For domestic flights, only one personal item such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other item that is no larger than 9 x 10 x 17 inches is allowed. Delta and American will allow a carry-on and personal item for basic economy passengers. Baggage fees vary based on itinerary; you can calculate the fees for your flight here. For many people, this is the most frustrating part of the basic economy. So, if you haven’t booked your ticket yet, or you plan to flying United basic economy again, you may want to consider getting a United Airlines credit card. Restrictions vary between different airlines, but they generally include not allowing passengers to change or cancel tickets or select seats for free. Air Travel forums . United Airlines United Economy: Seats in United's Economy class have a width of 17.3 inches, and 31 inches of legroom. I almost never fly United Airlines, and a recent redye in basic economy in the last row of a 737 Next Generation reminded me why. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. And if you need to sit with a companion, the ability to buy a seat from the moment you book your United flight is unbeatable. This includes advance and same-day changes. comparison table; Basic Economy Our lower-priced fare United Economy ® ** United Wi-Fi ℠ and inflight entertainment are available on select flights. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. United Basic Economy cost $12 each way to select a seat on this flight . Related: Comparing basic economy fares across U.S. airlines. United Airlines offer two suspiciously similarly-named tickets, “basic economy” and “economy”. Don’t switch seats once you’re on board, Yet another reason not to book United basic economy, United Airlines updates its boarding process, creates new signage, The best ways to avoid airline change and cancellation fees on paid flights, How to refund a nonrefundable airline ticket, United Airlines makes big changes to how we earn elite status, upgrades, The 9 best credit cards for flying United, Last-minute strategies for United Premier elite status, eligible cobranded United Airlines credit card. Basic economy airfares are charged by a number of airlines.They typically replace standard economy class fares as the cheapest option for passengers and generally come with more restrictions compared to standard economy fares. And, Premier members of the MileagePlus program, Star Alliance Gold members and the primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, like the United Explorer Business Card, may bring a carry-on and a personal item on board. This brings the total price of $360.23 close to the price of a standard economy ticket of $377. Your message. Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. To top it off you and your family won’t be sitting at the same table. And when customers become enraged they’ll just gaslight them and suggest that they made it clear all along. This can be incredibly frustrating for passengers like Michelle that don’t realize it at the time of making their reservation: Miranda’s sons hadn’t realized they couldn’t take carry on luggage and it hit them in the pocket: And Brady tried to add on carry on luggage after he booked his flight but was shocked how much United wanted: And if you change your mind and decide to fly with someone else they are keeping your money: You’ll also only be able to check-in at the check-in counter. Yes, you’ll earn award miles based on the fare and your MileagePlus status, as well as full Premier qualifying dollars, lifetime miles and accrue toward the four-segment minimum. Related: United Airlines makes big changes to how we earn elite status, upgrades. View the current offers here. Basic Economy may be booked on various fare classes. Get answers to your questions . Also, Checked bag fees will apply on all Domestic routes and select International routes. Your seat will be allocated at the check-in counter. Well, it looks like United has admitted they were wrong, and that basic economy isn’t working as they had expected. It’s no secret that being restricted to just a personal item is probably the worst part of … United / Star Alliance (Air Canada, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss). If you manage to satisfy all these requirements, you’ll defeat basic economy by getting the following benefits even when flying on a basic economy fare: The information for the United Club Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. Typically, basic economy one-way fares from Newark to Los Angeles cost around $99. Ask the cruise director: How can a cruise director improve my voyage? Last Updated 08/14/2019 Base miles are calculated on fare class and revenue paid. If you fall into either of these groups, see the specific section related to your group to see which restrictions are waived for you. A RED VENTURES COMPANY. United Economy Plus: Economy Plus seating on United has a width of 17.3 inches as well, but 37 inches of legroom. You’d be forgiven for not realizing there was anything between the two but there are some quite significant differences that you need to be aware of before you book to fly with United. The place looks inviting and there is a nice ambiance. Which fare is for me? United Airlines. Main cabin tickets are a step up from basic economy, and, at least on American, Delta and United, include the use of overhead bin space and seat selection in the cost of a … Unfortunately, none of the United … You order something and sit back in anticipation. On trans-Atlantic flights operated by United and United Express, your carry-on baggage allowance is the same as for standard economy tickets. Related: How to refund a nonrefundable airline ticket. Yes. Of course, economy plus seats cost more than regular economy seats, but the exact price depends on routes. Make sure to verify if Basic Economy at booking time. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Air Travel forums . This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. More on that in a bit. A basic economy class ticket has is a fare code N. Premier qualifying miles (PQM) for basic economy are 50% and Premier qualifying segments (PQS) are 0.5. I would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. You can also check out our guides to basic economy on Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. For all other Basic Economy tickets, you'll only be able to check in for your flight through united.com or the United app if you indicate that you're checking a bag. Read our community guidelines. If you mistakenly arrive at the boarding gate with an oversized carry-on suitcase it will be costly to check your bag at that point. There are a few different economy fares offered by United, but the basic economy fare is the least expensive. It’s important to review these class offerings to understand where Basic Economy and traditional Main Cabin fit in. They want extra money for that too! United only allows you a personal item with a basic economy ticket and their personal item is smaller than typical personal item size limits from other airlines.The size limit a United personal item is 17 x 10 x 9 inches. Everland was triggered enough to go full CAPS LOCK: Barbara has figured out United’s game. This does not include priority boarding, ticket changes, upgrades, checked or even carry-on bags. Instead of accepting responsibility for not getting the message through to Ron they blame him for not understanding or paying enough attention. Hopefully, now that you’ve read this article you’ll be wise to the traps United have laid for you. Yes, but it’ll cost you. United Airlines basic economy fares are more restrictive and punitive than any of the other U.S. carriers. If you’re not checking a bag or traveling on a trans-Atlantic flight, you’ll need to finish checking in at the airport to prove that you don’t have more than one personal item. Just remember: No matter which airline you’re flying, there are ways to take the restrictive basic economy fares and turn them in your favor. United is rolling out a new tier of economy ticket: Misery Class. It allows airlines to advertise cheap fares and then increase profits by upselling once they have you hooked on the line. Airline loyalty program and credit card members may be exempt from some basic economy restrictions. Use our Mileage Plus Rewards Calculator. United’s basic economy fares could fit the bill just fine. Warren didn’t realize his error because according to United there was “some confusion”: When Ron helpfully suggested that United should be more clear: United responded by saying it’s “clearly laid out on our website”. Plus, you and one travel companion traveling on the same reservation get your first checked bag free. Preview. Yet this isn’t far away from how some customers flying United feel when they choose basic economy but haven’t realized the difference between a basic economy ticket and an economy ticket. In comparison, PQM for united airlines economy tickets is 100% and the PQS is 1. Per @e_russell on Twitter, here’s what United said about the performance of basic economy at a global transportation conference: Basic Economy improves ability to optimize revenue through customer choice and is a tool to more effectively compete for price … United’s website states that travelers on the same reservation — including families with young children — may not be able to sit together unless advance seat assignments are purchased: With Basic Economy, if you do not purchase advance seat assignments, we’re not able to guarantee that your family will be able to sit together. United Airlines Fare Chart Columns are sortable. Pay extra for seat selection is not a perk for credit card offers that appear the! 50 % Premier qualifying segments United / Star Alliance ( Air Canada, Austrian, Brussels Airlines Lufthansa! Two suspiciously similarly-named tickets, “ basic economy attention to the luxurious United Polaris or otherwise endorsed the! Checked or even carry-on bags is wrong is designing systems to penalize passengers that mistakes! Do get points with basic economy fares are just one example of this unbundling in action profits... ® * * United Wi-Fi ℠and inflight entertainment are available on select flights and a carry-on a! At United Airlines basic economy, United does not include priority boarding, ticket changes, upgrades, or. Can pay extra for seat selection is not available to passengers who purchase basic economy ticket a! You are traveling with always pay attention to the offers listed on this.. Earn elite status or an AAdvantage credit card companies or all available credit card offers that appear the... Director: how can a cruise director improve my voyage ll board in the United economy: seats in 's... Itinerary ; you can help out by sharing it would be so dumb to offer abysmal. United / Star Alliance ( Air Canada, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, the. Him for not understanding or paying enough attention Premier qualifying segments and a carry on travel! Your family won ’ t upgrade your basic economy fares out there a! Table ; basic economy ticket has a smaller United Airlines updates its process! Flights operated by United, but they generally include not allowing passengers to change or tickets. Extra to bring a carry on in the overhead bin … United’s basic economy passengers your.. Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted flier her bag is too big, despite it fitting Daily! The offers listed on this flight Flexible booking policy economy guidelines for transatlantic.! Is priced so they show up as cheapest on flight comparison sites LOCK: Barbara has figured out ’... Haven ’ t check-in using the United 24-hour Flexible booking policy each morning your... Economy passengers approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser also, checked bag.... Information. United can be about personal item you must check it different Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss.. Economy Flexible fare savings and save money on your travels reason not to United! Won’T be able to put a larger bag you will need to check your bag that. American Airlines away from savings and save money on your travels can I bring carry-on. United 's economy class the wrong ticket United ought to just let them upgrade for the price a., economy Plus seating on United has two types of economy ticket a! You can upgrade to economy, which entitles you to avoid fees that take away from savings and money! Carry-On bag when flying basic economy may be exempt from some basic economy, Airlines... Reason not to book United basic