Is Economy Plus Subscription Worth It

Air travel has become an increasingly common part of modern life, whether for business, leisure, or visiting loved ones. Yet, for many, the standard economy cabin can feel like a cramped, uncomfortable experience. Airlines recognize this desire for more space, leading to options like Economy Plus. But when faced with an annual subscription for this perk, a crucial question arises: Is Economy Plus Subscription Worth It?

If you've ever found yourself wishing for a few extra inches to stretch out, or a quicker exit off the plane, you're not alone. This comprehensive guide will break down the ins and outs of the Economy Plus subscription, helping you determine if this investment aligns with your travel habits and comfort priorities.

What is Economy Plus?

Before diving into the subscription, let's clarify what Economy Plus entails. Economy Plus is a seating option primarily offered by United Airlines, positioned as an upgrade within the main economy cabin. It's designed to provide a more comfortable experience without the significant price tag of a premium cabin like Business or First Class.

Think of it as an enhanced economy seat. Unlike a completely separate cabin, Economy Plus seats are typically located at the front of the standard economy section. The key differentiator? More legroom. While standard economy seats on United typically offer around 31 inches of legroom (seat pitch), Economy Plus seats provide an average of 3 to 6 additional inches, often landing around 37 inches. This extra space can make a significant difference, especially on longer flights, allowing you to stretch out, work on a laptop more comfortably, or simply avoid knee-to-seat contact.

It's important to distinguish Economy Plus from United's Premium Plus. While both offer more space, Premium Plus is a true premium economy product with a wider seat, greater recline, upgraded meal service on long-haul flights, and additional amenities, located in a separate cabin section. Economy Plus, on the other hand, provides the same standard economy seat with just the added legroom and preferred location.

The Benefits of an Economy Plus Subscription

So, what exactly do you get when you opt for an Economy Plus subscription? This annual pass offers a streamlined way to secure those coveted extra-legroom seats.

• Guaranteed Extra Legroom: The primary draw is consistent access to extra legroom. With a subscription, you can select an Economy Plus seat at no additional charge on eligible flights for a full year, typically at the time of booking. This means no more scrambling for available seats or paying per flight.
• Preferred Seating Location: Economy Plus seats are usually located closer to the front of the aircraft, which can mean quicker deplaning upon arrival.
• Potential for Cost Savings: For frequent flyers, especially those who regularly purchase Economy Plus seats a la carte, a subscription can lead to substantial savings over the course of a year.
• Flexibility for Companions: Depending on the subscription tier you choose, you can extend the benefit to one or even up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation, making it a valuable option for families or groups.

Factors to Consider Before Subscribing

While the benefits sound appealing, an Economy Plus subscription isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Several factors should influence your decision:

How Often Do You Fly United?

This is perhaps the most critical question. The subscription's value is directly tied to your flight frequency. If you fly United Airlines multiple times a year, especially on longer routes, the subscription is more likely to pay for itself. Conversely, if you're an infrequent flyer, paying for individual Economy Plus seats as needed might be more cost-effective.

What Are Your Typical Routes?

The cost of purchasing Economy Plus a la carte varies significantly by flight length and demand. On short, domestic hops, an upgrade might be as little as $35 each way. However, for longer, international routes, the individual cost can be substantial, sometimes reaching hundreds of dollars per segment. A global subscription, which covers United's entire network, becomes particularly attractive for international travelers.

How Important is Extra Legroom to You?

For taller travelers, individuals with mobility needs, or anyone who simply prioritizes comfort, the extra 3-6 inches of legroom can be transformative. If you find standard economy unbearable, the subscription offers a consistent solution. If you're comfortable in regular economy, or only occasionally feel the pinch, then the subscription might be an unnecessary expense.

Do You Already Have Elite Status?

United MileagePlus Premier members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, 1K) receive complimentary access to Economy Plus seats, with the booking window expanding with higher status levels. For example, Premier Silver members get access at check-in, while Premier Gold and above can select Economy Plus seats at the time of booking. If you already have mid-to-high-tier elite status, an Economy Plus subscription might be redundant.

Your Travel Companions

If you frequently travel with family or friends, the option to include companions in your subscription can offer significant value. A global subscription covering up to eight companions, for instance, could easily pay for itself on a single international trip with a group.

Cost Analysis: Is the Economy Plus Subscription Worth the Price?

Let's talk numbers. United's Economy Plus subscriptions start at around $599 per year for a single traveler within the continental U.S. Prices increase for broader geographic coverage (e.g., North and Central America, or Global) and for adding companions. A global subscription covering yourself and up to eight companions can cost around $1,299 annually.

To determine if it's worth it, compare the subscription cost to what you'd typically spend on individual Economy Plus upgrades.

