Is United Airlines a good airline?

United Airlines can be considered a midtier major airline, with strengths in network size and route coverage but a more mixed performance in customer satisfaction. The airline is generally seen as a solid, functional choice for widespread travel but not necessarily a standout for premium service or comfort.

What is the United Airlines baggage fee for the first checked bag?

The first checked bag on most United Airlines domestic flights typically costs around $45 if prepaid online or $50 if paid at the airport. The exact price may vary by route, so it’s recommended to use United’s baggage calculator.

Does United Airlines basic economy include a carry-on bag?

United Airlines Basic Economy does not include a standard carry-on bag on most routes. Passengers are typically allowed only one personal item (such as a small backpack or laptop bag) that must fit under the seat in front of them. A standard carry-on is included for Basic Economy tickets on transatlantic or transpacific flights or on flights to South America.

What is United Polaris business class?

United Polaris is the long-haul international business class. It features lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, designed to improve comfort and sleep on long-haul flights. Passengers receive premium dining, enhanced bedding, and amenity kits, along with access to Polaris lounges at some airports on eligible itineraries.

What is United Airlines Economy Plus?

Economy Plus is a seating option within the standard economy cabin that provides extra legroom and seats closer to the front of the cabin for a more comfortable experience.

How do I earn MileagePlus elite status?

MileagePlus elite status is earned through the accumulation of Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) within a calendar year. These metrics are earned primarily by flying with United and its partner airlines.

What is United Airlines' Skytrax rating?

Skytrax gives United Airlines a 3-star airline rating, which classifies it as an average global airline in terms of product and service standards.

United Airlines Review: Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Baggage Fees, and More

Updated: April 27, 2026, 7:00am CDT

Edited by:

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Table of Contents

Quick Overview of United Airlines
United Ticketing
United Airlines Frequent Flyer Program
United Airlines Baggage Fees and Other Fees and Add-Ons
How To Avoid Paying Excess Fees and Travel Expenses
United Seat Specifications and Inflight Amenities
United Customer Satisfaction
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

United Airlines operates 4,500 daily flights serving over 350 destinations worldwide and is a member of the Star Alliance network. This article provides an overview for travelers considering flying with the airline, including detailed information on fare types, baggage fees, and seat specifications. It also outlines the MileagePlus frequent-flyer program and features customer satisfaction ratings, providing a comprehensive reference to support informed travel planning.

Quick Overview of United Airlines

United Airlines operates a fleet of over 1,000 aircraft, with its primary hub at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Fares range from Basic Economy, which includes just a personal item on many routes, to Polaris business class with lie-flat seats.

Checked baggage fees typically start at $50 for the first bag on domestic flights, while business and first class passengers receive 2 free checked bags. The airline’s MileagePlus program offers elite tiers from Silver to 1K. Skytrax assigns United a 3-star rating, and it holds a 7.4-out-of-10 customer rating on Kayak. Seat specifications vary across the fleet, which includes 18 different aircraft types.

United Airlines Route Map — United Airlines route map. Image Credit: United Airlines

United Ticketing

United’s fare types are pretty standard for a large U.S. carrier. But with stiff competition from many low-cost airlines, United offers a basic economy fare that gets you a seat on the plane. Handy for those traveling light, this reduced fare does not include standard carry-on or checked luggage. For anyone part of United’s frequent flyer program (covered later on in this article), you aren’t eligible for the Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) that go toward your elite status when flying in this class.

Below are the additional differences in fare types and cabin classes, with in-flight amenities covered later on in this article:

Basic Economy (most restrictive fare):

Includes a personal item only, no standard carry-on
Preassigned seat before boarding
Children under 12 can be seated next to the first adult listed on the booking (other party members may be separated).
First checked bag costs from $70 (round-trip) unless you are a MileagePlus member with Premier status, traveling with a Premier member, or are the primary card member of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card with priority boarding.
Upgrades are not available.
Changes or refunds are not permitted (you may be issued a partial travel credit).

Economy (standard):

Includes a personal item and a standard carry-on
Checked luggage fees apply
Seat selection at time of booking (if available)
Customization of your booking

Economy Plus

Passengers seeking extra legroom can upgrade to Economy Plus, which also provides seating closer to the front of the aircraft for quicker disembarkation. Upgrades are available as a one-time purchase or through an annual subscription (from $599) when booking a standard economy ticket, where Economy Plus is offered.

