UNITED's "basic economy" fare. I later received a tersely worded email from UNITED explaining what "basic economy" means and what NOT to expect at this fare. I upgraded to "preferred seating" and for an additional $243.00 later, my wife...
We found ourselves on UNITED last week only because our usual JETBLUE non-stop was sold out and UNITED offered a convenient travel time. We booked our BOS-IAD-AUS round trip through EXPEDIA which immediately books you into UNITED's "basic economy" fare. I later received a tersely worded email from UNITED explaining what "basic economy" means and what NOT to expect at this fare. I upgraded to "preferred seating" and for an additional $243.00 later, my wife and myself were allowed to sit together. In ALL FOUR flight segments the gate agents felt the need to continually remind all "basic economy" passengers in a condescending tone that you board LAST, sit where you are assigned, have NO ACCESS to the overhead storage bins and you will need to stuff any personal belongings under the seat ahead. The tone in ALL FOUR flight segments was basically you are steerage and clearly not as welcome as boarding groups one through four. If UNITED is going to offer a "basic economy" product and try to compete with the LCC's , they really need to reconsider their marketing and correspondence and scripting at the gate agent level. If I want to fly a LCC, I can fly SOUTHWEST for less, have service with a smile and no $30.00 checked bag fee. I can fly SPIRIT for MUCH LESS if I want the condescension I received with UNITED. Having flown AMERICAN and DELTA basic economy over the last few years, the treatment you receive from them was seamless and unnoticeable, but UNITED feels the need to shove the basic economy rules and hyperbole down your throat from the moment you book your flight. I had not flown on UNITED for about 10 years and was skittish on using them again after the Dr. David Dao/United Express Flight 3411 incident and countless poor reviews online regarding their customer service. It seems not much has changed and UNITED's contempt towards it's customers is still there. This may have been my last trip on UNITED. So much for "The Friendly Skies"....
I'm flying South West Airlines next time. UA is way out of line when they charge $45 dollars for an isle seat.
I have two United credit cards. I bought a ticket to/from NYC. I still haven't a clue if I can check a bag for free or board with a carry-on for free. The flight is direct so I will just wait and see on the seat situation. United needs to better integrate the credit card benefits.
This makes me so mad!It just boils down to same fate for no consideration for the passengers.I will avoid United for the concept of same fate less service.Southwest or Alaska would be a good way to handle their portion of the passengers ,which should get smaller with this scheme!!!
They will keep doing this until some pervert molests a kid because the greedy airline put the parents 20 rows away from thier kids. Guess I will have to find another airline the actually cares about the welfare and safety of my family.
Airlines like United make so much money from first class, that they have a vested interest in making non first class passengers as uncomfortable as possible. This helps ensure people In First Class don't look back at steerage and say "that's not so bad!" This is been true for a long time, and they're expanding that model into economy itself. Making some economy seats smaller, and more uncomfortable. This is one more reason I refuse...
Airlines like United make so much money from first class, that they have a vested interest in making non first class passengers as uncomfortable as possible. This helps ensure people In First Class don't look back at steerage and say "that's not so bad!" This is been true for a long time, and they're expanding that model into economy itself. Making some economy seats smaller, and more uncomfortable. This is one more reason I refuse to fly in a domestic carrier other than Southwest. Their open seating model makes these sorts of games and possible.
“I guess the should just change their name to Frontier ”
@Joe no they shouldn’t. The expectations are different here. With ULCCs like Frontier, the baseline is that you’re buying a ticket with zero perks/amenities. People except nothing when they fly, so buying seats, bags, etc. are seen as an upgrade that is only available through incremental purchases. With legacy carriers people generally expect more. The idea that you’re choosing to downgrade from ‘the standard’...
