Close

United Check-in

  • Planes & Seat Maps

How can I check in for my United Airlines (UA) flight?

You may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight with the following options:

  • Online check-in (Web check-in)
  • Mobile check-in
  • Voice check-in
  • Auto check-in
  • Curbside check-in at the airport
  • Self-service kiosk check-in at the airport
  • Ticket counter check-in at the airport

Does United Airlines (UA) have online web check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight online starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mobile boarding pass on your mobile device or a printable boarding pass. You may use this option if:

  • you have an electronic ticket and the first flight is on United Airlines (UA)
  • you may access your reservation with your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account
  • you are not a special needs passenger (for example an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a pet)

Can I check bags with the United Airlines (UA) online web check-in?: Yes, you may check bags but you must drop them at the airport baggage drop before the check-in deadline for your flight.

Can I pay bag fees with the United Airlines (UA) online web check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat with the United Airlines (UA) online web check-in?: Yes

Does United Airlines (UA) offer mobile check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight with your mobile device starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mo-bile boarding pass on your mobile device. You may use this option if:

  • you are not a special needs passenger (for example, an unaccompanied minor)
  • you are departing from an airport which accepts mobile boarding passes (if not, then you may check-in and print a boarding pass at the self-service kiosk or ticket counter)

Does United Airlines (UA) offer curbside check-in? (US Carriers only)

Yes, you may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight curbside at most U S airport locations from 30 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination). You will need your photo ID and also your flight reservation code, flight number destination, or electronic ticket number to check-in. Please check United Airlines (UA) website for an exact list of participating airports and minimum check-in times.

Does United Airlines (UA) offer self-service kiosk check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight at the airport self-service kiosk from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags with the United Airlines (UA) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees with the United Airlines (UA) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat with the United Airlines (UA) self-service kiosk check-in?: Yes

Does United Airlines (UA) offer ticket counter check-in?

Yes, you may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight at the airport ticket counter from 30 minutes to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) and receive a printed boarding pass.

Can I check bags at the United Airlines (UA) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I pay bag fees at the United Airlines (UA) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

Can I select or change my seat at the United Airlines (UA) ticket counter check-in?: Yes

What is United Airlines (UA) Voice Check-in?

Voice Check-in allows quick and easy check in for your United flight over the phone if you do not have access to the Internet or a mobile device. Customers traveling within the U.S. or Canada with less than 10 people in their party are eligible for voice check-in.

With Voice Check-in, you may tell the number of bags you want to check, hear your baggage service charges and arrange either for your boarding documents to be delivered by email or to pick them up at an airport kiosk.

To use this option you will need to call 1-800-864-8331 and say "check in" during the automated menu.

What is Auto Check-in?

When you check in for the first segment of your flight, if your itinerary is eligible, then you will be given the option to select Auto Check-in for the remaining segment or a return flight. When your remaining segment or return flight departure is within the 24-hour window, Auto Check-in will take the necessary steps to check you in for the flight. When you select this feature, you'll choose how you prefer to receive your boarding pass, such as by email or mobile device (where applicable), or print at an airport kiosk.

Does United Airlines (UA) charge a fee for a seat assignment?

United Airlines (UA) does not charge a fee for selecting a standard seat assignment.

When do I need to check-in for my United Airlines (UA) flight?

The minimum time to check-in for a United Airlines (UA) flight is:

  • 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
  • 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US

When do I need to arrive at the airport for my United Airlines (UA) flight?

Suggested arrival time:

  • 1 hour before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
  • 2 hours before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US*

Minimum required check-in time with carry-on baggage baggage:

  • 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights*
  • 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US*

Minimum required check-in time with checked baggage:

  • 45 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights*

*Several heavy travel U S domestic cities have minimum check-in time of 45 minutes and some non-U S cities have minimum check-in times of 75 to 90 minutes. Check united.com for exact details.

When do I need to be at the boarding gate?

Boarding closes at the following times for United Airlines (UA) flights:

  • 15 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights
  • 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for most international flights to/from the US. Some non-US airports close boarding 60 minutes before scheduled departure time. Check united.com for exact details.

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

  • Credit cards
  • View all credit cards
  • Banking guide
  • Loans guide
  • Insurance guide
  • Personal finance
  • View all personal finance
  • Small business
  • View all small business
  • View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Navigate Costly Airline Seat Selection Fees

Sam Kemmis

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Airlines always seem to have one more trick up their sleeves for adding fees to the cost of airfare. Anyone who has flown in the past few years knows that some airlines now charge for basics, like carry-on bags and a printed boarding ticket. Yet one sneaky charge is often ignored by even savvy travelers: seat selection fees.

