When traveling with United Airlines, comfort and value often go hand in hand — especially with their Economy Plus seats. Designed for passengers seeking more legroom, enhanced boarding privileges, and an overall more comfortable journey, United Economy Plus is a popular upgrade that bridges the gap between Basic Economy and Premium cabins. In this comprehensive guide, we explore every detail you need to know about Economy Plus seats on United Airlines, including benefits, availability, pricing, and how to get the best experience possible.

What Are Economy Plus Seats on United Airlines?

Economy Plus is a seating option offered by United Airlines that provides passengers with up to 6 inches of extra legroom compared to standard Economy seats. These seats are located in the front portion of the Economy cabin, allowing for quicker deplaning and an overall more relaxed experience during the flight.

Unlike Premium Economy or Business Class, Economy Plus offers enhanced comfort without the added frills or high price tag. It’s the perfect solution for travelers who want a bit more space without overspending.

Key Benefits of United Airlines Economy Plus Seats

Extra Legroom and Better Seat Positioning

The most notable benefit of Economy Plus is the increased legroom. On most United aircraft, these seats offer up to 37 inches of pitch, compared to the standard 31 inches in Economy. This added space can make a world of difference, particularly on long-haul flights.

Furthermore, Economy Plus seats are positioned near the front of the Economy cabin, which not only makes boarding and deplaning faster but also means fewer disturbances during the flight.

Enhanced Comfort for Longer Flights

If you're flying cross-country or internationally, Economy Plus can significantly reduce fatigue and discomfort, offering more space to stretch, work, or rest. Passengers can also benefit from adjustable headrests and seat recline in many aircraft models.

Eligible for Premier Upgrades

Passengers who are part of United's MileagePlus Premier loyalty program may be eligible for complimentary Economy Plus seating, depending on their Premier status tier. This makes it even more appealing for frequent flyers.

More Storage and Convenience

Being seated closer to the front means you often get better access to overhead storage bins. That’s a major perk if you travel with carry-on luggage. Additionally, quicker deplaning can save you valuable time upon arrival.

Aircraft Featuring Economy Plus

United Airlines equips nearly all mainline and regional jets with Economy Plus seating. These include:

Boeing 737-800/900
Boeing 757-200/300
Boeing 767 and 777
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Airbus A319/A320
Embraer E175

In each aircraft, Economy Plus seats are strategically placed in the first several rows of the Economy section and sometimes near exit rows to maximize comfort and accessibility.

How to Book Economy Plus Seats on United Airlines

Booking an Economy Plus seat is straightforward and can be done in a few ways:

1. During Initial Booking

When reserving your flight on United.com or through the United mobile app, you’ll be offered the option to upgrade to Economy Plus during seat selection. Prices vary by route, demand, and aircraft type.

2. After Booking

If you didn’t upgrade during your initial purchase, you can still select Economy Plus anytime before check-in by logging into “My Trips” on the United website or app.

3. At Check-In or Gate

In some cases, last-minute upgrades are available at check-in kiosks or at the gate, often at reduced rates, subject to availability.

How Much Do Economy Plus Seats Cost?

The price for Economy Plus varies depending on:

Flight distance
Route popularity
Seat availability
Fare class booked

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $200 per segment. On shorter domestic routes, the cost remains low, while transcontinental or international flights command higher upgrade fees.

Economy Plus Subscription: Unlimited Comfort

For frequent flyers, United offers an Economy Plus subscription service. With this option, passengers can enjoy unlimited Economy Plus access for a year. Subscription levels are available for:

Continental U.S.
U.S. + Canada
Global access

Prices start at $499 annually, making it a smart investment for business travelers or those who fly frequently on United.

Comparison: Economy vs. Economy Plus vs. Premium Plus

Feature	Economy	Economy Plus	Premium Plus
Legroom	31” pitch	Up to 37” pitch	38”–40” pitch
Seat Width	Standard	Standard	Wider seat
Priority Boarding	No	No (unless elite)	Yes
Meals	Buy on board/domestic snack	Same as Economy	Enhanced dining
Entertainment	Standard	Standard	Enhanced with larger screens
Recline	Limited	Better recline	Enhanced recline

Economy Plus strikes the perfect balance between budget and comfort, while Premium Plus is closer to Business Class in terms of amenities and price.

Is United Economy Plus Worth It?

For many travelers, especially those on flights longer than 3 hours, Economy Plus is absolutely worth it. The added legroom significantly enhances comfort, especially for taller individuals or anyone who values personal space.

Business travelers, couples, and anyone who needs to be productive in-flight also benefit from the quiet, front-of-cabin atmosphere of Economy Plus.

MileagePlus Premier Members and Complimentary Upgrades

United’s MileagePlus program offers automatic access or upgrades to Economy Plus for elite members:

Premier Silver: Access at check-in
Premier Gold: Access at booking for self and one companion
Premier Platinum and 1K: Access at booking for self and up to 8 companions

These benefits make Premier status especially valuable for those who fly often and want consistent comfort.

Tips to Maximize Your Economy Plus Experience

Book early to secure preferred Economy Plus seats, especially for popular routes.
Use the United app to monitor seat maps and check if prices drop.
Join MileagePlus to earn points towards status and possible complimentary upgrades.
Opt for exit row Economy Plus seats for the ultimate in legroom (subject to availability and eligibility).
Consider a subscription if you fly often — it can pay off in just a few round trips.

Final Thoughts: Fly Smarter with United Economy Plus

United Airlines' Economy Plus seating is a smart, flexible, and affordable upgrade for travelers seeking enhanced comfort without breaking the bank. With extra legroom, better positioning, and access perks for elite members, it’s a clear choice for both casual and frequent flyers alike. Whether you’re flying across the country or across the globe, Economy Plus ensures your journey is more pleasant, productive, and peaceful.

What to Expect When You Book Economy Plus Seats on United Airlines