@Joe no they shouldn’t. The expectations are different here. With ULCCs like Frontier, the baseline is that you’re buying a ticket with zero perks/amenities. People except nothing when they fly, so buying seats, bags, etc. are seen as an upgrade that is only available through incremental purchases. With legacy carriers people generally expect more. The idea that you’re choosing to downgrade from ‘the standard’ for a legacy carrier and then are going to start throwing money to move yourself back to the baseline is totally different. I don’t think people are dumb enough to choose the lowest legacy BE price and then pay-up to move back to a standard ticket they probs should’ve bought in the first place.
I think the bottom line is there are of dumb people, rich people, and rich dumb people. UA is just trying to relieve them of that extra cash.
I've never ever understood what would possess someone to pay $70-200 for legroom alone but I guess some people have money to burn!
I guess the should just change their name to Frontier ;-)
@Tom Schneider UA does not permit online check-in for Basic Economy tickets. You are required to see an agent so they can verify you don't have a carry-on.
Whatever,? ! As an ex UAX employee who worked in sales, sound like they are grasping for straws to see whatever will work. So sick of them and their logic
So will this allow Basic Economy fare purchasers the opportunity to buy an Economy Plus Seating Assignment for a fee as well?
I think there were a lot of people who bought BE on Expedia and Co websites without realizing it so this is their way of trying to goose some extra revenue from them.
Wow what an amazing customer friendly enhancement! So glad that United let's me unbundle all of these services and pick and choose exactly what I want!!
@Mike Perhaps I am missing something from your comment but you can receive your boarding pass via the United App. Hell, I just used the boarding pass on the app to pass through security at IAH a few minutes ago.
$5 middle seats make sense if you have a companion with an aisle/window on a separate, non-Basic ticket. And IMO that situation is rare enough that it's rather an insult to the customer to offer for sale the inflight equivalent of shit on a stick.
$20 is a typical increment for one leg between basic and regular economy, so if you pay $15 to get an aisle seat you've now reduced your savings and given up flexibility, a carry-on and mileage earning for a whopping $5!
I need a cheap last minute round trip to EWR Spirit and united were both a 6 am departure and cost $45 a week and a half before departure (one way) I chose spirit because I can get my boarding pass on the mobile app on my way to the airport I don’t want to be “policed” at the kiosk with my personal item in order to print my boarding pass. And have to arrive 10 minutes earlier Bad move United !!!!
Haven't flown on United since the merger with Continental, so no big deal to me. I expect that at some point United with be like Allegiant, Frontier, etc charging for everything little thing they can get away with.
@chesterwilson - The irony of paying for a seat assignment pushing you to fly an airline where a seat assignment isn't even possible is not lost.
I would pay $20 for a seat in first class. Not a penny just for a regular economy seat
I would pay $5 just for "not the back row" so I guess I would pay $5 for a middle seat just to avoid that, but in reality I would pay $10 or $15 for the aisle or window toward the middle of the plane.
That I will continue to fly Southwest Airlines whenever possible.
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It's terrible. Have to pay extra for seats just to sit next to my family. I have flying anxiety and they choose to seperate people. Smh! Paying for a checked bag, no carry-on, it's sad.
United Airlines practices kangaroo seating of late. Should you buy two seats at the same time (Economy or Basic Economy - makes no difference), they will separate you as a matter of principle. I was on a four-seats-abreast plane with a family member - we were assigned 'A' and 'C', while another couple was assigned 'B' and 'D'. Funny the length an airline will go to try to spite you! Of course, we traded. Of course, when traveling with a bratty kid, it can be better to count on sitting in a different part of the plane from him. Let him be someone else's problem for a few hours while you nap.
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Kyle Potter is the executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, covering everything from aviation news to travel deals to in-depth guides on using airline miles. A professional journalist, he joined the comp...
Basic economy fares have reshaped travel, as airlines charge travelers more for what they once got free. And United basic economy fares are easily among the worst of them all.
United has the single most-punitive restriction for basic economy flyers, so it pays to be hyper-vigilant about what you get and what you don't. We gave it the lowest score in our battle of basic economy that compared all three major U.S. airlines – and it wasn't particularly close.
But why is it so bad? What do you get, and what don't you get? And how can you make United basic economy a little less painful? Let's break it down.
