Extra seats
We require that all passengers fit comfortably in their seat on the plane. You may have to make additional arrangements if:
- You can’t buckle your seatbelt, even when using a seatbelt extender.
- The seat armrests don’t stay down when you’re in your seat.
- You’re in the space of the seat next to you when seated.
If you can’t sit comfortably in your seat on the plane, there are a few options available.
Economy cabin
You can buy an extra seat if you need one. It’ll cost you the same amount as your original if you buy them at the same time. You can also do it the day of your trip if an extra seat is available, but the cost may be higher.
Premium cabin
United First®, United Business® and United PolarisSM seats are wider than Economy seats. If you don’t want an extra seat, you can buy a premium cabin seat instead or pay for an upgrade if one is available.
If an extra seat isn’t available, you’ll need to change your flight to one that has extra seats. If you’re not in your home city, state, or country, and your new flight requires you to stay overnight we can give you meal and hotel vouchers as well.
Booking an extra seat
You can easily add an extra seat to your trip during booking.
Add an extra traveler
Add an extra adult traveler to your flight search. So, if there are 2 people going on the trip you’ll search for 3.
Share traveler info
When giving us traveler information, you can let us know that the third traveler is actually an extra seat.
Bags
How many checked bags you’re allowed to bring with you is determined by the number of seats you’ve bought. If you’ve purchased an extra seat, your bag allowance will double.
How many carry-on bags and personal items you’re allowed to bring with you is determined by the number of people flying on your reservation. So, what you’re allowed to bring remains the same.
Movable armrests
We know that for some travelers it’s much easier to get into your seat if the aisle armrest is movable, especially if you’re using an aisle wheelchair to get to your seat or an onboard wheelchair to get to the plane bathroom.
Unfortunately, not every row on every plane has a movable aisle armrest. To make sure you pick the best seat for you:
- Check the type of plane you’re on in the My Trips section of united.com and the United app after you’ve bought your ticket.
- Then, find your plane on our list of planes. From there you can see what rows have movable aisle armrests.
Request accommodation
If you have a disability and need accessible seating, we’re here to help. There are several types of seating requests you can make for free, but you must submit your request at least a week before your flight.
Request accommodation
If you have a disability and need accessible seating, we’re here to help. There are several types of seating requests you can make for free, but you must submit your request at least a week before your flight.