United Economy Plus gives you checked bags, priority boarding, and seat selection on United Airlines flights
United Economy Plus is a subscription tier offered by United Airlines that sits between basic economy and first class. When you buy this subscription for a specific flight or book it as an annual membership, you get a checked bag included, the ability to pick your seat in advance, priority boarding, and extra legroom compared to standard economy seats. You pay a flat fee per flight or an annual amount for the year, depending on which option you choose.
The subscription is not a frequent flyer program — it does not earn miles or points toward future travel. It is a paid upgrade to your ticket that changes what you get on that specific flight or flights you book during the membership year. United offers this as an alternative to paying for upgrades one at a time or buying premium cabin tickets outright.
Key Takeaways
- United Economy Plus includes one checked bag, seat selection, priority boarding, and extra legroom seats on every flight you book under the subscription.
- You can buy Economy Plus for a single flight at booking, or purchase an annual membership that covers all your United flights for a calendar year.
- The subscription does not include meals, lounge access, or standby privileges — those remain separate purchases or elite frequent flyer benefits.
- If you fly United several times per year, the annual membership often costs less per flight than buying the upgrade individually each time.
What is included in Economy Plus
Economy Plus seats are located in the front rows of the economy cabin, giving you extra legroom — typically 4 to 6 inches more than standard economy. You board in the priority group before general boarding, which means you board after first and business class but before the main economy group. This matters most on full flights when overhead bin space fills quickly.
Your subscription includes one checked bag at no additional charge. Standard United economy tickets do not include a checked bag unless you have elite frequent flyer status or a may have access to credit card. You also get to select your seat when you book, rather than being assigned one at check-in or having to pay a seat selection fee. The subscription does not include meals, drinks beyond water, or access to United Club lounges — those remain separate purchases.
Single-flight versus annual membership
You can buy Economy Plus in two ways. At the time you book a United flight, you can add Economy Plus to that ticket only. The cost varies by route and demand, but typically ranges from $15 to $75 per flight depending on the length and how far in advance you book. This option makes sense if you fly United occasionally or want to upgrade only specific flights.
The annual membership covers all flights you book on United for a full calendar year. The annual cost is fixed and does not change based on how many flights you take. If you fly United more than a few times per year, the annual membership usually costs less per flight than buying the upgrade individually. You can purchase the annual membership when you book your first flight of the year, or you can buy it separately through your United account and then apply it to future bookings.
How to buy Economy Plus
If you are booking a flight on United's website or app, you will see the Economy Plus option during the seat selection step. You can add it to your ticket before you pay. If you are booking through a travel agent or a third-party site, you may not be able to add Economy Plus at booking — in that case, you can contact United directly or log into your United account and add it after your ticket is issued.
To purchase an annual membership, log into your United account, go to the subscriptions or memberships section, and select Economy Plus. You will be asked to choose your membership year and payment method. The membership takes effect immediately and applies to all flights you book going forward during that calendar year. If you already have a ticket booked before you buy the membership, you can contact United to have the subscription applied retroactively to that ticket.
Economy Plus versus other United ticket types
United offers several ticket levels, and Economy Plus sits in the middle. Basic economy is the lowest fare and does not include a checked bag, seat selection, or priority boarding — you get a standard economy seat and board with the general group. Standard economy includes a checked bag and normal boarding but not the extra legroom or priority boarding of Economy Plus. First class and business class include all Economy Plus benefits plus meals, drinks, lie-flat beds on long flights, and lounge access.
If you want to compare costs, look at what United is charging for a basic economy ticket, then add the Economy Plus fee. That total is what you will pay for Economy Plus. A first class ticket will cost significantly more but includes amenities Economy Plus does not, like meals and lounge access. Many travelers find Economy Plus a good middle ground if they want extra legroom and a checked bag without paying full first class prices.
When Economy Plus makes financial sense
Economy Plus is most cost-effective if you fly United at least three or four times per year. If you fly once or twice a year, buying it per flight as needed is usually cheaper. If you fly United frequently — say, monthly or more — you might save more money by getting elite frequent flyer status, which includes Economy Plus benefits automatically plus additional perks like free upgrades and lounge access.
The subscription also makes sense if you value extra legroom and checked bags enough to pay for them. Some travelers prioritize comfort on flights over cost and are willing to pay the premium. Others only care about getting to their destination and would rather fly basic economy and pay for a checked bag only when they need one. Your own travel habits and preferences determine whether the subscription is worth the cost.
How Economy Plus works with frequent flyer status
If you have United frequent flyer elite status — such as Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K — you already receive Economy Plus benefits on every flight automatically. You do not need to buy the subscription. Your elite status also gives you additional benefits Economy Plus does not include, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and complimentary upgrades to first or business class when available.
If you buy an Economy Plus subscription and you also have elite status, the benefits do not stack or give you anything extra. You simply get the Economy Plus perks you would receive from either one. If you are close to earning elite status through your flying, it may be worth waiting rather than buying an annual Economy Plus membership, since elite status includes Economy Plus plus more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Economy Plus on partner airlines?
No. Economy Plus is a United Airlines subscription and applies only to flights operated by United. If you book a flight on a partner airline like Air Canada or Lufthansa through United, Economy Plus does not apply. You would need to purchase upgrades directly from the partner airline if they offer them.
What happens if my flight is cancelled or I need to reschedule?
If you bought Economy Plus for a single flight and that flight is cancelled, United will refund the Economy Plus fee or allow you to apply it to your rebooked flight. If you have an annual membership, it remains active and applies to your new flight. Contact United directly to make sure the subscription is transferred to your new booking.
Does Economy Plus include a seat upgrade if the flight is overbooked?
No. Economy Plus guarantees you an extra legroom seat and priority boarding, but it does not may provide an upgrade to first or business class. Upgrades are handled separately through United's upgrade system and depend on availability and your frequent flyer status.
Can I cancel my annual Economy Plus membership and get a refund?
United's refund policy for annual memberships varies. Some memberships can be cancelled within a certain window for a full or partial refund, while others are non-refundable. Check the terms when you purchase, or contact United customer service to ask about your specific membership.
Does Economy Plus apply to basic economy fares?
Yes. You can add Economy Plus to any United ticket, including basic economy fares. When you do, you get the Economy Plus benefits — extra legroom, checked bag, seat selection, and priority boarding — even though you started with a basic economy ticket.