No online check-in, either, pay up for seats, what routes have united basic economy fares, get some perks back with a united credit card, avoid a dreaded middle seat selection.
What does united basic economy include, what is united basic economy.
United basic economy is much like a basic economy ticket on any other U.S. carrier: It's the airline's cheapest fare.
And while it gets you the same standard economy seat and experience once you get on the plane, it's loaded with restrictions that can make it more painful.
There's no way to spin this one: United has some of the worst basic economy fares out there of any major U.S. airline. Take a look:
United's basic economy fares are easily the worst among the major U.S. airlines. And there are no signs that it will get any better.
Unless if you're flying to Europe or other long-haul destinations, you won't get a carry-on bag. That alone is proof that United is hoping to force flyers to pay up for a main cabin economy fare – generally another $70 to $80 or more on a roundtrip ticket within the U.S. … and a whopping $200 over to Europe and back.
Only JetBlue with its Blue Basic fares previously matched this punitive policy … and even JetBlue has wised up: Their cheapest fares will get a carry-on bag back soon .
These fares are a huge cash cow for United and other airlines. And unfortunately, basic economy fares are generally priced at what main cabin fares once were. On United and other airlines, you're paying the same amount but getting less with basic economy.
Read more: No, You're Not Getting a Good Deal on a Basic Economy Fare
One saving grace of United basic economy? Unlike Delta basic economy , you'll still earn both redeemable United MileagePlus miles and at least some credits toward United elite status. After a brutal change in late 2021 , you no longer earn either with Delta.
Still, a few things about these fares are worth highlighting even further – some good, but mostly bad.
Let's start with the bad news: No carry-ons.
Unless you're flying across the Atlantic Ocean or to another long-haul international destination, all you get is a small personal item like a backpack when flying. And United executives say they have no plans to change this, even as both Delta and American allow carry-ons for all basic economy passengers. It's the most restrictive fare for the airline and the harshest measure of any basic economy fare in the U.S.
And that comes with a double whammy…
Because you can't bring a carry-on bag onboard, you have to finalize checking in for your flight at the airport. Yes, that's right: No online check-in when flying United basic economy.
Some travelers who purchase basic economy might be able to check in online if they're also checking a bag. But that's a moot point: You'll have to go to the desk at the airport to check your bag, regardless.
Read more about checking in online with United!
If there's one upside to United basic economy, it's the ability to pay for a seat assignment.
The window to pay up for seat selection opens right when you book your flight – earlier than you'll find on many airlines. And the price is often right: We've seen seat selection fees as low as $10 or so a seat . Generally, seats toward the back of the plane are the cheapest. And a middle seat will almost always cost you less than an aisle or window.
Right now, United Basic Economy has been rolled out on all routes heading to the following locations:
That's right: Practically every single route in United's network features basic economy at the starting point. Even ultra-long-haul flights to Singapore (SIN) and Sydney (SYD) have basic economy, though you can at least bring a carry-on bag and also get a free checked bag with these fares.
There are no two ways about it: Flying on a United basic economy ticket can be a drag. Luckily, there are a few ways you can make it a little less painful.
The easiest way to beat some of these restrictions is by holding one of United's co-branded credit cards like the *united explorer card* .
Among the other benefits of the card, you'll be able to bring on carry-on luggage – as will any other travelers booked on your itinerary. You'll also get a checked bag for free, as will one companion else booked on your reservation.
Read more on United Airlines baggage fees !
And you'll also all get priority boarding – a significant improvement, considering United basic economy flyers typically board last.
But there's one catch: You have to pay for your ticket with the United Explorer card in order to get those benefits . It's one of the few airline credit cards that require you to pay with the card in order to get the perks.
Learn more about the *united explorer card*
On paper, you don't get to select your seat with a United basic economy fare. But in practice, that's not quite true.
United sells seat selection to basic economy flyers for an additional fee. The window to pay up for a seat assignment is open from the moment you buy your ticket. Better yet, the fees are typically quite reasonable.