On the surface, there’s nothing complicated about these fees. Some airlines will let you select a specific seat for a markup on the base cost of your ticket. However, the way the fees are presented is often misleading, making it seem like you must select a seat and pay the accompanying fee.

united airlines seat assignment policy

A seat selection chart from Frontier Airlines.

This approach, in which companies add fees throughout the checkout process, is called “drip pricing” by experts. And research indicates that it's an effective sales tactic, both for confusing customers and driving up overall prices.

But here’s the thing: You almost never have to pay these fees. Here’s how to avoid — or at least minimize — these pesky fees.

Ways to avoid seat selection fees

Skip seat selection altogether.

Though it might sound scary, there's one weird trick airlines don’t want you to know: You don’t have to select a seat. On most airlines, you'll get assigned a seat at check-in or at the gate if you don’t already have one.

Some airlines make it seem like you must (or at least should) select a seat during checkout. Frontier Airlines even has a graphic interstitial page telling you why selecting a seat is such a great option.

united airlines seat assignment policy

Don’t fall for it. You can always skip seat selection and save the money, but do keep a few things in mind:

Skipping seat selection doesn’t mean you won’t get a seat on the flight.

You might get stuck in the middle seat if you don’t pay for one.

Even if seat selection is free, you might want to skip it if only lousy seats are available (see the "upgrade hack” below).

Pick an airline with lower seat fees

Part of what’s so confusing about these fees is how inconsistently the industry is applying them. Unlike change and cancellation fees, which most U.S. airlines recently abolished, many airlines seem to be increasing the upcharge on selecting seats.

But some are charging much more than others.

According to an analysis of airline fees by NerdWallet, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines charge the least for seat selection, while Frontier and Spirit Airlines charge the most.

Airlines with modest seat fees (less than $10 each leg):

Airlines with high seat fees ($15-plus each leg):

Southwest Airlines doesn’t technically charge for nor allow seat selection in the same way as other airlines, so it's excluded from this data. But you won’t get charged a seat selection fee on Southwest during checkout, so it’s also a good option.

Roll the dice with an upgrade hack

As a regular, non-frequent flyer, it’s hard to get your seat upgraded these days. Yet skipping seat selection sometimes offers the opportunity to get bumped into premium seating.

Here’s how it works. Airlines now offer a “premium economy” fare or similar. Sometimes, all of the good seats — including the exit rows — are considered premium. The airlines try to charge extra for these seats, but if nobody takes them and the flight is full, they have to assign them to somebody.

Specifically, airlines will assign these empty, better seats to those passengers who haven't selected a seat. So if you put yourself in this pool, you have a chance of scoring an even better seat than those who paid extra for advance seat selection.

Of course, there’s a potential downside: You could very well get stuck in a middle seat in the back of the plane rather than getting upgraded. But if you notice that your flight is full and not many passengers have upgraded to the good main cabin seats, skipping seat selection altogether can be an expert-level travel move.

» Learn more: How families can get seats together on a plane

Don’t pay for advance seat selection

Airlines are playing the same game. They want to show the lowest fares possible on search results, then upsell you during checkout. This drip-pricing tactic is a pain for passengers . Charging for seat selection is one way airlines try to make a buck at the last minute.

Know your options and avoid their trickery. Skip seat selection altogether or fly an airline with limited seat fees, like Alaska, Hawaiian or JetBlue. Each charges little or nothing for choosing a seat. Worst case, you’ll end up in the middle seat. Best case, you’ll get a seat with extra legroom.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

united airlines seat assignment policy

Are airlines required to seat families together? Guide to airline family seating policies

Tarah Chieffi

Editor's Note

As a mom of three, I'm no stranger to the ins and outs of flying with family .

I know how to disassemble and reassemble my double stroller with ninja-level precision so it will fit through the baggage scanner at security. I also throw screen time rules out the window on travel days. Most importantly, I don't take any chances when it comes to getting my family's seats together when we fly.

Because I know how turbulent flying with kids can be, I happily gave up my seat on a recent solo flight when a father asked if I would switch seats so he could sit with his young son.

I was also quick to say yes because he had a window seat a couple of rows in front of my own window seat. (Had he been in the middle seat, I might have needed an adult beverage thrown in to sweeten the deal, but I digress.)

Related: Should you ask to switch seats on a plane?

The crux of the issue is that it can be costly and confusing to find seats together when traveling with young kids. Some parents assume they will automatically be seated with their kids. Others may end up separated from their families if they are rebooked due to a cancellation. Regardless of the reason, airlines are not legally required to seat families together.

In November 2022, the Department of Transportation began monitoring airline seating policies to determine if federal regulation was necessary regarding family seating.

