Can you upgrade after checking in United?

United Airlines: Seat Upgrades and Changes – Your Options

United Airlines members often appreciate the flexibility afforded by their loyalty program, particularly regarding seat selection. While typically seat assignments are finalized upon check-in, United offers a surprisingly generous window for upgrades and alterations. This article clarifies your options.

Pre-Boarding Flexibility: The good news is that you can frequently adjust your seating arrangements right up until boarding commences. This includes securing a preferred seat, upgrading to a more spacious configuration, or simply changing to a different seat within your original booking class. This pre-boarding flexibility is a key advantage of United’s system.

Post-Boarding Flexibility (Sometimes): In some instances, United allows for seat changes even after boarding. However, this depends on factors like availability and the specific flight. This is not a guaranteed option and shouldn’t be relied upon.

Unavailable Preferred Seats: If your desired seat is unavailable when you check in, don’t despair. Re-trying to select a seat closer to the departure time is often successful. Additionally, gate agents are equipped to assist in finding a suitable alternative should you need it.

In-Flight Seat Changes: Making changes to your seat during the flight requires assistance from a flight attendant. Be prepared to explain your situation and understand the limitations imposed by the current seating arrangement.

Maximizing Your Options: For optimal success in securing your desired seat, keep these tips in mind:

• Check-in Early: While not always necessary for seat selection, checking in early allows you to assess seat availability and make your selections proactively.
• Retry Closer to Departure: If your initial seat selection proves unavailable, revisiting the option closer to departure, or just before boarding, frequently reveals additional space.
• Consult the Gate Agent: Don’t hesitate to ask a gate agent for assistance in finding a suitable alternative, especially if your preferred seat remains unavailable after multiple attempts.

In essence, United Airlines offers significant flexibility regarding seat selection, particularly in the period leading up to boarding. This flexibility, however, is not absolute and you should be prepared to make adjustments in response to flight-specific conditions.