Just be warned: United may try to sell you a “bundle” with seat assignment. These typically aren't a good deal – you can buy it later for much cheaper.
So just click past it and proceed through checkout and you'll get the option to pay for a seat a la carte. Take a look at the seat map for an upcoming flight from Houston-Intercontinental (IAH) to Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD), and you'll see that a window seat starts at just $13. A preferred seat towards the front of the cabin, meanwhile, is $27 per passenger.
The price will vary from flight to flight, but those rates are about average. 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. Not only will the number of available seats shrink as your departure approaches, but the price for a seat will likely increase, too. No matter what, you won't be able to upgrade from basic economy to an economy plus or first class seat.
And Unlike with Delta, you can't move around the cabin to get an available seat for free after the 24-hour check-in window opens when flying basic economy with United. But the ability to pay for a seat from day one is unrivaled.
That brings up an important point: You need to do the math on whether it makes sense to go for basic economy and add extra costs compared to buying a more-inclusive main cabin economy fare outright.
If a main cabin fare costs an additional $70 or more roundtrip, going for a cheaper United basic economy fare could make sense.
What's the difference between basic economy and economy on united.
The names may sound similar, but make no mistake: These two types of airfare are not the same. And too many United Airlines flyers find that out the hard way.
Comparing United basic economy vs economy boils down to one simple fact: United's basic economy tickets have fewer perks compared to a main cabin economy fare.
One major – and painful – difference is that with a United basic economy ticket, passengers are given a much smaller baggage allowance. United flyers with a basic economy ticket are not allowed to put a carry-on in the overhead bin – they're limited to one small personal item underneath the seat. With a normal economy fare, you can bring a normal carry-on bag onboard.
Because of that, basic economy passengers cannot check in online or via the United app. Basic economy passengers are forced to check in at the airline's counter at the airport. You also can't pick a seat for free with a United basic economy ticket, while you can with a standard economy fare.
One last notable difference comparing United basic economy vs economy comes with earning status with United. With a basic economy fare, you'll earn half the credits toward MileagePlus status as you do with a normal economy ticket: You earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) but not Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs).
And you won't be eligible for complimentary upgrades, either.
United Economy is your standard airline fare, and it's typically more expensive than the basic economy fare. Here’s a summary of what United Economy includes:
Along with some noticeable restrictions, here’s a final quick summary of what United Basic Economy includes:
There's no doubt about it: United basic economy fares are a pain. And given how much money the airline makes on them, they're not going away anytime soon.
They're among the most restrictive fares you'll find in the skies. While almost every other airline allows you to bring a carry-on bag while flying basic economy, United does not. And that means you can't check in online, either.
On the plus side, seat selection fees are often more than reasonable if you don't want to get stuck in a middle seat. And carrying a United co-branded credit card can make a lot of the pain of basic economy fade away.
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Kyle Potter is the executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, covering everything from aviation news to travel deals to in-depth guides on using airline miles. A professional journalist, he joined the company in November 2018 after five years covering state and national politics for T...
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Delta offers the ability to pay for a seat assignment on basic economy now too. Up to 24 hours before departure. Flew basic just yesterday PHX MSP and received an email two days before departure with the option to buy a seat assignment. Was only $20.
I just flew united basic economy and you are allowed to do online check in. It states you might have to wait to get assigned a seat at the airport but only one flight out of four didn’t give me a seat assignment till 2 hours before flight. Also they stated a very specific size bag that can go on and my backpack was bigger than stated but had no problem bringing it on.
I booked basic economy to Finland and I am allowed a personal item and a carry on….
That’s because it was to Europe. He said it’s allowed on international flights.
I purchased basic economy ticked from Poland to Newark NJ with the United Explorer Card. I was wondering if theres any chance to get an upgrade at the boarding counter or just pay for the upgrade on the united.com website. Anybody had luck getting the upgrade at the boarding counter?