After months of monitoring, the DOT launched an online dashboard that displays, among other things, which airlines guarantee free family seating. This is part of a larger initiative by the Biden administration to improve consumer protections in the airline industry.

So far, only three airlines – American Airlines , Frontier Airlines and Alaska Airlines – comply with the DOT's guideline that airlines guarantee "adjacent seats for children 13 and under and an accompanying adult at no additional cost for all fare types."

That doesn't mean you are completely out of luck in guaranteeing your family sits together if you are flying on another major airline. Here is a guide to each airline's family seating policy and tips for ensuring your family members can sit together on your next flight.

American Airlines

Like most major airlines, American allows you to choose your seats when booking or at any time leading up to your flight.

There is no fee to choose your seats if you book a first-class, business-class, premium economy or main cabin fare. However, you will have to pay a fee to choose your seats if you choose basic economy tickets — American's least expensive (and most restrictive) fare type.

If you're traveling with children under 15 on any fare type, American's system will detect that you are a family traveling together and automatically search for seats together if you don't choose them yourself. If adjacent seats are unavailable for your entire family, American guarantees children under 15 will be seated next to at least one adult.

Related: Here's what it's really like flying business class with little kids

united airlines seat assignment policy

It's important that you do everything in your power to choose seats for your entire family at the time of booking. This is the only way to guarantee your entire family will sit together during your flight.

To do this, American advises the following :

  • Book your entire party's tickets in the same reservation.
  • Book your tickets as early as possible, so there are more available seats to choose from.
  • It's better to skip seat selection than to choose just a few seats or seats scattered throughout the cabin.

Related: Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage

Alaska Airlines

To select your seats at the time of booking on an Alaska flight, you'll need to book either a first-class, premium or main-cabin ticket. Only a limited number of advance seating assignments are available to customers who purchase Alaska's Saver fare tickets.

If no advance seats are available, the seats will be assigned at the gate; this is not ideal for a family wishing to sit together.

The good news is that Alaska Airlines' family seating policy does guarantee that children under 14 will automatically be seated with at least one parent or guardian at no additional charge, including on Saver fares. So, even if you can't find adjacent seats for your entire family, you can rest assured that your children won't be seated separately from an adult.

united airlines seat assignment policy

To guarantee your family sits together on an Alaska Airlines flight :

  • Book as early as possible and reserve your family's seats together at the time of purchase.
  • Book children on the same reservation as adults.
  • Confirm seat selections made through third parties on Alaska Airlines' website or by speaking with a reservations agent by phone.
  • If you cannot get reserved seats together with your family during booking, call an Alaska Airlines reservation agent to review available seating options.
  • As a last resort, check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight, as this is when most unclaimed seats become available (does not apply to Saver fare seats, which are assigned at the gate on the day of departure).
  • Arrive at the gate at least 60 minutes prior to your departure time and speak with a gate agent. Alaska does block a limited number of seats to accommodate families and other needs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Delta Air Lines

All but one of Delta's fare types allow you to select your seats when you purchase your tickets.

If you want your family to sit together, steer clear of Delta's basic economy fares because they do not include advanced seat selection. If you purchase first class, Comfort+ or main cabin tickets, you'll have the option to select your seats during the booking process.

united airlines seat assignment policy

Delta's has other tips for getting your family's seats together :

  • Book children on the same reservation as the adults in your party.
  • Confirm seat selections made through third parties by calling a Delta reservations agent or going online .
  • If you cannot obtain seats together with your family, contact Delta by phone to review your options or, as a last resort, speak with a Delta gate agent at the airport.

Delta does try and seat family members together but only upon request.

Flight attendants will sometimes ask for volunteers to switch seats. The airline also blocks a handful of rows in the main economy cabin on most flights to accommodate groups and families. Still, there are no guarantees unless you reserve your family's seats together before arriving at the airport (preferably at the time of booking).

Frontier Airlines

Frontier's base fares can be alluring to budget-conscious flyers. However, you'll have to pay extra if you want the luxury of advanced seating assignments.

Luckily, Frontier updated its family seating policy to be in compliance with the DOT's recommendations and guarantees that children under age 14 will be seated automatically with at least one parent or guardian at no additional charge.

Unless you have elite status with Frontier , seat selection fees run between $17 and $90 per passenger per flight segment. There are no fare types that include complimentary seat selection for non-elite members if you want your entire family to sit together.

