United Airlines Flight Booking: United Airlines offers economy, Economy Plus, Premium Economy, Polaris business class, and First class booking options with varying amenities, flexibility, and fares. Tickets have change/cancellation fees and rules, baggage restrictions, and group discounts available. Elite status can waive some fees.
United Airlines Flight Booking Process
- Go to the United Airlines website or open the United app and click/tap on “Book travel”.
- Enter your origin and destination cities and dates. You can also indicate if it’s a one-way or roundtrip booking.
- On the results page, select the flight(s) you want by clicking/tapping on “Select” or the plane icon next to the flight details.
- If booking for more than one traveler, enter the passenger details including first name, last name, date of birth, and gender. This must be filled in for all travelers on the itinerary.
- Select your seat(s) if you have a preference, though there may be a fee for advanced seat selection.
- Choose any add-ons like checked baggage, extra legroom seats, Wi-Fi, etc. that you may want to include and pay for.
- Enter any loyalty program details if you have a MileagePlus account and want to earn/use miles.
- Provide your contact information and enter payment details including card number, expiry date, and billing address.
- Review all details on the checkout page carefully before completing payment to book your flight.
- You’ll receive a booking confirmation via email with your e-ticket and flight itinerary details.
That covers the key steps for united airlines flight booking process- let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
United Airlines Seat Selection
- Seat selection can be done either during the united airlines flight booking process or after booking up until check-in opens (usually 24 hours before departure).
- There are different types of seats available including – Standard economy, Economy Plus (extra legroom), First/Business Class seats. Availability and fees depend on the fare class purchased.
- You can see the seat map when selecting seats. This displays the aircraft layout, occupied and available seats, seat features, and fees for preferred seats.
- Seats with additional legroom, near the front, exit rows generally come with an advance seat selection fee even for standard economy. This ranges from $9 to $299 each way based on route and seat.
- Preferred/advance seat fees are non-refundable if you change or cancel your flights later.
- If seats are not pre-selected, United will automatically assign free seats at no additional cost during check-in. These are usually in the back of the plane.
- Elite MileagePlus members and premier cardholders can usually access preferred economy seats at no charge based on their status.
- Adjacent seats for family can be requested during online check-in if available or at the departure gate on request. The airline will try to accommodate.
I’d be happy to provide any other details about United’s seat selection process and fees – let me know!
United Airlines Booking Fees
United charges ticket change fees of $200 (domestic) and $300 (international), cancellation fees up to $200/$300 if refundable, $25 call center booking fee, economy checked bag fees as $30 first/$40 second bag, standard $9-$299 for economy seat selection/upgrades, and may charge for carry-on bags in Basic Economy, though they are free otherwise. Elite status can waive some fees.
United Airlines booking class options
Here are the main booking class options on United Airlines and key details:
Economy Class – This is United’s standard coach/economy class booking. There are different economy fare types (E, U, L, T class etc.) with varying flexibility, baggage allowance & eligibility for upgrades. It’s the lowest fare option.
Economy Plus – This offers extra legroom seats with up to 5-6 inches more legroom. Seat selection fees apply for these seats. Available on all economy class fares.
Premium Economy – This is United’s newest offering. It provides upgraded services like premium cabin seating, larger baggage allowance, premium dining, amenities kits, priority services and lounge access (international only). Generally costs more than economy.
Polaris Business Class – United’s business class product available on international and premium transcontinental routes. Offers lie-flat beds, direct aisle access, premium cabin and dining, amenity kits, increased baggage allowance and lounge access. Expensive fare.
First Class – Most exclusive and luxurious seating option on select transcontinental and Hawaii flights. Over 35+ inches of pitch, dining on demand and personal assistance available. Most expensive fare option.
Let me know if you need any specific details on services, availability and fares across these different booking classes!
United Airlines Reservation policy
Here are some of the key booking policies for United Airlines:
Cancellations and Changes: Tickets are non-refundable if cancelled within 24 hours of booking. For refundable tickets – any changes or cancellations have a fee of up to $200 (domestic flights) and $300 (international itineraries). Changes can be made up to 2 hours before departure with applicable change fee plus fare difference.
Fare Rules: Rules and restrictions apply based on the type of airfare and booking code purchased. This includes things like advanced purchase requirements, minimum stay rules, stopovers/open-jaws allowed or not, payment policies, etc.
Infants: Infants under the age of 2 as of the date of travel do not require a seat, but they do incur taxes and fees around 10% of an adult fare. Tickets must be purchased separately for occupying a seat.
Group Bookings: Group discunts apply for reservations of 10-25 passengers traveling on same flight and date. There are also special group travel policies.
Baggage Allowances: Checked bags are included based on routing, cabin class purchased, frequent flyer status and fare rules. Excess/overweight bags come with additional fees.
United also has booking policies around companion tickets, unaccompanied minor requirements, pregnant travelers and more based on the situation. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
