Economy Plus Seats on United Airlines – The Complete Guide for Smart Travelers
Booking economy plus seats on United Airlines is straightforward. Passengers can choose to purchase the upgrade while booking their ticket, during online check-in, or directly at the airport. United MileagePlus members may also use miles to secure these seats, depending on their membership status and availability. For travelers holding Premier status with United, complimentary access to economy plus seating may be offered, further enhancing the value of the loyalty program. Additionally, the airline often allows passengers to upgrade during the boarding process if open seats remain.
When booking your next flight with United Airlines, choosing the right seat can significantly improve your travel experience. For passengers who want more comfort without the cost of First or Business Class, Economy Plus is an ideal option. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about Economy Plus seats on United Airlines, from benefits and pricing to availability and booking tips.
What Are Economy Plus Seats?
Economy Plus is a seating upgrade offered by United Airlines within the Economy cabin. These seats are located in the front rows of Economy and offer extra legroom, making your journey more comfortable—especially on longer flights.
Unlike United First or Polaris Business, Economy Plus is still part of the main Economy class but provides premium features that make a big difference, especially for frequent travelers or taller passengers.
Key Features of United Economy Plus
Economy Plus on United Airlines offers several benefits that enhance the overall travel experience:
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Extra Legroom: Up to 6 inches more than standard Economy seats
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Preferred Cabin Location: Seats are closer to the front, allowing faster boarding and deplaning
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Available on Most Aircraft: Including Boeing 737s, 757s, 777s, 787s, and Airbus A319/A320
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Free Seating for Premier Members: MileagePlus Premier members can select Economy Plus at no charge
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Access to United Wi-Fi and entertainment options
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Standard seat width with added comfort from pitch and recline
How Much Legroom Do You Really Get?
While standard United Economy seats offer 30–31 inches of pitch, Economy Plus seats provide 34–36 inches. This extra space allows:
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Easier movement during the flight
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More comfort when using laptops or tablets
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Greater ability to recline without disturbing the person behind you
This is especially beneficial on long-haul international flights where comfort becomes critical.
Pricing and Cost of Economy Plus Seats
The price of an Economy Plus seat varies based on:
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Flight distance
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Route popularity
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Seat availability
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When you upgrade (at booking vs. during check-in)
Typical upgrade fees range between $20 and $200 per segment.
You can purchase Economy Plus:
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At the time of booking
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After booking via "Manage Reservations"
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During check-in
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At the gate (limited availability)
Pro Tip: Prices are usually lowest when added during the initial booking process.
Who Can Access Economy Plus for Free?
United Airlines rewards its MileagePlus Premier members with complimentary access to Economy Plus seats:
| Premier Level | Free Access to Economy Plus |
|---|---|
| Premier Silver | Yes, at check-in (if available) |
| Premier Gold | Yes, at booking |
| Premier Platinum & 1K | Yes, at booking |
| Star Alliance Gold | Not automatically, but may receive upgrades |
In addition, travelers can purchase an Economy Plus Subscription, which gives year-round access for all eligible flights.
How to Book an Economy Plus Seat
Booking or upgrading to Economy Plus is easy and can be done through multiple channels:
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During Booking: Select your seat during the checkout process on united.com or the United app.
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Manage Reservations: After booking, log in to view your flight and change seats.
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Check-In: Online check-in offers the last chance to upgrade.
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Airport Kiosk or Gate: Limited seats may be available.
Tip: Use the United mobile app for real-time seat availability and upgrade alerts.
Aircrafts Offering Economy Plus Seats
United Airlines offers Economy Plus on nearly all of its mainline fleet:
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Boeing 737-800 / 737 MAX 9
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Boeing 757-200 / 757-300
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Boeing 767-300 / 767-400ER
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Boeing 777-200 / 777-300ER
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Boeing 787-8 / 787-9 / 787-10
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Airbus A319 / A320
Many United Express regional jets also include a few rows of Economy Plus.
Economy Plus vs Economy vs Premium Plus
Let’s compare United’s seating tiers:
| Feature | Economy | Economy Plus | Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Pitch | 30-31” | 34-36” | 38” |
| Seat Width | 17-18” | 17-18” | 18-19” |
| Recline | Standard | Standard (more space behind) | Enhanced |
| Extra Perks | None | Extra legroom | Upgraded meals, amenity kits, larger seats |
| Priority Services | No | No | Yes |
| Price | Base fare | Additional fee | Higher fare |
If you want comfort at a lower price, Economy Plus is a smart balance between value and space.
Is Economy Plus Worth It?
Absolutely—especially if you’re:
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Tall or broad-shouldered
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Traveling on a long-haul or red-eye flight
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Carrying work gear and need space to be productive
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Seeking a more peaceful experience (front cabin = quieter)
It’s a budget-friendly alternative to Business Class without sacrificing comfort.
Can You Book Economy Plus for Family or Groups?
Yes! When booking multiple tickets, you can choose Economy Plus seats for all travelers in your party. However, each seat requires an individual fee unless all travelers are Premier members eligible for free upgrades.
Final Thoughts: Economy Plus is the Smart Upgrade
Economy Plus on United Airlines is an excellent investment for travelers looking to improve comfort without significantly increasing the ticket price. With generous legroom, preferred seating location, and wide availability across routes, it’s a popular choice among business and leisure flyers alike.Whether you're flying across the country or halfway across the globe, upgrading to Economy Plus can turn a cramped flight into a comfortable journey.