However, you could potentially make up the extra cost by joining Frontier's Discount Den and choosing a Kids Fly Free flight .

united airlines seat assignment policy

Frontier also recommends that families:

  • Book as early as possible and purchase advance seat reservations at the time of booking.
  • Book children on the same reservation as adults in your party.
  • If you book through a third party, visit Frontier's website as soon as possible to purchase advance seat selections.
  • Check in as early as possible online or through Frontier's mobile app and Frontier will assign group seats together if any are available.
  • If your family is not assigned seats together, speak with a gate agent for assistance.

JetBlue offers complimentary seat selection with all fare types except Blue Basic, meaning Blue and Blue Extra fares include free advance seat selection. However, for Blue Basic fares, there is a fee of between $5 and $40 each way to choose your seat more than 24 hours before departure (Seat selection is available for free at check-in).

With JetBlue's family seating policy , however, the airline guarantees that children ages 13 and younger will be seated next to at least one adult traveling with them on the same reservation without an additional fee. This applies to all fare types, including Blue Basic fares. At the time of booking, JetBlue's system will assign seats together for at least one accompanying parent as long as adjacent seats are still available when you book your flight.

united airlines seat assignment policy

Other tips from JetBlue :

  • Book as early as possible for maximum seat selection availability.
  • Confirm seat selections made through a third party on JetBlue's website.
  • If you cannot obtain seats together at the time of booking, contact a JetBlue agent at check-in or talk to one at the gate. They will do their best to seat your family together.

JetBlue does its best to keep families together and blocks a limited number of rows until the day of travel for passengers with disabilities and unaccompanied minors . If any seats are available after accommodating these passengers, JetBlue may be able to use them to seat families together.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is the one airline on this list that does not assign seats in advance, so you cannot purchase a specific seat assignment ahead of time.

With Southwest's open seating policy , you will be assigned a boarding group (A, B or C) and a position within that boarding group (1 through 60-plus) at check-in. Essentially, A1 is the best boarding position and you'll have the most seating options available to you when you board the plane.

Because of this, the strategies for getting your family's seats together on a Southwest flight differ from other airlines.

Check in on time

To get as high of a boarding group as possible, you'll need to check in exactly (like, to the second) 24 hours prior to your flight. This should land your family in an A or B boarding group, and most of the time, you won't have an issue getting your family's seats together. You may have to venture to the back of the plane to find those seats, though.

united airlines seat assignment policy

Utilize family boarding

If you have a B or C boarding group and are traveling with a child 6 years old or younger, you will have the option to board between the A and B groups during "family boarding."

Southwest's policy states that up to two adults can board with a child age 6 or younger during family boarding. If you have more adults than this in your party, speak with a Southwest gate agent to determine your best strategy for finding seats together once on board.

Related: Southwest Airlines offers expanded family boarding ages on some flights

Purchase EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding

You can also purchase EarlyBird Check-In , which gives you the convenience of automatic check-in 36 hours before your flight. (Southwest's regular check-in process begins 24 hours prior to your flight.) This means you'll automatically receive an earlier boarding position and more available seats to choose from than if you'd done it yourself.

EarlyBird Check-In pricing starts at $15 per passenger per flight segment, and you must purchase it for everyone in your party. Depending on availability, you may also be able to purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate for between $30 and $50 per person per flight segment to secure an A1-A15 boarding position.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card holders can receive two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year, which can bring the total cost for your family down a bit. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card also has a benefit of four Upgraded Boardings per year.

Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members (and those traveling on the same reservation) automatically receive a boarding position 36 hours prior to departure, though you will still need to check in within 24 hours of your flight to receive your boarding pass.

united airlines seat assignment policy

Buy a Business Select fare

Finally, you have the option to purchase a Business Select fare, which, among other perks, includes priority boarding in the A1-A15 group.

Speak with an agent

If you don't heed our advice and find yourself at the airport with a less-than-desirable boarding group, Southwest advises that you speak with a gate agent or flight attendant. They will see if any passengers are willing to move to accommodate your family if you aren't able to get seats together.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines keeps its family seating advice plain and simple: The only way to guarantee you'll be able to sit with your family is to purchase your seat assignments ahead of time.

Seat assignments start at $5 per person per segment and vary by route and seat location in the aircraft. You can purchase your seat assignment when you book your flight, during check-in or anytime in between. However, the earlier you choose the seats, the better chance your entire family will be able to sit together.

Spirit currently has no official family seating policy. It only states that it "can't guarantee that you'll sit with your friends and family" if you don't purchase seat assignments; it says that gate agents will work to provide adjacent seats for guests flying with children aged 13 and under whenever possible.

united airlines seat assignment policy

There are ways to save money when purchasing your seats, though. Spirit Saver$ Club members receive low fares and discounted prices for add-ons like bags and seats. There is an annual fee, but if you have a large family or plan on flying Spirit Airlines often, the cost may be less than purchasing seats for your entire group.

