United Basic...no point in upgrading if only middle seats are available right?

[Anonymous]

Sure we can select our seats but they will be middle and not together. Cheaper just to pay for a checked bag. Its a cross country trip so I am night looking forward to it but not too many better options without jacking up the price. Just making sure I am not missing anything.

[Anonymous]

Not all seats have outlets to charge your phone. That would be a priority for me on a long flight.

[Anonymous]

Are you asking if you should pay for a seat selection if there are only middle seats left?

I wouldn't. I would just let the chips fall where they may in that case. Some other seats might open up later.

[Anonymous]

Leave it and try to check-in right when it opens. I find they often open up more seats like the exit row at check-in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not all seats have outlets to charge your phone. That would be a priority for me on a long flight.

I have a supplemental charger but how can you tell?

[Anonymous]

Don’t pay it. Check in the minute you are eligible and there may be more options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not all seats have outlets to charge your phone. That would be a priority for me on a long flight.

I have a supplemental charger but how can you tell?

This site is excellent for every detail you would want about airline seating.

Example of the United A320:

https://www.aerolopa.com/ua-airbus-32s

Scroll down to:

"Power: First and Economy Plus seats are equipped with universal AC (110V) sockets"

So on that plane, no outlets in regular economy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t pay it. Check in the minute you are eligible and there may be more options.

Economy basic can not choose a seat. It is assigned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t pay it. Check in the minute you are eligible and there may be more options.

Economy basic can not choose a seat. It is assigned.

Oh ok. When you book regular economy but no free seats are left at the time of the booking, you can still choose a seat at check in and there are way more options.

[Anonymous]

I think that sometimes there are restrictions on mile accrual if you choose basic, so, I would check that as well. Especially if you end up logging a lot of miles cross country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that sometimes there are restrictions on mile accrual if you choose basic, so, I would check that as well. Especially if you end up logging a lot of miles cross country.

I googled this.

Do I still earn miles?
Yes. You’ll earn award miles based on the fare and your MileagePlus status, as well as full Premier qualifying points and lifetime miles, and accrue toward the four-segment minimum. However, your flights will not count as Premier qualifying flights toward elite status.

Whatever that means.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that sometimes there are restrictions on mile accrual if you choose basic, so, I would check that as well. Especially if you end up logging a lot of miles cross country.

"Miles" earned on flights isn't tied to distance flown anymore. It's simply about how much the ticket cost. So if you are flying on cheaper tickets you will earn fewer "miles" no matter which cabin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not all seats have outlets to charge your phone. That would be a priority for me on a long flight.

Not op but I always bring a power bank

[Anonymous]

Regular economy tickets are generally more flexible in terms of returns and cancellations so I prefer them

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t pay it. Check in the minute you are eligible and there may be more options.

Economy basic can not choose a seat. It is assigned.

You can select a seat after buying a basic economy fare on United. You just have to pay for it. I do it all the time.