Maximize Comfort on a Budget with Economy Plus Seats on United Airlines

Airlines Office
1 day ago
4 min read

When it comes to air travel, comfort and value are paramount. economy plus seats on united airlines offer an upgraded experience for travelers who want more space without breaking the bank for a premium cabin. Designed to bridge the gap between standard Economy and Business Class, Economy Plus provides extra legroom, preferred seating, and early boarding privileges.

What is United Airlines Economy Plus?

Economy Plus is a seating option offered by United Airlines that provides additional legroom compared to standard Economy Class. These seats are located in the front section of the Economy cabin, allowing for faster deplaning and offering more space to stretch out, especially on longer flights.

Key Highlights:

Extra legroom: Up to 6 inches more than standard Economy
Forward cabin location: Easier and quicker boarding and deplaning
Complimentary access for certain MileagePlus members
Available on most United and United Express aircraft

Economy Plus Seat Dimensions

The main attraction of Economy Plus is the extra space. Here’s a comparison:

Seating Class	Seat Pitch (Legroom)	Seat Width	Recline
Economy Plus	34–36 inches	17.3–18.5 inches	3–5 inches
Standard Economy	30–31 inches	17–18 inches	2–4 inches

Note: Seat pitch and width vary by aircraft type.

This added space makes a significant difference during cross-country or international flights, especially for taller passengers or those traveling with laptops.

Features & Benefits of Economy Plus

Extra Legroom

The hallmark feature—up to 6 inches more legroom—makes Economy Plus ideal for longer journeys. You’ll be able to stretch, cross your legs, and exit your seat with greater ease.

Priority Seating

Economy Plus seats are typically in the front of the Economy cabin, giving you quicker access to overhead bins and a faster exit after landing.

Early Boarding

With Economy Plus, you’ll board the aircraft earlier than those in standard Economy, making it easier to find space for carry-ons and settle in comfortably.

Business-Friendly Travel

Extra room means more comfort when working onboard. If you’re flying for business, Economy Plus makes it easier to use a laptop, review documents, or simply relax before your next meeting.

Same Baggage Allowance

Economy Plus passengers receive the same baggage allowance as standard Economy—no additional checked baggage unless purchased or included via MileagePlus status.

How to Book Economy Plus Seats

You can purchase Economy Plus:

During Booking: Upgrade while booking your flight on United.com or the app
After Booking: Log into your reservation and upgrade via “Manage Booking”
At Check-In: Upgrade available via airport kiosk, app, or counter (subject to availability)

Pricing

Economy Plus seat upgrades range in cost, depending on:

Flight duration and distance
Route popularity and demand
Fare class booked
Time of purchase (early purchase is cheaper)

Prices can start as low as $20–$30 for domestic flights and can reach $150+ on long-haul international flights.

Routes Offering Economy Plus

Economy Plus is available on all mainline United aircraft and most United Express regional jets. Common routes offering Economy Plus include:

Domestic U.S. Flights: New York ⇄ Los Angeles, Chicago ⇄ San Francisco
International Flights:
- United States ⇄ Europe (London, Paris, Frankfurt)
- United States ⇄ Asia (Tokyo, Singapore, Delhi)
- United States ⇄ Latin America

Economy Plus is not available on certain smaller United Express aircraft operating short-haul routes.

Who Gets Complimentary Economy Plus?

Some frequent flyers and corporate travelers are eligible for free access to Economy Plus:

MileagePlus Premier Members

Premier Silver: Complimentary at check-in (based on availability)
Premier Gold, Platinum, 1K: Complimentary at booking for member and companions

United Corporate Accounts

Business travelers flying on eligible corporate fares may receive free or discounted Economy Plus upgrades.

MileagePlus Economy Plus Subscription

For frequent flyers, United offers an annual Economy Plus subscription which allows you to reserve Economy Plus seats for all flights throughout the year.

Tips to Maximize Economy Plus

Book Early: Seats fill up fast on popular routes.
Join MileagePlus: Loyalty status can unlock free upgrades.
Check Seat Map Frequently: Cancellations may free up preferred seats.
Pair With Premier Access: Get priority check-in and security as well.
Subscribe Annually: Ideal for business travelers or frequent flyers.

Managing Your Economy Plus Upgrade

You can easily upgrade or manage your Economy Plus seat using:

United App (iOS and Android)
United.com under "Manage Reservations"
Airport Kiosk during check-in
Customer Service Desk

Your boarding pass will indicate “Economy Plus” once your seat is confirmed.

Economy Plus vs Preferred Seats

Don’t confuse Economy Plus with Preferred Seats—they are not the same:

Feature	Economy Plus	Preferred Seats
Extra Legroom	✔ Yes	✖ No
Forward Cabin	✔ Yes	✔ Yes
Included with Status	✔ Some tiers	✔ All elite tiers
Upgradeable	✔ Paid or free	✔ Paid or free

Preferred Seats are closer to the front of the plane but don’t offer extra legroom.

Is United Airlines Economy Plus Worth It?

Absolutely—especially for tall travelers, frequent flyers, and business professionals. The additional legroom and premium seat location provide a much more comfortable flying experience than standard Economy, without the high cost of Business Class.

For longer domestic and international flights, Economy Plus significantly enhances in-flight comfort and productivity at a reasonable price.

Conclusion

United Airlines Economy Plus strikes the perfect balance between affordability and comfort. Whether you’re a casual traveler wanting more legroom or a business flyer looking for a more productive travel environment, Economy Plus is a smart choice. With availability on most routes, seamless upgrades, and added travel perks, it's one of the best value-for-money seating options in the skies today.