Last updated: September 8, 2026 · Seat fees vary by route and demand — confirm current prices on United’s official seats page.
Quick answer
United Basic Economy is auto-assigned at check-in (free) — pay from about $15 to choose in advance. Preferred seats start near $24 (Basic Economy $36), and Economy Plus extra-legroom runs $29–$299 by route. Standard Economy and above can select a standard seat.
By fare
- Standard Economy+: select a standard seat.
- Basic Economy: auto-assigned; pay from ~$15 to pick early.
Preferred & Economy Plus
Preferred: from ~$24/flight ($36 on Basic Economy). Economy Plus (extra legroom): the Economy/Economy Plus seat range is $29–$299 per flight depending on demand.
Sitting together
Basic Economy seats are assigned at check-in and can be split up. To guarantee adjacent seats, pay to select in advance or choose a standard fare.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pick my seat for free on United?
Standard Economy and above can select a standard seat; Basic Economy is auto-assigned at check-in for free, or you can pay from about $15 to choose in advance.
How much is United seat selection for Basic Economy?
Advance seat selection typically starts around $15 per flight; Preferred seating for Basic Economy starts near $36.
What is United Economy Plus and what does it cost?
Economy Plus is extra-legroom Economy seating; seat selection costs across Economy/Economy Plus range roughly $29–$299 per flight, by route and demand.
How much are United Preferred seats?
Preferred seating starts around $24 per flight for standard Economy tickets.
Do Basic Economy passengers get seats together?
Not guaranteed — seats are assigned at check-in and may be split. Paying to select in advance is the way to sit together.
Related resources
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