In a recent announcement, United Airlines revealed that over 18,000 passengers successfully avoided the dreaded middle seat last month, thanks to a new app feature introduced in March. This innovative tool allows travelers to specify their seat preferences and automatically receive a complimentary upgrade if a better seat becomes available before their flight. The options include window, aisle, exit, or bulkhead rows, catering to various passenger preferences.

How the New App Feature Works

United Airlines’ new app feature aims to improve the travel experience by allowing passengers to designate their preferred seating when booking a flight. Once a seat preference is set, the app will automatically upgrade the passenger if a preferred seat becomes available in the same class of service. This upgrade opportunity is available up to 12 hours before the flight’s departure. According to United, nearly 40% of travelers who made such requests were successfully moved to their desired seat location before takeoff. This feature not only helps passengers avoid the middle seat but also caters to other specific seating preferences that travelers might have. Whether it’s a preference for an aisle seat for easy access or a window seat for scenic views, this new tool provides a higher level of customization and comfort.

Choosing the Perfect Seat

While the new feature significantly improves seat selection, understanding your seating options can further enhance your flight experience. Websites like aeroLOPA offer valuable insights into seat configurations and window alignments, helping passengers make informed decisions about their seating preferences. This information can be particularly useful when setting preferences in United’s app, ensuring that travelers get the most out of their seating choices.

By leveraging this new feature and utilizing available resources to choose the best seats, travelers can enhance their overall flight experience. United Airlines’ commitment to improving passenger comfort is evident in this latest innovation, making it easier for travelers to avoid the middle seat and enjoy a more enjoyable journey.