Originally Posted by
notquiteaff
If you or your family members are tall, the Economy Plus section (seat selection fee applies) might be appealing.
To add to that, there is also a "preferred" seating section which has a smaller seat selection fee. This is not part of Economy Plus, but are normal economy seats that are closer to the forward section of the cabin. In the rest of the economy cabin seat selection is free.
Good to hear you're bringing your own food, since the food service on UA is hit or miss.