Premium Plus:

Includes a personal item and a standard carry-on
Checked luggage included
Spacious, larger seating with extra legroom
Complimentary food and beverages
Customization of your booking

Business:

Priority check-in and boarding
United Club access for international flights
Includes a personal item and a standard carry-on
Checked luggage included
Spacious, larger seating with extra legroom
Enhanced dining with complimentary food and beverages
Customization of your booking

First or United Polaris:

Priority check-in and boarding
United Club, United Polaris lounge access (not applicable on base fares)
Includes a personal item and a standard carry-on
Checked luggage included
Spacious, larger seating with extra legroom and lie-flat seats on some routes
Enhanced dining with complimentary food and beverages
Customization of your booking
Base fares are not eligible for changes or refunds. Standard or flexible fares are eligible.

Whether certain cabin classes are available depends on the route and plane type. We’ve also covered how you can upgrade to business or first class on United Airlines.

United Airlines Frequent Flyer Program

United Airlines MileagePlus frequent flyer program. Image Credit: United Airlines

MileagePlus is United’s frequent-flyer program, allowing members to earn miles that can be redeemed for award flights while progressing through elite tiers that offer benefits such as priority check-in and additional baggage allowances. Miles can also be redeemed on flights operated by Star Alliance partners. Earning opportunities include flights, shopping, dining, and spending on eligible credit cards.

Hot Tip:

For more information, check out our article on United’s MileagePlus frequent flyer program.

United Airlines Baggage Fees and Other Fees and Add-Ons

Baggage Fees

United Airlines Carry-On Allowance

1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: FREE (including basic economy transatlantic or transpacific flights, or flights to South America, but excluding all other routes for basic economy)

United Airlines Checked Allowance

Maximum weight: 50 pounds (23 kilograms) for all economy and premium economy fares and 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for business and first class fares.

Maximum size: 62 inches (158 centimeters) linear

United recommends that passengers use its official baggage fee calculator to view baggage costs for their specific fare type.

Hot Tip:

When discussing baggage allowances, airlines often refer to maximum linear dimensions or similar terms. This figure is calculated by adding the length, width, and depth of a piece of luggage. For example, a suitcase measuring 26 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 16 inches deep has total linear dimensions of 62 inches, which meets the maximum limit for many airlines.

Basic route searches indicate the following fees, though it is advisable to check the specific fare details before booking to confirm.

Within the U.S., to or from Canada, the Caribbean, or Central America

Economy (basic, plus, and standard): first bag $50 ($45 prepaid), second bag $60 ($55 prepaid), third bag $200
Business and first: first and second bags free, third bag and up $200

U.S. to or from South America

Economy basic: first bag $70, second bag $100, third bag $200
Economy Plus and standard: included, second bag $100, third bag $200
Business and first: first and second bags free, third bag and up $200

U.S. to or from Europe and other transatlantic and transpacific routes

Economy basic: first bag $75, second bag $100, third bag $200
Economy Plus, standard, and premium economy: first bag included, second bag $100, third bag and up $200
Business and first: first bag free, second bag $100, third bag and up $200

Additional and Excess Baggage Fees:

Oversize fee: $200 per bag (up to 115 inches, or 292 centimeters)

Overweight Fee (route dependent):

Bags 51 to 70 pounds: $100 to $200 per bag
Bags 71 to 100 pounds: $200 to $400 per bag

MileagePlus Status baggage allowance:

Silver, Gold, Platinum, 1K members: 3 free checked bags when traveling in first, business, or United Polaris business (70 pounds or 32 kilograms each).
Traveling in economy basic or standard:
- Premier Silver: 1 free checked bag (70 pounds or 32 kilograms)
- Premier Gold: 2 free checked bags (70 pounds or 32 kilograms each)
- Premier Platinum or 1K: 3 free checked bags (70 pounds or 32 kilograms each)
- Star Alliance Gold: 1 free checked bag (50 pounds or 23 kilograms)

United co-branded credit cards (United Club ℠ Card, United Quest℠ Card, and United ℠ Explorer Card) provide cardholders and 1 traveling companion with up to 2 free checked bags.

Hot Tip:

See our post on United Airlines baggage policy, which details specific baggage allowances for all cabin classes, status levels, and personnel, including military personnel.

United’s Other Fees and Add-Ons

Service Fees

All reservations made on United.com incur no service fee. For other methods of booking made within the U.S. or Canada, the service fees are as follows:

By phone: $25

City ticket office: $30

At the airport: $50

Reservations made outside of the U.S.: Fees vary according to country

Cancellation and Change Fees: (Cash Tickets)

Change fee: No additional fee
Cancellation, redeposit, or refund: No additional fee
- $125 redeposit fee for no-shows, regardless of elite status
Same-day change: $75
- Waived for Gold, Platinum, and 1K members
Cancellation: If you cancel a nonrefundable ticket, no refund will be issued — but you can use any refunded credit against a new ticket within 12 months.
Exclusions and waivers:
- If your departure or arrival time changes by more than 30 minutes (because of a schedule change), you can change your flight at no extra cost or request a refund.