I purchased a United basic economy fare, not aware of carry-on restriction. I never heard of such a thing. Big rip off by United. I won’t be fooled into flying this airline again.
I have realized that buying UA basic economy fare charges for carryon. I got going to chicago tickets one way was AA with free carryon then coming back was UA and I have to pay for it! Learned it the hard way, did not save at all!
How much did they charge you for your carry on?
Just got taken in by the basic economy fare. Wish I had read your excellent post first! (Since when did one of the major non-economy airlines start charging for carry-on’s!?!). There’s a reason I never liked United — and now there are more reasons.
With basic fare ( we the poor ) can’t check in and can’t have a carry on lane. Why even bother sending emails, txt message etc to check in if it’s not possible? They found a way to make more money. Next thing you won’t be able to arrive early to airport unless you pay an extra fee.
You can check in online if you check a bag. He didn’t mention that at first. I don’t think Basic Economy is that bad honestly. I’m saving $100 for my flight AND I’m checking two bags. But it’s a lot of math and calculations if you have the time.
Would love to benefit from your math and calculations. I have the time and would love to be able to check a bag while flying basic economy.
some body knows about carry on cost?
Are you allowed a small tote and a purse if traveling on UA from Chicago to Maui?
Likely just one or the other.
Just a heads up, as much as I’ve discovered that United basic economy purchasers are definitely shamed from United by making it the most restrictive ticket you can buy(like n intentional way to hit you with fees after saving on your ticket while also making sure you feel poor and humiliated on the way)- not allowing seat choice, not any single carry on except 1 purse etc, last to board so everyone knows you got a cheap ticket, and not allowing families or groups to sit together- one correction to your article is that I was able to check in online ahead of time. If your checking luggage you can then check in online, but I believe without luggage you cannot. Not sure where people are traveling with no carry on or checked bags so most people will be able to check in online and avoid doing it in person at the airport.
I fly United basic economy often. Also charge the trip on the United card. Not really a problem for me. Get my free carry-on, priority boarding and am rarely assigned a middle seat. Always able to check in on the app 24 hours before the flight. And when I do I can change my seat for free on the app. But you have to be quick. Not to a great seat but can occasionally move to an aisle or window seat or up a few rows. still stuck in row 31 or above, but it works for me.
Basic economy Newark to Dublin, what carry on am I allowed
One carry-on bag 22″ x 14″ x 9″ is allowed for Basic Economy Newark to Dublin. Also one personal item.
I booked a Basic Economy flight from Boston to Denver and then later paid for a seat choice. I am not sure now which class that puts me in. The question is am I allowed a carry on along with my personal item now?
No, you’ll still be unable to bring a carry-on bag despite paying for a seat assignment.
We have the United Explorer card. According to the fine print, only the card holder and one companion can bring a carry on and check one piece of luggage for free. Everyone else on the reservation must stick to the 1 personal item and pay for checked bags.
HI, considering that if the UA flight is transcontinental, hand luggage is allowed in Basic economy, does anyone know/has experienced whether it is also possible to check in online? Thanks to whoever will respond
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United Airlines said more than 18,000 passengers managed to avoid a middle seat last month, even when they thought all hope was lost.
The airline announced a new feature in its app in March that allows travelers to designate a seating preference in their reservation and get moved automatically, for free, if a better seat opens on their flight. The options include window, aisle, exit or bulkhead rows.
Almost 40% of travelers who made the requests were able to move into their desired location prior to departure, according to United.
United will move passengers into their preferred seat type if it becomes available in the same class of service as their original seat up to 12 hours before departure.
Most travelers go out of their way to avoid the middle seat, but seasoned flyers often have preferred rows or specific seats that are to their liking.
Sites like aeroLOPA can help passengers figure out which seat has the best window alignment, for example, and can inform how they set their preferences in United’s app.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].
One of a number of handy elements to the airline's app.
COURTESY OF United AIRLINES
Getting out of a middle seat on your next flight may be as simple as a tap away.