Speaking of frequent flying, members of Spirit's Free Spirit loyalty program at the Gold level receive, among other perks, free seat selection at the time of booking. Unlike Frontier's program, Spirit's elite status perks, such as seat selection, do not confer to other members on the reservation.

United Airlines

United is also among the few airlines committed to helping families sit together on flights. United's family seating policy guarantees families with children under age 12 in certain cabins can sit together for free, regardless of fare type.

Now, United's new "dynamic seat map feature" will enable passengers to book two seats together for travelers under 12 and an adult companion for free, including on basic economy fares.

united airlines seat assignment policy

You'll probably want to avoid basic economy on United if you want your party to stay together. United explicitly states on its website that it's not able to guarantee your entire party will be able to sit together if you purchase a basic economy fare and do not purchase advance seat assignments.

Here are a few more helpful tips for families flying United :

  • Book your tickets as early as possible and reserve your family's seats together when booking.
  • Confirm seat selections made through a third party.
  • If only scattered seats are available at the time of booking, you are better off letting United's system automatically choose seats for you because it will attempt to seat families on the same reservation with unassigned seats together.
  • If you do not select seats in advance, United's system will attempt to find adjoining seats for you and your children under 15 on the same reservation, regardless of fare type.
  • If you cannot obtain seats together, arrive early at your departure gate and speak with a gate agent. They will ask for volunteers to move seats and help accommodate your family.

General tips

There is a lot of overlap with the guidance for getting your family's seats together on most U.S. airlines (with Southwest being the exception).

united airlines seat assignment policy

You want to do everything possible to:

  • Book early and select seats when you book. Do not wait until the last minute to check your seat assignments.
  • Avoid saver or basic fares because they often do not offer complimentary seat selection.
  • Choose your family's seats when booking, whether it's included with your fare or you have to pay an additional fee.
  • If you are unable to get your family's seats together at the time of booking, call the airline and speak with a reservations agent to determine the best course of action.
  • Keep checking seat availability in the months and weeks leading up to your flight, especially in the final week before your trip and again 24 hours before your flight. These are the times when people make last-minute changes or elite flyers receive automatic seat upgrades, freeing up space on the seating map.
  • If you arrive at the airport and still haven't been able to secure your family's seats together, politely ask a gate agent or flight attendant for help. You may still have the option to pay for an upgrade, or they can assist you by finding open seats. It may be too late to do anything official, but they'll be much more willing to help if you approach them with kindness.

Related: Where to sit on a plane with 2 small kids

Bottom line

Sometimes kind travelers will help parents who end up in a bind onboard, but there's no guarantee. Luckily, airlines are falling in line and making it easier for families traveling together to sit together.

Seat Plenary

Selecting Your Seat After Flight Booking: Policies and Insights

Published on: August 6, 2023 Written by Karim Niru / Fact-checked by Evander Mac

Yes, you can choose a seat after booking a flight. It’s a common practice among airlines to allow passengers to select their preferred seats, either during or after the reservation process.

Booking a flight is a process that often goes beyond just making a reservation. It involves other steps such as online check-in, seat selection, and even the potential for a flight upgrade. Different airlines have varying policies on when and how you can select your seat. Some airlines offer seat selection at the time of booking, while others may allow you to pick your seat during the check-in process.

selecting your seat after flight booking policies and insights

When you finalize your online booking, you typically have the option to view the seat map and pick your preferred spot. This allows you the freedom to choose where you’d like to sit, be it in economy, business, or first class. In the case that you are traveling with friends or family members under the same reservation, there’s a good chance that the airline will automatically assign seats close to each other, ensuring a pleasant travel experience for the group.

Travel agencies also often provide assistance with seat selection. After booking your flight through an agency, they can guide you through the seat selection process, often in cooperation with the airline. This way, you can ensure your seating preferences are taken into account, making your flight a more personalized experience.

Finally, during check-in, either online or at the airport, you will receive your boarding pass. This document will contain your flight information, including your selected seat number . By this stage, your seat selection process is complete and your flight experience is customized to your preference. All that’s left is to enjoy your flight!

Can You Choose a Seat After Booking a Flight? A Detailed Overview

Traveling by air involves various decisions, one of which is seat selection. This topic aims to clarify the process, policies, and implications related to this aspect of air travel.

Booking Process and Seat Selection

Booking a flight is the first step towards your journey. The process typically involves selecting your preferred travel date, destination, and flight. A crucial part of this procedure is seat selection. Most airlines provide an option to choose your seat during the booking process, allowing you to decide where you would like to sit during your flight.

Seat Selection Policies: Major Airlines

Every airline has its unique seat selection policy. Let’s examine the policies of some major US airlines.

