Why Frequent Flyers Prefer Economy Plus Seats on United Airlines

Traveling on long flights can be a challenge, especially when personal space is limited. That’s where economy plus seats on united airlines steps in to offer a more spacious and comfortable experience without the steep price tag of business or first class. Whether you're a frequent business traveler or a leisure flyer, United's Economy Plus is designed to give you that extra legroom and premium positioning that can make all the difference in your journey.

What Is Economy Plus on United Airlines?

Economy Plus is an upgraded seating option available on most United Airlines and United Express flights. Positioned at the front of the Economy cabin, Economy Plus seats offer:

• Up to 6 inches of additional legroom

• Preferred seating closer to the front of the plane

• Faster deplaning

• Available on nearly all United flights

It’s the perfect solution for travelers who want enhanced comfort without paying for premium cabins like United Polaris or Premium Plus.

Seat Features and Specifications

The key appeal of United’s Economy Plus lies in the extra legroom and preferred seat location. Let’s break it down:

Feature	Economy Class	Economy Plus
Seat Pitch	30-31 inches	34-36 inches
Seat Width	17-18 inches	17-18 inches
Seat Location	Mid-to-rear cabin	Front of Economy
Recline	Standard	Standard
Power Outlets	Select aircraft	Select aircraft
Wi-Fi	Available	Available

While seat width and recline are similar to standard economy, that extra legroom provides significantly more comfort, especially for tall passengers or those working in-flight.

Benefits of Choosing Economy Plus

1. Enhanced Legroom

Enjoy up to 6 inches of extra legroom, perfect for stretching out on longer flights.

2. Prime Seating Location

Sitting closer to the front of the cabin allows for:

• Early access to overhead bins

• Quicker boarding and deplaning

• Faster meal and beverage service

3. Seamless Upgrades

If you’re a MileagePlus Premier member, you may get free or discounted access to Economy Plus.

4. Ideal for Business Travelers

Economy Plus offers a practical and affordable solution for corporate travelers who want comfort without splurging on business class.

How Much Does United Economy Plus Cost?

The cost to upgrade to Economy Plus depends on:

• Flight duration

• Route

• Demand

• Booking time

Estimated Upgrade Costs:

• Short-haul domestic flights: $20 – $59

• Long-haul domestic flights: $49 – $119

• International flights: $99 – $299+

Note: Prices vary and may increase closer to departure.

Complimentary Access for MileagePlus Members

Frequent flyers can enjoy free or discounted access to Economy Plus based on elite status:

MileagePlus Status	Economy Plus Benefit
Premier Silver	Free at check-in
Premier Gold	Free at booking for self + 1
Premier Platinum	Free at booking for self + 8
Premier 1K	Free at booking for self + 8

These members can also choose Economy Plus seats during the booking process without any additional charge.

How to Purchase Economy Plus Seats

You can add Economy Plus at various stages of your journey:

1. During Booking – On United.com, select your seat preference before checkout.

2. After Booking – Use the “Manage My Trip” section to add Economy Plus later.

3. During Check-In – Upgrade via online check-in or at the airport.

4. At the Gate – Sometimes offered at discounted rates if seats are still available.

Can I Use Miles for Economy Plus?

Yes! United allows MileagePlus members to purchase Economy Plus seats using miles. This can be done during the booking process or later through your account.

However, redemption rates vary depending on the route and seat availability, so using miles for upgrades is ideal on longer flights where the cash value is higher.

Baggage Allowance in Economy Plus

Economy Plus is a seating upgrade, not a fare class, so your baggage allowance depends on the ticket type you purchased:

• Basic Economy: 1 personal item only (no carry-on unless you're a MileagePlus Premier or cardholder)

• Standard Economy and above: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item

• Checked Bags: Not included unless purchased or included with your fare/tier benefits

Economy Plus does not come with additional baggage perks, but its location often means better access to overhead compartments.

Popular Routes Featuring Economy Plus

United offers Economy Plus seating on nearly all mainline and regional flights. Popular routes include:

• New York (EWR) ↔ Los Angeles (LAX)

• Chicago (ORD) ↔ Miami (MIA)

• San Francisco (SFO) ↔ Tokyo (NRT)

• Houston (IAH) ↔ London (LHR)

• Washington D.C. (IAD) ↔ Frankfurt (FRA)

Economy Plus is especially valuable on long-haul international routes, where extra space makes a noticeable difference.

Is Economy Plus Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether the upgrade is worth the cost, consider the following:

✅ Flying more than 3 hours?✅ Need to work on your laptop comfortably?✅ Prefer to get off the plane faster?✅ Hate feeling cramped in your seat?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, Economy Plus is definitely worth it. It’s a low-cost enhancement that can significantly improve your overall travel experience.

Tips to Maximize Value from Economy Plus

• Book Early: Prices may rise closer to departure.

• Use Miles: Save money by redeeming MileagePlus miles.

• Check for Upgrades: Look for last-minute upgrade offers at check-in.

• Bundle with Fare: Some fare bundles include Economy Plus and other perks.

Conclusion

United Airlines’ Economy Plus seating bridges the gap between standard Economy and premium travel by offering enhanced legroom and improved positioning at a reasonable price. Whether you're jetting across the country or flying to the other side of the world, Economy Plus adds comfort, convenience, and value to your journey.