United Airlines introduced a feature this spring that automatically moves passengers to a preferred seat when it opens up before departure, and now there is new data showing it's working. "In July alone, United switched 18,000+ passengers to their preferred seat - that's nearly 40% of eligible customers," United shared in a release to Travel + Leisure.
The seat-switching feature is available to passengers who utilize United’s mobile app. Within their reservation, they can select a preference of moving to a window or aisle seat, and the app will work in the background to accommodate the request and make the switch when a seat opens up.
Courtesy of United Airlines
This feature removes the dread of constantly opening up a seat map on the airline’s website hoping something better will become available. United's example shows how a passenger who was assigned a window seat in the last row was moved to several rows up in an aisle seat. “We'll automatically assign it to you and update you with your new seat info," United says about the feature on their website . United has been on the move with other ways to automatically help passengers and accommodate requests. For example, during severe weather or operational difficulties, the airline takes proactive steps to rebook passengers. During the last three months, 47 percent of passengers who needed rebooking were rebooked through the automated service or through self-service options, according to the airline’s recent earnings report . United's Chief Customer Officer Linda Jojo previously shared with T+L the steps the airline was taking to enhance technology to become a time-saver for passengers. The executive shared how travelers who use the airline’s app save an extra 30 minutes at the airport, on average, by utilizing features such as bag drop shortcut, and turn-by-turn directions within the airport itself.
Since the flight is operated by Lufthansa you can't choose the seats on the United Website. You are redirected to the Lufthansa website. on the LH.com website you find a note :
"Conditions of your ticket do not allow for seat reservations on LH.com. Please contact our service center at:
1-800-645-3880 or select seats during check-in."
I called the number and the LH rep told me that an advanced seat reservation is $40 per seat, or get free seat assignments 23 hour before departure. I told her that I bought the more expensive ticket so that I can choose my seats. We are a family of four and want to sit together and we don't want to sit next to the lavatory. The LH rep basically told me that I can pay for the seats or complain with United.
Called back United, they said they can't do anything because the Lufthansa rules apply.
So here I paid United $150/ticket extra to get advanced seat assignments and then Lufthansa wants to charge me an additional fee of $40/ticket.
Basically the airlines want me to pay TWICE for ONE advanced seat assignment.
Any advice how to resolve this issue?
Other than pay Lufthansa to select seats, no. You can argue more with united that they didn’t make the seat assignment policy clear but I don’t think it’ll get you anywhere. Economy has more advantages over basic economy than just seat selection so I think United will say they provided what you bought, an economy ticket. You’re getting the free bag plus ability to change for the extra cost.
Fares have become very complicated as to what is included. You really have to check out all of the details before purchasing, as things change for many reasons. Domestic and international rules can be different, such as you get one free bag on UA for an international trip in Economy ( I believe BE pays $60 for the first bag) but not domestic, unless you fly in a higher class (BC or FC), have their credit card, or other status. Seat assignments are tricky as to when you get free seat assignments in advance and when you don't. Most European airlines seem to charge for advance seat assignments.
Certainly gets confusing but from my experiences with codeshares, especially on UA, I don't think you're going to win any arguments with UA or LH.
"With economy: Complimentary seat assignments are only offered when available on United and United Express flights . There may be a charge for Economy seat assignments on our partner airlines ."
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
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If at any point, should I be concerned about not having an assigned seat for an upcoming flight?
I have heard that seats are assigned on a priority basis so I'm wondering if it's possible that I could miss out on a flight just based on my low class fare type and lack of seat availability. If so, is there a way to prevent/minimize that from happening?
Edit: my fare type is economy fully refundable class V
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We have booked tickets thru United for San Francisco to Frankfurt to Tallinn. The Frankfurt to Tallinn flight is on Lufthansa. We were able to secure seat assignments on the United portion of the flight but not the Lufthansa part.
The Lufthansa website indicates that the seat assignments are not made until 23 hours prior to check-in.
That is disturbing. Has anyone Experienced this? Does anyone have any idea how to get seat assignments in this case?