American Airlines Seat Selection Policy

American Airlines allows passengers to select their seats during booking. Even if you did not choose a seat during booking, you could still select one later through their website or mobile app.

Delta Air Lines Seat Selection Policy

Delta also provides the opportunity to choose your seat while booking. Post-booking seat selection is available on their online platforms. They offer a variety of seating options to meet various passenger preferences.

United Airlines Seat Selection Policy

United Airlines’ policy is similar to the two airlines mentioned above. Seat selection is an integral part of their booking process, and passengers can also select or change their seats after booking.

Comparison of Seat Selection Policies Across Major Airlines

Influences of Frequent Flyer Programs on Seat Selection

Frequent flyer programs are airline loyalty programs that offer various benefits to regular passengers. One of the benefits these programs often offer is related to seat selection.

Frequent flyer members usually enjoy preferred seat selection options. They might have access to better seats or be able to select their seats without any additional cost. These benefits, of course, vary from one airline to another and often depend on the member’s status in the program.

Impact of Frequent Flyer Status on Seat Selection

Seat Selection: The Cost Factor

Seat selection might come at no extra charge, but that’s not always the case. Some airlines offer free seat selection during the booking process, but certain seats, such as those with extra legroom or those located at the front of the cabin, may come with an additional cost.

Similarly, if you wish to select or change your seat after booking, there might be a fee. This fee varies based on factors such as the airline’s policy, the seat you choose, and the timing of your selection. So, it’s always best to check with the airline for their specific rules.

The Role of Travel Agencies in Seat Selection

Nowadays, many passengers book their flights through travel agencies or online booking platforms. While these platforms make the booking process more convenient, they can affect the seat selection process.

Specifically, when you book through a third-party platform, you might not have the same seat selection options as you would when booking directly with the airline. For instance, some airlines only allow passengers to select their seats after the ticket has been issued, which might be a few days after the booking date when you book through a travel agency.

Moreover, some airlines do not offer any seat selection options for bookings made through third-party platforms. Therefore, if having the ability to choose your seat is crucial to you, it might be best to book directly through the airline.

Overbooking: Its Implications on Seat Selection

Overbooking is a common practice among airlines. They often sell more tickets than there are seats on the plane, expecting that some passengers will not show up. While this practice maximizes revenue for the airlines, it can result in an inconvenience for passengers who have selected their seats but get bumped off the flight due to overbooking.

overbooking its implications on seat selection

If you are bumped from a flight due to overbooking and the airline cannot accommodate you on another flight with your selected seat , you may be eligible for compensation. The specifics of this compensation depend on the airline’s overbooking policy, so it’s recommended to check with the airline for detailed information.

What Airlines Let You Choose Seats?

Most airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, allow you to choose your seats either during or after the flight booking process. Policies may vary, so it’s best to check with the specific airline.

Are There Any Seat Selection Fees?

Yes, some airlines may charge a fee for selecting certain seats. These are often premium seats with extra legroom or seats located at the front of the cabin. It’s advisable to check the airline’s seat selection policy.

Should I Select Seats on Flight?

Selecting your seat can enhance your comfort and overall travel experience. If you prefer a particular location in the cabin, have specific needs, or are traveling with others, it might be beneficial to select your seat.

Is It Worth Paying for Seat Selection?

The value of paying for seat selection depends on your personal preferences. If you have specific seating needs or want to ensure that you sit with your travel companions, it might be worth the cost.

How to Select Seat in Flight After Booking?

You can usually select your seat after booking through the airline’s website or mobile app. Look for a “manage booking” or similar option, where you should find the ability to select or change your seat.

Which Airlines Let You Choose Your Seat for Free?

Many airlines allow free seat selection, but it’s often limited to certain seats. Premium seats may come with a fee. Policies vary, so check with your airline for exact details.

How Do I Choose My Seat After Booking a Flight?

After booking your flight, visit the airline’s website or mobile app, navigate to the ‘manage booking’ section, input your booking reference, and select your preferred seat. Policies may differ among airlines, so refer to their specific guidelines.