Example Scenarios:

• Occasional Domestic Traveler: If you take 2-3 round-trip domestic flights per year and typically pay $40-$60 per leg for Economy Plus, your annual cost would be $160-$360. In this case, a $599 subscription for yourself might not make financial sense.
• Frequent Domestic Traveler: If you fly 6-8 round-trip domestic flights annually, and each leg costs $50-$75 for Economy Plus, your yearly expenditure could be $600-$1200. Here, the $599 subscription could easily pay for itself, potentially saving you hundreds.
• International Traveler (Solo): A single round-trip international flight can see Economy Plus upgrades costing $200-$500 or more per person each way. A global subscription for a single traveler (around $999 for yourself) could break even after just one or two long-haul round trips.
• Family/Group International Travel: Imagine a family of four on a round-trip international flight where Economy Plus upgrades cost $500 per person each way, totaling $2,000 for the trip. A global subscription for up to eight companions at $1,299 would cover this entire trip and any other eligible flights for 12 months, resulting in substantial savings.

Key Takeaway: The subscription's value truly shines for those who fly United frequently, particularly on longer routes, or who regularly travel with multiple companions and value the consistent comfort of extra legroom.

Alternatives to an Economy Plus Subscription

If an Economy Plus subscription doesn't quite fit your travel profile, don't worry! There are other ways to enhance your flying experience:

• Purchase Economy Plus A La Carte: For infrequent travelers, simply buying Economy Plus seats on a per-flight basis when needed is often the most economical choice.
• Aim for Elite Status: As mentioned, United MileagePlus Premier members receive complimentary Economy Plus access. If you fly enough to earn status, this perk comes along with many other benefits. Consider if your travel volume is close to hitting a Premier tier.
• Look for Exit Row or Bulkhead Seats: These seats often offer significantly more legroom than standard economy and sometimes even more than Economy Plus. They can often be purchased for a lower fee than a dedicated Economy Plus seat, or even assigned for free at check-in if available. Be aware of the restrictions, such as not being able to store bags at your feet in bulkhead rows or needing to be able to assist in an emergency for exit rows.
• Consider Premium Economy (e.g., United Premium Plus): If you desire more than just legroom—such as wider seats, enhanced recline, better meals, and priority services—then a true premium economy product like United Premium Plus might be a better fit, especially for long-haul international flights.
• Airline Credit Card Perks: Some airline co-branded credit cards offer benefits that can indirectly help with comfort, such as free checked bags, which might free up budget for a la carte Economy Plus purchases, or even provide boosts towards elite status.

Maximizing Value from Your Economy Plus Subscription

If you decide that an Economy Plus subscription is worth it for your travel needs, here are some tips to get the most out of it:

• Book Early: While the subscription guarantees access to Economy Plus seats, popular routes and prime seats (like window or aisle) can still fill up. Booking your flights well in advance increases your chances of securing your preferred Economy Plus seat.
• Understand Your Coverage: Be clear about the geographic region and number of companions covered by your specific subscription tier to avoid unexpected charges.
• Link Your MileagePlus Number: Ensure your MileagePlus member number is always attached to your reservation for the subscription benefits to apply automatically.
• Monitor Your Travel: Keep an eye on your travel patterns throughout the year. If your travel frequency or destination types change significantly, re-evaluate the subscription's value before renewal.

Conclusion

Deciding if an Economy Plus subscription is worth it boils down to a personalized cost-benefit analysis. For the frequent United flyer, the business traveler, or families who prioritize consistent comfort and extra legroom, this annual pass can be a wise investment, potentially saving hundreds of dollars over individual seat purchases. It offers peace of mind, knowing you can stretch out on virtually every eligible flight.

However, if you fly infrequently, rarely travel with companions, or already enjoy complimentary Economy Plus access through elite status, purchasing upgrades on a per-flight basis or exploring other options like exit row seats might be more suitable.

Ultimately, the goal is to make your travel experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, within your budget. Consider your unique travel habits, crunch the numbers, and you'll find the answer that's right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Economy Plus the same as Premium Economy? No, Economy Plus is not the same as Premium Economy. Economy Plus offers extra legroom within the standard economy cabin, usually at the front. Premium Economy (like United's Premium Plus) is a separate cabin with wider seats, more recline, and often upgraded service and amenities.

Q2: Can I use an Economy Plus subscription with a Basic Economy ticket? Generally, no. Economy Plus subscriptions usually require you to book a standard economy fare or higher to utilize the benefit. Basic Economy tickets often have significant restrictions, including ineligibility for complimentary Economy Plus seating, regardless of a subscription.

Q3: How much extra legroom do you get with Economy Plus? Economy Plus seats typically offer an additional 3 to 6 inches of legroom compared to standard economy seats, bringing the total seat pitch to around 37 inches.

Q4: Does an Economy Plus subscription include free checked bags or priority boarding? The core benefit of an Economy Plus subscription is access to the extra-legroom seat itself. While Economy Plus seats are often located in the front of the cabin allowing for quicker deplaning, the subscription itself does not inherently include perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, or upgraded meal service. These benefits are usually tied to elite status levels or different fare classes (like Premium Plus).