We've had this twice with Lufthansa code share flights. That's just how it works.
That's exactly how it worked for me on my last UA/Lufthansa codeshare flight. I avoided it for my upcoming trip by purchasing a flight marketed and operated by one airline, United. Admittedly, this limited my options.
One piece of good news that I read is that Lufthansa will reserve a block of seats for the codeshare flyers to book when they open the 23 hour checkin window. I was ready when that window opened. For some reason I recall that it may have been earlier than 23 hours, but that could have been due to my not knowing which timezone to use. My foggy recollection is that it wasn't my departure timezone.
The Frankfurt to Tallinn leg is a short flight so very few people will pay for an advance seat assignment. You will get a seat assignment when you check in.
Yes, you pay for seat assignments if you want them in advance.
As Laura from Virginia noted, this will be a short flight ... I would just take whatever seats are assigned. Flying Transatlantic (Munich - SFO) on Lufthansa a few years ago we called up in Munich within the 23-hour window and reserved OK seats for free.
It makes a difference if you buy air tickets from a third-party, like a travel site. If you bought from United, there us a chance you can get the LUFTHANSA confirmation code for the trip, and get an online seat assignment. Wait three days after the purchase.
Yup, that is how it works. That is an inter-European flight and not your hop across the pond so they won't assign seats until much closer to the flight. You have your long haul assignments so you should be good to go.
As Tim suggests, do get the Lufthansa confirmation number. I always like to have that for any code share flight anyway. If you have a special need, perhaps Lufthansa can help...try calling them. Or use your Lufthansa confirmation number to log in and see if you can buy an advance seat assignment on your own.
Yes just a few days ago, I booked an international flight through United.....using United on the initial flight and Swiss Air on the return flight. I received both United and Swiss Air confirmation numbers. I was able to secure seats on the United flight segment and not the Swiss Air segment. Even more troubling was not being able to pull up my flight reservation under Swiss Air. I called United and representative was great. They confirmed the reservation was properly scheduled with Swiss Air and fixed the problem so I could pull up the flight information under both United and Swiss Air. They waited on the phone until I confirmed access on the Swiss Air login. They then transferred my call to Swiss Air representatives. I was concerned that I inadvertently selected a restricted fare with no seat assignment and extra bag fees. Swiss Air confirmed this was not a restricted fare, As others have posted, free seat assignments are selected during flight check about 24 hours before the flight and I was given the option to purchase advanced seat assignments starting at $29 for each seat. If, sitting together on Lufthansa is important, suggest going on-line to their website or calling them and pre-pay additional fees to secure the seat assignments.
Have you tried calling Lufthansa to ask for a seat assignment? I have booked flights with United and Lufthansa and they gave me the seat assignment in advance. You will need to give them your confirmation number.
I have flown several times on Air Canada/Lufthansa combined routes. In each case I obtained Lufthansa seat assignments from them well in advance using the data contained in my Air Canada reservations. And yes, I had to pay in advance, separately, to Lufthansa. Maybe it's a nuisance, but it works. Anyhow these days I pay in advance for seat assignments on most airlines so it's nothing new.
This is what is happening now. In the past two years, I've not been able to book a seat on a codeshare flight to Europe no matter if I was paying in advance or not. It's some new rule that seems to have taken effect in the past few years. I did once keep phoning Lufthansa till I got someone to agree to give me an aisle seat, which I believe I did pay for. You just have to have your computer all lined up, ready to press the right button at the exact second, 24 hrs pre flight these days.
You might try calling Lufthansa to see what they say. I have at times gotten seat assigned this way. However since it is a short flight u prob will not have a prob. Hopefully u have no preferences
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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.
United Airlines seat selection isn't the simplest process out there. Here's all you need to know about United seat assignment and United selection fees.
A preferred seat is closer to the front of the plane, putting you in the first few rows behind Economy Plus. Learn more about Preferred Seating.
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For your next United flight, use this seating chart to get the most comfortable seats, legroom, and recline on .