We’ve also gone into detail on United’s award flight change and cancellation fees.

Seat Selection Fees

For Basic Economy, advance seat selection starts at $15 per passenger, per flight. Other economy passengers can pay for preferred seating (closer to the front of the economy section) from $24 per passenger, per flight.

Economy Plus upgrade: $29 to $299 per passenger per flight

Economy Plus subscription: From $599 to $1,299 plus tax

Benefit from additional legroom and a closer seat to the front of the plane for quicker exit when you reach your destination.

Unaccompanied minor fee: $150 each way plus full adult fare per child

Pet in cabin fee: $150 each way

Fare Holding Fees

If you’re not ready to book at the time of searching, you can pay to reserve your fare using United’s FareLock service.

The fee varies by destination and starts from $5 for 3 days.

United Bundles

Bundles are offered during the reservation process and combine different add-ons, such as an Economy Plus upgrade and a United Club trip pass. Prices vary per route, but United states that savings can be had by buying these bundles. Starting at $10.

Wi-Fi: $8 for MileagePlus members and $10 for everyone else.

United Club membership: From $750

Get access to all of the United Club locations and some partner lounges.

United dining kids — United Airlines has a variety of onboard dishes. Image Credit: United Airlines

Onboard Refreshments

For flights over 500 miles (within the U.S. and to or from Canada, Latin America, or the Caribbean), passengers can order from a snack menu, with prices ranging from $5 to $10.

For flights over 1,190 miles, passengers can order from the bistro menu, which serves hot and cold meals. Prices are $10 to $11 per meal and include items such as chicken pesto wraps and steakhouse burgers.

Nonalcoholic beverages are usually free of charge on all flights. For short-haul flights, beer and wine are $8 to $12, while premium spirits are $10 and specialty cocktails are $12.

Wine and beer are complimentary on long-haul international flights, and all alcoholic beverages and premium meals are free of charge in business and first cabins.

Onboard Entertainment

United offers a variety of entertainment, depending on the type of aircraft you’re on. You may have seatback entertainment or access to entertainment on your personal device. You have access to films, TV shows, and podcasts via Unitedprivatescreening.com.

How To Avoid Paying Excess Fees and Travel Expenses

Many travel rewards cards come with an annual airline credit and can be used to offset fees, such as baggage fees, like the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® come with an annual $300 travel credit that can be used to offset almost any travel expense.

The cards below allow you to redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for recent travel purchases:

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome OfferEarn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

$395 annual fee
Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome OfferEarn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent Credit

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

$95 annual fee
Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome OfferEarn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$200

Annual Fee

APR

Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 18.49% - 28.49% thereafter

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.49% – 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 18.49% - 28.49% thereafter
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

