Key Takeaways
- Economy Plus offers up to 5–6 inches of extra legroom, preferred seat locations, and earlier boarding.
- Regular Economy provides standard legroom and basic service but costs less.
- Both share the same meals, entertainment, and baggage policies, the main upgrade is space and seat location.
- On longer flights or for taller travelers, Economy Plus can be worth it for comfort alone.
- MileagePlus members can sometimes select Economy Plus for free or at a discount.
If you’ve ever booked a United Airlines flight and seen “Economy Plus” next to regular Economy seats, you’ve probably wondered whether the upgrade is actually worth paying for.
At first glance, both cabins look the same , same meal, same service, same aircraft. But small details like legroom, boarding priority, and seat location can make a big difference in how comfortable your flight feels.
Here’s a clear breakdown of how United Economy Plus vs Economy compare in 2025.
Seat Comfort and Space
This is where the biggest difference lies.
| Feature | Economy | Economy Plus |
| Seat Pitch (Legroom) | 30–31 inches | 34–36 inches |
| Seat Width | 17–18 inches | 17–18 inches |
| Recline | Standard | Slightly more |
| Location | Middle and rear of the cabin | Front of the economy section |
That extra 4–6 inches of legroom may not sound like much, but it completely changes the in-flight experience , especially on cross-country or international routes.
Tall travelers and those who like to stretch out during long flights often find Economy Plus worth the premium.
Want to know how travelers actually rate United’s Economy Plus on different routes? Join the Talk Travel United Airlines Forums to read real seat reviews and upgrade experiences.
Boarding and Seat Location
Economy Plus passengers board in Group 3, ahead of standard economy flyers (Group 4–5).
You’ll also sit closer to the front of the cabin, meaning you can deplane faster , a small but valuable perk for business travelers or tight connections.
These seats are also less crowded and quieter, since they’re away from the galley and lavatories.
Service and Amenities
Here’s where both cabins are nearly identical.
- Meals and snacks: Same catering service.
- Entertainment: Same screens, Wi-Fi, and streaming options.
- Baggage allowance: No difference, depends on your fare type (Basic Economy vs Standard Economy).
So, while the soft product stays the same, Economy Plus delivers a noticeably more relaxed and spacious experience overall.
Tip: If you want upgraded dining and amenities, check out United Premium Plus, a separate premium economy product with enhanced service and meals.
Pricing: How Much More Is Economy Plus?
Prices vary depending on route and demand, but here’s a general comparison:
| Route | Economy | Economy Plus | Difference |
| Chicago – San Francisco | $210 | $260 | +$50 |
| Newark – London | $950 | $1,150 | +$200 |
| Los Angeles – Tokyo | $1,000 | $1,250 | +$250 |
The extra cost usually ranges from $50 to $250 each way.
MileagePlus Premier members often get free or discounted upgrades to Economy Plus, especially Gold, Platinum, and 1K tiers.
Who Should Pay for Economy Plus?
1. Tall or Larger Travelers
If you’re over six feet tall, that extra legroom is the difference between comfort and cramped knees.
2. Long-Haul Flyers
Flights over six hours (like SFO–LHR or EWR–HNL) make the upgrade worth every dollar.
3. Frequent Business Travelers
Faster boarding and deplaning help minimize travel fatigue and connection stress.
4. Couples or Families Wanting to Sit Together
Economy Plus seats are easier to reserve in advance, especially for groups wanting to stay together.
How to Book or Upgrade to Economy Plus
You can select Economy Plus:
- When booking your ticket on United.com
- During check-in (if seats remain available)
- Using MileagePlus miles or PlusPoints
MileagePlus members can also subscribe to an Economy Plus annual plan, allowing access to these seats on every flight for a yearly fee.
Economy Plus vs Basic Economy
Some travelers confuse these two , but they’re at opposite ends of the comfort spectrum.
| Feature | Basic Economy | Economy Plus |
| Seat Assignment | Random at check-in | Choose in advance |
| Carry-On Bag | Restrictions apply | Full-size carry-on allowed |
| Upgrades | Not eligible | Eligible for upgrades |
| Boarding Group | Last | Group 3 |
| Refunds/Changes | Very limited | Flexible depending on fare |
If you book Basic Economy, you can’t upgrade to Economy Plus until check-in, and only if seats are still available.
Verdict: Is United Economy Plus Worth It?
If you value comfort, legroom, and early boarding, yes, Economy Plus is worth the upgrade, especially on long-haul or overnight flights.
The experience won’t feel premium, but it will feel noticeably more comfortable and efficient, which is what most economy travelers want.
For short domestic flights under three hours, you can skip it. But for anything longer, Economy Plus makes your flight smoother and less fatiguing.
Know how others decide between Economy Plus, Premium Plus, and Polaris? Explore real comparisons and traveler insights in the Talk Travel United Airlines Forums.
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