Stuck in a middle seat? United's app will help you find a better one
Nearly everyone hates being stuck in the dreaded middle seat, and United is doing its part to help upgrade your onboard experience.
As part of the airline's latest mobile app update (version 4.1.36), the airline will now send you a push notification if you're stuck in the middle and a better seat becomes available. The latest update is now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Once you receive the push notification, you can log in to your existing booking and change your seat in just a few taps. We reached out to United to learn more about how the new functionality works, and we'll update the story if we hear back.
This is the latest flyer-friendly feature that United has added to its mobile app. The airline recently debuted a new group shopping experience that lets you share itineraries and preferred flights with a group of friends or family members who are all traveling together.
Late last year, United released a major new version of its app, focused on enhanced day-of-travel updates, a refreshed MileagePlus member account page, accessibility improvements and more.
While United is leading the charge on mobile technology, any traveler — regardless of airline — can use ExpertFlyer to snag a better seat. One of the key features of ExpertFlyer — which is owned by TPG parent company Red Ventures — is the ability to set seat alerts for any type of seat, including an aisle, window, bulkhead or exit row.
Related: How to boost your chances of getting a better seat by 91% or more
You can choose to include premium, paid or blocked seats, which are available sometimes to elites and other frequent flyers. After setting an alert, you'll be immediately notified via email (or text, if you prefer) should your preferred seat become available.
Personally, I've used ExpertFlyer countless times to snag a better seat — and I'm excited that United is deploying a similar feature to its mobile app.
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Rewards Rate
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Intro Offer
Earn 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200K miles when you spend $150K in the first 6 monthsLIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus milesAnnual Fee
$395Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.740-850Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
- The Capital One Venture X business card has a very lucrative welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
- Top rated mobile app