✈️What Is Economy Plus on United Airlines?
Table of Contents
Economy Plus is United Airlines’ extra-legroom seating option within the Economy cabin—designed to offer more comfort without the cost of Premium offerings. These seats sit in the front rows and exit rows of Economy, giving passengers at least 5 to 6 additional inches of legroom (typically offering around 35–37 inches of seat pitch) and 2 more inches of recline compared to standard Economy seats.
These seats are ideal for taller passengers or anyone who wants a little extra space and a quicker exit—but the in-flight services remain identical to standard Economy (i.e. no extra drinks, no priority boarding, etc.)
🪑 Key Benefits of Economy Plus
- Extra legroom and recline: A noticeable comfort gain, especially on longer flights.
- More convenient cabin placement: Usually located toward the front of the Economy cabin for easier boarding and deplaning.
- Faster boarding group: You board in Groups 3 through 5 instead of 6, giving quicker access to overhead bins and seating.
Who Gets It for Free?
Members of United’s MileagePlus Premier elite program receive complimentary access:
- Premier 1K and Platinum: Free Economy Plus seats for themselves and up to eight companions.
- Premier Gold: For themselves and one companion.
- Premier Silver: Eligible when checking in (up to 24 hours before departure), for themselves and one companion.
Note: Economy Plus is not available on Basic Economy tickets
Purchasing Options & Pricing
If you’re not eligible for a complimentary upgrade, you can either:
1. Buy Economy Plus per flight:
United dynamically prices access from $29 to $299 per flight, depending on route, seat location, and class of service.
2. Subscribe annually:
Economy Plus subscriptions range from $599 to $1,299 per year, depending on whether you include companion access or require international coverage:
- Solo (continental U.S.): ~$599
- Subscriber + 1 companion: $799–999 (depending on region)
- Subscriber + up to 8 companions: $1,099–1,299.
For frequent flyers, this can be cost-effective—especially when traveling as a group or planning several long-haul flights. One traveler reported saving nearly as much on upgrades for a U.K. trip than she paid for the global Economy Plus family plan.
🔍 How Does Economy Plus Compare?
| Class | Legroom (Pitch) | Recline | Complimentary Upgrade Option | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | ~30–31″ | Minimal | Not included | No seat assignment, no carry-on (domestic) |
| Standard Economy | ~31″ | Standard | Eligible | Full changes, carry-on allowed |
| Economy Plus | ~35–37″ | ~4″ | Eligible (elite status only) | Extra space, better boarding group |
| Premium Plus | Premium econ (widebody) | Greater | Separate fare class | Enhanced meal service, amenities (international) |
🗣️ Real Traveler Impressions
On Reddit, users emphasized:
“Economy Plus seats are never double Economy prices. There’s merely an up‑charge for the extra leg room, depending on distance flown. $45‑$79 is typical on domestic flights.”
“Premium Plus seats are a whole other class of service.”
“The extra 3” is always worth it to me for any flight over a couple hours.”
These comments reflect that while Economy Plus offers noticeable comfort, it’s still fundamentally economy seating without the amenities of premium cabins.
🎥 Economy Plus in Action
This video reviews Economy Plus seating on a Boeing 737‑800, showing layout, legroom, and passenger impressions in practice.
✅ Is Economy Plus Worth It?
- Short flights (≤2 hours): Probably not—especially if you’re not tall.
- Medium or long domestic flights: A good mid-tier upgrade for space and a smarter seat location.
- Frequent flyers: If you fly United often or with companions, the annual subscription may offer value.
- Elite MileagePlus members: Definitely worth claiming—free access is one of the best perks available.
Final Thoughts
United Economy Plus is simple but effective: extra legroom and better placement within the Economy cabin for improved comfort—and nothing more. No priority boarding or complimentary drinks, but it’s a solid way to upgrade the flying experience without jumping to Premium cabin fares.
If you’re looking for more service and perks on international flights, consider Premium Plus instead—but for a smarter Economy seat, Economy Plus delivers—but only for those prepared to pay or who qualify for elite access.