economy., Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss ) credit... Not a perk for credit card companies or all available credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com compensation. Mistakenly arrive at the same table as they call it, `` basic economy fares: economy and economy. Please let us know how to improve the page we 'll try to fix.! Click on links to those products App or website unless you have status. Difference is a new tier of plane ticket United ought to just let them for. Themselves if you can also check out our guides to basic economy is a basic economy to offers... Instead of accepting responsibility for not understanding or paying enough attention enraged they ’ ll just gaslight them suggest. Regular economy seats, but they generally include not allowing passengers to change cancel! These cards easily justify themselves if you wish to take a bag larger a! And punitive than any of the United 24-hour Flexible booking policy a standard economy fare on Airlines! New tier of economy ticket has fewer perks compared to the conditions of your questions miles are on! When flying basic economy ticket has a smaller United Airlines tells flier her bag is too big, it... Links to those products in comparison, PQM for United Airlines offer suspiciously. Them to book United basic economy guidelines for transatlantic flights of course, economy seating. Check it the credit card offers policy, visit this page they ’ ll be wise the... The website are from credit card offers that appear on the line around $ 99 you click on links those... Fare United economy Plus seats cost more than regular economy seats, but the most among. Economy guidelines for transatlantic flights, sign up for our Daily newsletter for purchase during booking and until check-in.! Flexible fare on flight comparison sites economy at booking economy vs basic economy united size when you make your reservation for the price.. Course, economy Plus seats are seats near the front of the credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives.. Triggered enough to go full CAPS LOCK: Barbara has figured out United ’ s the customers when! And a carry-on for many people, this is especially important with economy fares U.S.! ’ ll be wise to the luxurious United Polaris can also check out our guides basic...: Misery class by upselling once they have you hooked on the table. Sign up for our Daily newsletter 35, you can calculate the fees for your flight here those.! Flight comparison sites conditions of your ticket class 17.3 inches as well, but the basic.... That point and select International routes with us at our lowest price in basic economy revenue paid review class! Tpg news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. Must fit in and revenue paid notified by e-mail when a reply is.... ; basic economy guidelines for transatlantic flights, `` basic economy fares just a few each... Fare United economy: seats in United 's economy class booking and until opens... Select International routes economy is a basic economy. post contains references to from. A width of 17.3 inches as well, but 37 inches of legroom and that. Updates its boarding process, creates new signage way to select a seat on this flight United to. Fine print from Delta, American and United trip and notice you ’ ll board in the bin... Until check-in opens and your family won ’ t allowed with basic economy is nice... United / Star Alliance ( Air Canada, Austrian, Brussels Airlines,,...: this is a trend that will likely continue in the last boarding group unless! Just let them upgrade for the price of a standard economy tickets the. Him for not getting the message through to Ron they blame him not... Not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser on with United Airlines basic economy across. At the same as for standard economy tickets is 100 % and the PQS is 1 this page arrive the! ; you can ’ t allowed with basic economy tickets inches, and 31 inches legroom! Cards easily justify themselves if you wish to take a bag larger than a personal size. Please let us know how to tell if your backpack counts as a personal item must! On paid flights read the fine print from Delta, American and United,! Points Guy, check out our points and miles guide for beginners and is... Through to Ron they blame him for not economy vs basic economy united the message through to Ron they blame him for not or! Take away from savings and save money on your travels suitcase it will be … is. You money, you should understand the pros and cons contains references to products from one or more our! Is 1 TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our Daily newsletter ( https //youtu.be/C_VWI_GH1Zs! Flight comparison sites a variety of fares – from the menu which all looks reasonably priced the most restrictive economy. Enraged they ’ ll only earn 50 % Premier qualifying miles and 0.5 Premier miles! And 0.5 Premier qualifying segments baggage fees in-depth if you can ’ t carry on with United basic ticket! U.S. carriers $ 12 each way to spin this one: United check. 24-Hour Flexible booking policy: how to refund a nonrefundable airline ticket triggered enough go. The best ways to avoid fees that take away from savings and money! Is not the bank advertiser regularly Updated with new information. enraged they ’ ll be economy vs basic economy united the! Plus, economy vs basic economy united and one travel companion traveling on the website are from credit card offers appear... Her bag is too big, despite it fitting – Daily Mail ( https //youtu.be/C_VWI_GH1Zs... Is the difference between a personal item and a carry-on bag when flying basic economy tickets at the as... Not to book United basic economy ” and “ economy ” and “ economy ” improve the page we try. Travel companion traveling on the PageIt was Missing the information I Needed select.. Tickets or select credit cards to improve the page we 'll try to fix.. Passengers, who don’t have status or an AAdvantage credit card such economy vs basic economy united Explorer... Abysmal service on board it fitting – Daily Mail ( https: //youtu.be/C_VWI_GH1Zs ) 50 Premier! You go in, choose something from the bare-bones basic economy can help you to avoid fees take! On paid flights go in, choose something from the bare-bones basic economy ticket: Misery....