If you're flying on United's new Boeing 737 MAX 8, you'll want to learn where to sit and which seats to avoid to make sure you don't next up next to a missing window or choose a seat that doesn't recline.
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United Airlines automatically changed seats for 18,000 passengers last month - 40% of eligible flyers. New feature notifies passengers of preferred seat availability and rebooks automatically ...
Do you know the ins-and-outs of United's fare types, baggage allowances and fees/add-ons? This helpful guide covers all you need to know about United Airlines.
4. Paid Seat Selection: For passengers traveling on Basic Economy fares or those who want specific seat assignments, United offers paid seat selection. Prices vary depending on the route, seat type, and availability, with options ranging from standard economy seats to extra-legroom Economy Plus seats.
As of February 1, 2018, United is letting basic economy passengers pay to assign their seats up until 24 hours before departure (at that point seat assignments become free).
United sells seat selection to basic economy flyers for an additional fee. The window to pay up for a seat assignment is open from the moment you buy your ticket.
Advance seat assignments are restricted for this flight. Please select a seat during check-in." Is this a normal United policy? Why was I allowed to select seats in the first place? If seats can't be assigned then why are there some seats greyed out (unavailable) on the seat selection page? Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 13 replies Sorted by
United Airlines | MileagePlus - United flight/Lufthansa booking: how to get a seat assignment - I have a Lufthansa booking that includes a United flight. I would like to pick a seat but am not able to as UA's site doesn't recognize the booking.
United online check in - no seat assignment??? 6 years ago. I just did my online check in for a United flight tomorrow night from NYC to Nova Scotia. The seat section was blank, and when I got the emailed copy of the boarding pass, under seat assignment it says "see agent". I have never encountered this before, we fly a lot but never United.
Learn about the benefits of booking Economy Plus including extra legroom, a seat near the front of the Economy section, and more.
Seat assignment question (United premium plus) Jun 22, 2024, 10:16 AM. I bought tickets for our recent flight to Europe on the United website for United run flights. I purchased them about 6.5 months before we traveled. When I purchased them, I chose our seats. I printed out the email confirmation page that showed our seat assignments and I ...
United Airlines' app feature automatically switches you to to your preferred seat if you adjust your settings right.
United changes my seat assignment with no notification. Question. I choose my seat assignment when I book my ticket and when I go to check-in United has moved me to a middle seat. They do not notify me that this has happened. I understand that sometimes plane changes occur and they need to move people seat, but you should get a notification ...
This United App Feature Saved Thousands From Dreaded Middle Seats — What to Know for Your Next Flight. One of a number of handy elements to the airline's app.
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So here I paid United $150/ticket extra to get advanced seat assignments and then Lufthansa wants to charge me an additional fee of $40/ticket. Basically the airlines want me to pay TWICE for ONE advanced seat assignment.
Check in right when check in opens and hopefully you'll get an assignment. If regular economy is full they'll eventually give you a company plus but they may not be until closer to flight time. There's a slightly increased chance if denied boarding with no seat assignment, but they are supposed to ask for volunteers first. 1.
seat assignment question: United operated by Lufthansa. I'm researching multi-city flights from seattle-venice, rome-seattle for Spring 2020. Premium economy is not available for the dates I'm looking at on Lufthansa. However, on the United site I can find flights operated by Lufthansa and am given the opportunity to select premium economy.
United Airlines Lufthansa Seat Assignments. We have booked tickets thru United for San Francisco to Frankfurt to Tallinn. The Frankfurt to Tallinn flight is on Lufthansa. We were able to secure seat assignments on the United portion of the flight but not the Lufthansa part. The Lufthansa website indicates that the seat assignments are not made ...
Basic Economy saves you on ticket price while getting most of the same inflight services as standard Economy. Book and enjoy services like drinks, snacks and inflight entertainment.
The United States beat host France 98-87 to win the gold medal in the 2024 Olympic men's basketball tournament at Bercy Arena. ... For the men's gold medal game, celebrities have seat assignments.