CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) now offers a solution for travelers who find themselves stuck booking only middle seats.
Through their app, the airline will automatically switch passengers to a window or aisle seat as soon as they become available.
United Middle Seat Upgrade
Here’s how it works: When using the app, passengers can select the unwanted middle seat while also expressing a preference for an aisle or window seat. Then, if and when the desired seat becomes available and they are next in line, the passenger will be automatically assigned their preferred option.
While middle seats are generally unpopular, some passengers may opt for them to sit next to their travel companions or because they may not show up for their assigned seats.
Additionally, for taller individuals, the new feature also allows passengers to choose exit rows or bulkhead seats, which are the first-row seats known for their extra legroom.
12-Hours Prior Departure
United offers this service up to 12 hours before the scheduled departure time.
The ability to select a seat while flying has transformed into a premium amenity for passengers who opt for higher fares.
Typically, for most economy travelers, seat selection isn’t available until 24 hours before the flight. However, passengers in premium classes or with frequent flyer status may have the option to select seats earlier on occasion.
However, United’s recent change could potentially reverse this trend if it proves attractive to customers and compels competitors to follow suit. Airlines have progressively implemented fees for passengers who wish to reserve specific seats on their flights.
The new automatic seat-swapping feature was initially introduced to a select group of passengers for trial on March 22. This week, it is being more widely introduced.
United aims to increase app usage by offering this free service, especially considering that approximately 3 million passengers use the app daily.
Introduced in 2021 But…
In 2021, United introduced a simpler feature within its app designed to assist passengers in transitioning from a middle seat to an aisle or window seat.
However, instead of executing the change automatically, the app would send a notification to travelers via their smartphone. Subsequently, customers were required to access the app and manually make the adjustment
Failure to acknowledge the notification or the inability to make the change promptly could result in the seat being claimed by another passenger.
With the new system, the app will enable travelers to indicate their preference for exit rows and seats in the first row.
United MileagePlus Miles Pooling
In March, United Airlines made a groundbreaking announcement, introducing the option for individuals to combine and distribute their frequent-flyer points among family and friends, marking a pioneering move in the airline industry.
A designated ‘pool leader’ has the authority to select up to four other individuals to establish a shared account within United’s MileagePlus program. While the group leader must be at least 18 years old, there is no minimum age requirement for the other participants, allowing parents to enroll their children.
Nevertheless, it is imperative that each member of the pool possesses their individual United frequent-flyer account.
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