Roberta Aguirre
United Airlines offers its guests assigned seating on its flights, with the option to select from a variety of seats for free or pay more for preferred seating and upgrades. While you can change your seat online or on the app, you can also change it at the airport. However, it is important to note that seat assignments are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice due to schedule changes, equipment swaps, or unforeseen circumstances. If you have a basic economy ticket, you will need to pay to select a seat, and changes may not be allowed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you change your seat when you arrive at the airport? | Yes, you can change your seat at the airport. |
| When can you change your seat? | You can change your seat up to 45 minutes before your flight. |
| How to change your seat? | You can change your seat on the app, online, or at the airport. |
| Can you change your seat if you have a basic economy ticket? | No, you cannot change your seat if you have a basic economy ticket. |
| Are seat assignments guaranteed? | No, seat assignments are not guaranteed and could change without notice. |
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What You'll Learn
Changing seats at the airport
To change your seat at the airport, you can approach the gate agent and request a change. It is best to have a valid reason for the change, such as a preference for a window or aisle seat, more legroom, or a quieter area of the plane. Be aware that seat assignments are not guaranteed, even if you have selected or changed your seat beforehand. This is because of potential schedule changes, equipment swaps, or unforeseen circumstances.
If United Airlines changes your assigned seat, you can politely request your original seat at the gate. It is helpful to have your original boarding pass with you to show proof of your assigned seat. While there is no guarantee that your request will be granted, especially if another passenger is already seated there, it is worth asking and stating your reasons for wanting that particular seat.
To increase your chances of getting your desired seat, it is recommended to check the seat map throughout the day, both before and after checking in. This way, you can snag a better seat if it becomes available. You can change your seat up until 45 minutes before departure. Additionally, if you are a United employee or Global Services member, you may have additional privileges when it comes to seat selection and changes.
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Changing seats after checking in online
If you have checked in online for a United Airlines flight and would like to change your seat, you can do so in several ways.
Firstly, it is important to note that if you have purchased a Basic Economy ticket, you will not be able to change your seat assignment after check-in opens. You can, however, purchase a seat assignment during the booking process and up until check-in opens.
If you have a different type of fare, you can change your seat assignment on the United app or on their website. You can also change your seat through your travel agent. If no other seat assignments are available, you can continue to check for availability up until departure.
Additionally, you can change your seat at the airport. It is recommended to keep an eye on the seat map throughout the day to identify better seats that may become available. You can change your seat at the airport until around 45 minutes before departure, when the gate assumes control.
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Basic Economy tickets and changing seats
If you have a Basic Economy ticket with United Airlines, you can purchase a seat assignment during booking and up until check-in opens. You can do this on the United app or through your travel agent. If no seat assignments are available, you can check back later to see if seats have become available. However, you cannot change a United Airlines Basic Economy ticket, and this includes same-day changes. You also cannot select or change your seat assignment after selecting it.
If you are unable to choose a seat, United Airlines will assign you one at check-in or at the departure gate. It is worth noting that seat assignments are not guaranteed and could change without notice due to schedule changes, equipment swaps, or unforeseen circumstances. United Airlines will, however, try to assign you the same or similar seat type and location and keep you with your travelling companions when booked under the same reservation.
There are some exceptions to the above. If you are a United Premier member, you can pay to add United Economy benefits to your Basic Economy ticket. This allows you to select an Economy seat before check-in and change your seat multiple times after selecting it. You can also purchase an Economy Plus or premium cabin seat. Additionally, if your United Basic Economy itinerary experiences an involuntary schedule change of more than 30 minutes, you can request another United or United Express flight departing from the same airport within 24 hours of your original flight time.
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Getting original seat back
While United Airlines will always try to keep your original seat preference, seat assignments are not guaranteed and could change without notice due to schedule changes, equipment swaps, or unforeseen circumstances. If you notice a change in your seat assignment, you can try the following steps to get your original seat back:
- Regularly monitor your flight reservations by pulling up your reservation and checking your seat assignment. This way, you can quickly identify any changes and take action.
- Contact United Airlines as soon as you notice a seat change. Explain your situation and firmly but politely request to have your original seat restored.
- If necessary, go to the gate at the airport and speak to the gate agents about your situation. Show them your boarding pass with your original seat assignment, especially if you reserved it months in advance. Emphasize the reasons why that specific seat is important to you, such as privacy, sleep, or reduced aisle traffic.
- Be persistent and intervene if necessary. In some cases, the airline may try to accommodate other passengers, but it is within your rights to stress the importance of keeping your originally confirmed seat.
- If you are travelling with companions and wish to remain together, inform the airline, as they will try to keep you seated together unless you have purchased Basic Economy tickets without advance seat assignments.
It is important to remember that, ultimately, United Airlines reserves the right to reseat passengers for any reason, and seat changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. However, by following these steps, you can increase your chances of getting your original seat back.
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Upgrading seats
Upgrading your seat on a United Airlines flight can be done in several ways, depending on the type of ticket you have. If you have a basic economy ticket, you can purchase a seat assignment during booking and up until check-in opens. You can also check the seat map throughout the day to see if a better seat becomes available, and you can change your seat up until around 45 minutes before departure.
For all other fare classes, you can pick your seat or change your seat assignment for free. You can do this on the United app, on their website, or through your travel agent. If no seat assignments are available, you can check again closer to departure to see if seats have become available. You can also pay to upgrade to seats closer to the front of the plane or with more legroom, although some United elite members will receive these upgrades for free.
It is important to note that seat assignments are not guaranteed and could change without notice due to schedule changes, equipment swaps, or unforeseen circumstances. If your seat is changed, you can contact the airline or go to the gate at the airport to request your original seat. However, this may not always be possible, as your seat may have been taken by a Federal Air Marshal, a VIP, or another passenger who has been upgraded.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can change your seat at the airport. You can also change it on the app or online, as long as it is not a basic economy fare.
If you have a basic economy ticket, you can purchase a seat assignment during booking and up until check-in opens.
No, seat assignments are not guaranteed and could change without notice due to schedule changes, equipment swaps, or other unforeseen circumstances.
