How United Airlines Passengers Are Scoring Better Seats for Free

United Airlines has made flying a bit more comfortable for its passengers, especially those who dread the middle seat. Thanks to a new feature in its app, over 18,000 travelers were able to upgrade to better seats last month without any extra cost.

United Airlines’ Seat Preference Feature:

  • What It Is:
    • In March, United Airlines introduced a feature in their app that allows passengers to set a seat preference when booking their flight. This feature helps passengers avoid unwanted seats by automatically moving them to a better option if it becomes available.
  • How It Works:
    • Travelers can choose their preferred seat type, including options like window, aisle, exit, or bulkhead rows.
    • If a seat matching their preference opens up in the same class of service, United will automatically move them to that seat up to 12 hours before departure.
  • Success Rate:
    • Nearly 40% of travelers who used the seat preference feature were able to switch to their desired seat before takeoff.

How to Use This Feature:

  • Setting Preferences:
    • When booking a flight on United’s app, simply select your seat preference, such as window or aisle.
  • Maximizing Comfort:
    • For those who are particular about their seat, websites like aeroLOPA can help identify seats with the best window alignment or other specific features, aiding in setting the best preference in the app.

United Airlines’ new feature is making it easier for travelers to enjoy their flights by moving them to better seats without any hassle or additional fees. By taking advantage of this app feature, you can increase your chances of landing a more comfortable seat on your next flight.