  • American Airlines Official Website
  • Delta Air Lines Official Website
  • United Airlines Official Website

Additional Resources

For more information about airline seats and the related policies of different airlines, you can check the following resources:

  • SeatGuru : This online platform provides detailed information about airline seats, including seat maps and seat reviews. It can help you decide which seat will provide the most comfortable experience for your flight.
  • Skytrax : Skytrax is an international air transport rating organization that offers comprehensive reviews and rankings of airlines and airports. You can use their website to learn about the seat selection policies and passenger experiences of different airlines.
  • Points Guy : The Points Guy is a travel blog that provides tips and tricks for optimizing frequent flyer miles and other travel points. Their articles and guides can provide valuable insights on how to take advantage of frequent flyer programs to get the best seats on your flights.
  • How Much Space is Under an Airplane Seat?
  • How Are Airplane Seats Numbered: A Complete Guide
  • Does Doona Fit in Airplane Seat? – A Compatibility Guide
  • All About Laying Across Airplane Seats for Your Comfort
  • Where is Seat A on a Plane: An Insightful Flight Seating Guide
  • Is Seat F on a Plane a Window Seat
  • Air France Preferred Seat vs Economy: Which One Should You Choose?
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Restaurants
  • Things to do
  • Things to Do
  • Travel Stories
  • Rental Cars
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travelers' Choice
  • Help Center

Seat Assignment on United / Lufthansa Code Share - Air Travel Forum

  • Tripadvisor Forums    
  • Air Travel Forums

Seat Assignment on United / Lufthansa Code Share

  • United States Forums
  • Europe Forums
  • Canada Forums
  • Asia Forums
  • Central America Forums
  • Africa Forums
  • Caribbean Forums
  • Mexico Forums
  • South Pacific Forums
  • South America Forums
  • Middle East Forums
  • Honeymoons and Romance
  • Business Travel
  • Train Travel
  • Traveling With Disabilities
  • Tripadvisor Support
  • Solo Travel
  • Bargain Travel
  • Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
  • Air Travel forum

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?

' class=

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.

united airlines seat assignment policy

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.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

  • Maleth aero flight 11:38 am
  • Paid for seat didn't get seat 11:10 am
  • Air Help 11:10 am
  • Airline charges for bags while it is included in booking 11:03 am
  • International layover in SLC on Delta 10:27 am
  • Stansted Airport 10:02 am
  • Air China Rome-Beijing: hand luggage weight. Info. URGENT! 9:30 am
  • Child seats booked showing as adult 8:44 am
  • Finnair meal 8:17 am
  • Is Cheap Flights Fares Legit? 7:29 am
  • Gatwick Airport - how long before flight need to check-in? 6:46 am
  • Singapore airlines personal item 6:31 am
  • Southwest Airlines booking from UK + ESTA 5:24 am
  • Easyjet hotel change 3:57 am
  • ++++ ESTA (USA) and eTA (Canada) requirements for visa-exempt foreign nationals ++++
  • ++++ TIPS - PLANNING YOUR FLIGHTS +++++++
  • Buy now or later? What's with these screwy ticket prices?
  • Around-the-world (RTW) tickets
  • All you need to know about OPEN JAW tickets
  • Beware of cheap business class tickets (sold by 3rd parties)
  • ++++ TIPS - PREPARING TO FLY +++++++++
  • TIPS - How to prepare for Long Haul Flights
  • TIPS - Being Prepared for Cancellations and Long Delays
  • TIPS - How to survive being stuck at an airport
  • Flights delays and cancellations resources
  • How do I effectively communicate with an airline?
  • Airline, Airport, and Travel Abbreviations
  • Air Travel Queries: accessibility,wedding dresses,travelling with children.
  • Connecting Flights at London Heathrow Airport
  • TUI Airways (formerly Thomson) Dreamliner - Movies and Seating Information
  • ++++ COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION ++++
  • Covid-19 Coronavirus Information for Air Travel

IMAGES

  1. United Airlines Seat Assignment Policy

    united airlines seat assignment policy

  2. United Airlines Seat Selection Policy

    united airlines seat assignment policy

  3. 😍 Seat assignment united airlines. How Can You Find Out Your United

    united airlines seat assignment policy

  4. United to charge extra for some coach seats with no extra legroom

    united airlines seat assignment policy

  5. United Airlines Seat Assignment Policy

    united airlines seat assignment policy

  6. United Airlines Seating Options

    united airlines seat assignment policy

COMMENTS

  1. Aircraft seating FAQs

    If your United ticket includes a flight on another airline, we may not be able to show you a seat map or let you choose a seat before check-in, because different airlines use different reservations systems that may not share certain functions or information.

  2. United Seating Options

    Learn what is the best seat for you in your next trip with United and understand the differences between Basic Economy, Economy Preferred, Economy Plus, Premium Economy, Premium First Class and Polaris. Ready to experience the best way to travel? Book today your next trip with United.

  3. United Airlines Seat Selection: What to Know

    Like most other airlines, United gives its guests assigned seating on its flights. The majority of customers can select from a variety of seats for free, but there are also options for...

  4. Fly

    United Airlines - Airline Tickets, Travel Deals and Flights If you're seeing this message, that means JavaScript has been disabled on your browser, please enable JS ...

