When booking a flight, choosing the right seat can make your journey more comfortable. If you fly with United Airlines, you may see the option to select a Preferred Seat. But what exactly does that mean?
A Preferred Seat on United Airlines is a standard economy seat that is located in a better position in the cabin. It is not a bigger or more luxurious seat, but its location makes it more desirable to travelers. Let's break this down in simple terms.
Where Are Preferred Seats Located?
Preferred seats are located in the front part of the Economy Class cabin. These seats are not extra legroom seats like Economy Plus, but they offer a few advantages just because of where they are.
They are usually:
Closer to the front of the plane
Near the exits
Away from the toilets or galley
Easier for quicker exit after landing
This means you can board and deplane faster, which is helpful for business travelers or people who want to save time.
What Are the Benefits of Preferred Seats?
Preferred seats don’t give extra legroom or free drinks, but they offer these simple advantages:
Faster boarding and exiting
Sitting closer to the front of the plane means you’ll be off the plane quicker when it lands.More comfortable location
You won’t be stuck near the back, where there’s more foot traffic and noise.Convenient for connections
If you have another flight to catch, being near the front helps you reach the gate faster.More choices for families
If you're traveling with others, you might find seats closer together in the Preferred section.
How Is It Different from Economy Plus?
Many people confuse Preferred Seats with Economy Plus, but they are not the same:
Preferred Seats = Standard legroom, better location
Economy Plus = More legroom (up to 6 inches extra), located at the front of the Economy cabin
Preferred seats are cheaper than Economy Plus but more convenient than regular seats at the back.
Do Preferred Seats Cost Extra?
Yes, Preferred Seats usually cost extra, unless you have elite status with United’s MileagePlus loyalty program.
The price depends on:
The length of the flight
The route
How full the plane is
Prices may start from $9 to $59 or more per flight segment.
Who Gets Preferred Seats for Free?
You can get Preferred Seats for free if you are a MileagePlus elite member:
Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K members
Star Alliance Gold members
Travelers using certain corporate booking codes
Also, if you have a United co-branded credit card, you may get access to preferred seating depending on your fare type and availability.
How to Book a Preferred Seat?
You can choose a Preferred Seat when:
Booking your ticket online through United.com or the United app
Managing your trip later through the “My Trips” section
Checking in online (if seats are still available)
Available preferred seats will be marked clearly during the seat selection process.
Is a Preferred Seat Worth It?
If you care about sitting closer to the front, boarding quickly, or getting off faster after landing, then yes, a Preferred Seat can be worth the small extra cost.
However, if you want more space or comfort, you may want to look at Economy Plus instead.
Final Thoughts
A Preferred Seat on United Airlines is a regular economy seat with a better location on the plane. It offers a few small but useful perks like faster boarding and deplaning. It doesn’t offer extra space, but it can make your trip more convenient—especially if you're in a hurry or want to sit near the front.
So next time you book with United, check to see if a Preferred Seat is available. It might make your flight a little smoother without spending a lot of extra money.