United Seat Specifications and Inflight Amenities

United 787 Aircraft — Image Credit: United Airlines

Seat Specifications

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Aircraft Type		First	Business	Premium Plus	Economy Plus	Economy
787-8/9/10 Dreamliner	Seat pitch	N/A	6 feet, 6 inches (198 centimeters) sleeping area	38 inches (96.5 centimeters) (10 Dreamliner only)	34 inches (86.3 centimeters)	31 inches (78 centimeters)
	Seat recline	N/A	180 degrees	6 inches (15 centimeters) (10 Dreamliner only)	4 inches (10.1 centimeters)	3 inches (7.6 centimeters)
	Seat width	N/A	20.5 inches (52 centimeters)	19 inches (48.2 centimeters) (10 Dreamliner only)	17.3 inches (43.9 centimeters)	17.3 inches (43.9 centimeters)
777-200	Seat pitch	6 feet, 4 inches (193 centimeters) sleeping area	N/A	N/A	35 inches (88 centimeters)	31 inches (78 centimeters)
	Seat recline	180 degrees	N/A	N/A	4 inches (10 centimeters)	3 inches (7 centimeters)
	Seat width	19 inches (48.3 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	17.1 inches (43.49 centimeters)	17.1 inches (43.4 centimeters)
777-200ER	Seat pitch	N/A	6 feet, 6 inches (198 centimeters) sleeping area	38 inches (96.5 centimeters)	34 inches (86.3 centimeters)	31 inches (78 centimeters)
	Seat recline	N/A	180 degrees	6 inches (15 centimeters)	4 inches (10.1 centimeters)	4 inches (10.1 centimeters)
	Seat width	N/A	22 inches (55.9 centimeters)	18.5 inches (47 centimeters)	17.05 inches (43.3 centimeters)	17.05 inches (43.3 centimeters)
777-300ER	Seat pitch	N/A	6 feet, 6 inches (198 centimeters) sleeping space	38 inches (96.5 centimeters)	34 inches (86.3 centimeters)	31 inches (78 centimeters)
	Seat recline	N/A	180 degrees	6 inches (15 centimeters)	4 inches (10.1 centimeters)	3 inches (7.6 centimeters)
	Seat width	N/A	22 inches (55.9 centimeters)	18.5 inches (47 centimeters)	17.05 inches (43.3 centimeters)	17.05 inches (43.3 centimeters)
767-300ER/-400ER	Seat pitch	N/A	7 feet, 7 inches (195 centimeters) sleeping area	38 inches (96 centimeters)	34 inches (86 centimeters)	31 inches (78 centimeters)
	Seat recline	N/A	180 degrees	6 inches (15 centimeters)	3 to 4 inches (9 to 10 centimeters)	2 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters)
	Seat width	N/A	20.36 to 22.18 inches (51.71 to 56.34 centimeters)	18.5 to 19 inches (46.9 to 48.28 centimeters)	18.5 inches (46.9 centimeters)	18 to 18.5 inches (45.7 to 46.9 centimeters)
757-200	Seat pitch	N/A	6 feet, 4 inches (193 centimeters) sleeping area	N/A	36 to 40 inches (91 to 102 centimeters)	30 to 31 inches (76 to 79 centimeters)
	Seat recline	N/A	180 degrees	N/A	4 inches (10 centimeters)	3 inches (7.6 centimeters)
	Seat width	N/A	20.6 inches (52.3 centimeters)	N/A	17.8 inches (45.2 centimeters)	16.55 to 17.8 inches (42 to 45.2 centimeters)
757-300	Seat pitch	38 inches (96 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	34 to 38 inches (86 to 96 centimeters)	30 to 31 inches (76 to 78 centimeters
	Seat recline	5 inches (12 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	3 inches (7 centimeters)	2 inches (5 centimeters)
	Seat width	20.4 inches (52 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	17.3 inches (44 centimeters)	16.3 to 17.3 inches (41-44 cm)
737-700	Seat pitch	N/A	38 inches (96 centimeters)	N/A	34 to 38 inches (86.4 to 96.5 centimeters)	30 inches (76.2 centimeters)
	Seat recline	N/A	5 inches (12.7 centimeters)	N/A	3 inches (7.6 centimeters)	2 inches (5 centimeters)
	Seat width	N/A	20.4 inches (51.8 centimeters)	N/A	17.1 inches (43.4 centimeters)	16.1 to 17.1 inches (40.8 to 43.4 centimeters)
737-800	Seat pitch	37 inches (93 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	34 inches (86 centimeters)	30 inches (76 centimeters)
	Seat recline	5 inches (12 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	3 inches (7 centimeters)	2 inches (5 centimeters)
	Seat width	20.5 inches (52 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	16.3 to 17.3 inches (41.4 to 43.9 centimeters)	16.3 to 17.3 inches (41.4 to 43.9 centimeters)
737-900	Seat pitch	37 inches (93 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	34 inches (86 centimeters)	30 to 31 inches (76-78 centimeters)
	Seat recline	5 inches (12 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	3 inches (7 centimeters)	2 inches (5 centimeters)
	Seat width	20 to 20.9 inches (52 to 53.2 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	17 inches (43 centimeters)	16.3 to 17.3 inches (41.4 to 43.9 centimeters)
737 Max 8	Seat pitch	37 inches (93 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	33 to 34 inches (83 to 84 centimeters)	30 inches (76 centimeters)
	Seat recline	4 inches (10 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	3 inches (7 centimeters)	2 inches (5 centimeters)
	Seat width	20.4 inches (51 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	17.8 inches (45 centimeters)	16.6 to 17.8 inches (42.16 to 45.21 centimeters)
737 Max 9	Seat pitch	37 inches (93 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	35 to 40 inches (88 to 101 centimeters)	30 to 31 inches (76 to 78 centimeters)
	Seat recline	5 inches (12 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	3 inches (7 centimeters)	2 inches (5 centimeters)
	Seat width	20 inches (52 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	17 to 17.5 inches (43 to 44 centimeters)	17 to 17.5 inches (43 to 44 centimeters)
Airbus 319	Seat pitch	37 inches (93 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	17.7 inches (45 centimeters)	30 inches (76 centimeters)
	Seat recline	4 inches (10 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	3 inches (8 centimeters)	2 inches (5 centimeters)
	Seat width	21.1 inches (54 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	17.7 inches (45 centimeters)	17.7 inches (45 centimeters)
Airbus 320	Seat pitch	39 inches (99 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	35 inches (88 centimeters)	30 inches (76 centimeters)
	Seat recline	6 inches (15 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	5 inches (12 centimeters)	3 inches (7 centimeters)
	Seat width	19 inches (48 centimeters)	N/A	N/A	17 inches (43 centimeters)	17 inches (43 centimeters)