  5. United: Check-in Policy

    Yes, you may check-in for your United Airlines (UA) flight with your mobile device starting 24 hours and ending 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination) to receive a mo-bile boarding pass on your mobile device. You may use this option if:

  6. How to survive basic economy on United Airlines

    United has two types of economy fares: economy and basic economy. Basic economy provides a lower-priced fare but may place restrictions on seat assignment, boarding, carry-on baggage, upgrades, changes, refunds, elite earning and elite benefits. This guide will answer common questions about these restrictions and the basic economy experience on ...

  7. If your flight is canceled, here's what to know about securing a seat

    United's paid seat policy United offers maximum flexibility for travelers. The carrier automatically refunds travelers the cost of their paid seat assignments in the event of a canceled flight, whether the flight was voluntarily or involuntarily canceled.

  8. United rolls out new family seating policy for economy tickets

    In what may set the standard for domestic airline seating policies, United Airlines, one of the Big Three, has announced a new policy for families to sit together for free with children under age 12 in certain cabins, regardless of fare type.

  9. United Airlines Family Seating Gets an Upgrade

    United announced a new family seating policy that allows children under age 12 to sit next to an accompanying adult for free when on basic economy tickets. And while it had been free for...

  10. United Unveils New, Free Seating Policy for Families & Kids

    With the Biden administration gearing up to crack down on airlines that charge more for families to sit together and other "junk fees," United Airlines rolled out a new policy Monday it says will make it easier to get seats together for free - even with the cheapest basic economy fares. The airline's new seating policy ensures children ...

  11. United's Impressive New Family Seating Policy

    United Airlines has a new family seating policy, making it easier than ever before for children under 12 years of age to sit next to an adult in their party for free. This is even being offered on basic economy tickets, which ordinarily don't offer free seat assignments. This new policy is made possible through a series of investments in a ...

  12. Preferred Seating

    Anyone can buy preferred seating if they are taking a United or United Express flight. Prices vary based on the route. You can buy preferred seating on united.com or on our app. Choose a preferred seat on the seat map while buying your flight.

  13. United Airlines introduces a new family seating policy

    United Airlines has a new seat map feature that will help families with children under 12 find seats together free of charge, the airline announced on Monday. The feature will include Basic...

  14. How to Navigate Costly Airline Seat Selection Fees

    On most airlines, you'll get assigned a seat at check-in or at the gate if you don't already have one. Some airlines make it seem like you must (or at least should) select a seat during...

  15. SeatGuru Seat Map United

    Traveler photos (1) View all For your next United flight, use this seating chart to get the most comfortable seats, legroom, and recline on .

  16. Guide to airline family seating policies

    So far, only three airlines - American Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Alaska Airlines - comply with the DOT's guideline that airlines guarantee "adjacent seats for children 13 and under and an accompanying adult at no additional cost for all fare types."

  17. Selecting Your Seat After Flight Booking: Policies and Insights

    Post-booking seat selection is available on their online platforms. They offer a variety of seating options to meet various passenger preferences. United Airlines Seat Selection Policy. United Airlines' policy is similar to the two airlines mentioned above. Seat selection is an integral part of their booking process, and passengers can also ...

  18. Economy Plus

    Sit in Economy Plus on every eligible flight for a year, starting at $599. You can buy a subscription for yourself and up to eight companions. You can also customize your plan based on where you travel most. Subscribe now Compare your options Economy Plus Economy Plus Extra legroom Economy Plus subscriptions available for one yearly fee

  19. United Airlines Seat Selection Policy, Fees, and Procedure

    If you want to choose your preferred seat on the flight then you must go through the United Airlines Seat Selection Policy first. check out the rules, fees, ...

  20. United flight/Lufthansa booking: how to get a seat assignment

    UA should (probably) be able to assign a seat if you call them. They should also be able to tell you your UA record locator, which should (probably) allow you to manage it yourself. The only wildcard would be if you have a codeshare -- an LH flight number on your UA-operated flight.

  21. Basic Economy

    Make sure to check the rules and restrictions before booking. You can travel with one personal item, like a shoulder bag, backpack, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

  22. Seat Assignment on United / Lufthansa Code Share

    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.

  23. United Airlines' family seating is a gamechanger for households with

    A new policy released by United Airlines on Monday addresses the family seating problem and aims to make air travel more convenient for people with children ages 12 and under.

  24. Accessible seating request

    To submit your request you can either call the Accessibility Desk at 1-800-228-2744 or fill out the form below. Request accommodation First Name* Last Name* Phone Number* Country/Region Email address* Confirm email address* Flight confirmation number* Departure date* Open the calendar Departure City or Airport*