United Airlines operates 18 aircraft types with varying cabin classes and seat configurations.

United Express operates a further 6 aircraft through its partner airlines. You can view the aircraft and seat specs.

United Inflight Amenities

United recliner first class — United recliner in first class. Image Credit: United Airlines

United Business and First

Complimentary inflight beverages including beer, wine, spirits, and Illy coffee
Amenity kit
Premium dining
Premium padded seat with extra space and comfort, featuring a headrest that adjusts 6 ways
Storage space for personal items
Universal AC power plug
United Private Screening
Wi-Fi (fee applies)

United Polaris

Amenity kit
Beverages including beer, wine, spirits, and Illy coffee
Cotton pajamas on flights to or from Africa, Asia, India, the Pacific, and the Middle East
HD monitor with United Private Screening
Lie-flat beds with direct aisle access
Premium dining
Saks Fifth Avenue bedding
Wi-Fi (fee applies)

Premium Plus

Amenity kit
HD monitor with United Private Screening
Larger seat with more legroom, leg and footrests
Meals and snacks
Noise-reducing headphones
Nonalcoholic beverages and Illy coffee (long-haul flights include house beer and wine)
Power and USB sockets
Saks Fifth Avenue bedding

Economy Plus

Extra legroom
Nearer the front of the plane for quicker disembarkation
Eligible to earn Premier Qualifying Points
All standard economy benefits

Economy (Basic and Standard)

Children flying United with Masks in Economy from Newark to Boston — Kids flying United economy from Newark (EWR) to Boston (BOS). Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Entertainment varies by aircraft (details can be found on the inflight amenities tab on United’s Flight Status page).
On flights within the U.S. and to/from Canada, Latin America, or the Caribbean, passengers receive complimentary soft drinks (including Illy coffee) and can purchase snacks, meals, and alcohol.
On international flights, customers receive complimentary food and beverages, including house beer and wine.
Wi-Fi (fee applies)

Hot Tip:

Check out our post on United Airlines’ boarding policy to know what to expect during boarding, since almost all airlines have different procedures.

United Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is a real mixed bag with United Airlines. Their social media channels and Tripadvisor reviews seem to attract many compliments from loyal customers, which is unusual, as these outlets are often utilized to rant about poor service.

Additionally, their PR team is pretty adept at sponsoring a number of great causes and shouting about their good deeds on social media — so even if the service was only mediocre for a customer, their philanthropic efforts may improve consumers’ impressions.

Lost baggage is a real gripe for United customers, ranking among the most prominent issues on review sites. Also, inconsistent aircraft ages can lead to disappointment in inflight amenities.

One customer complaint we found said they had experienced seatback entertainment on one international flight but not on another. That’s going to disappoint any traveler. United prides itself on its personal device entertainment, but it relies on customers having a smartphone or tablet and headphones.

Consumer Rankings, Ratings, Etc.

There are several review websites that rate airlines. Here are a few of the most popular, so you can see the general consumer opinion of United Airlines.

Skytrax ranking: 3-star airline out of 5 (Source: Skytrax).

TripAdvisor rating: 3 out of 5 average from over 57,000 reviews (Source: TripAdvisor.com).

Kayak rating: 7.4 out of 10 average from over 9,500 verified guest reviews (Source: Kayak.com).

AirHelp.com rating: 7.54 out of 10 departure and arrival performance, service, and satisfaction with claims processing (Source: AirHelp.com).

Safety and Performance

Airlineratings.com Safety Rating: 7 out of 7. This takes into account whether the airline has IATA operational safety audit certification, government and crash records, and information from the International Civil Aviation Organization. (Source: AirlineRatings.com)

Final Thoughts

United Airlines is a legacy U.S. carrier with an extensive domestic and international network. Its Polaris business class highlights ongoing investment in premium cabins. Customer ratings remain average among major U.S. airlines, and travelers should confirm current baggage fees and fare rules directly at united.com before booking.