The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. It is a ripoff. United has two types of economy fares: economy and basic economy. By the books, you don’t get to pick your seat when flying basic economy. The United Basic Economy carry-on luggage allowance is not very generous, and United Airlines are pretty strict at enforcing their rules. Yes, but only if you use a cobranded United credit card to purchase your ticket, are the primary cardholder of this card at the time of check-in and provide your United MileagePlus number when you purchase the flight. Yes. Your email address will not be published. Customers traveling together, including families, will not be able to sit together. Upgrades of any type are not allowed for Basic Economy fares or Economy (first bag charge/no changes allowed) fares. Related: Yet another reason not to book United basic economy. You may have a lot of questions about what this fare allows and how your experience may be different from any previous trips you’ve taken with United. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. There’s no doubt about it: United basic economy fares are restrictive. 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. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Related: United Airlines makes big changes to how we earn elite status, upgrades. By paying for your reservation with this card, you’ll board in the second group rather than in the fifth and final group, as basic economy passengers typically do. If you don’t have elite status with United or carry one of their credit cards, here are some examples of baggage fees: Related: How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines. You can pay less than $20 to ensure you’re sitting next to a child or companion flying United even with basic economy fares. United Airlines basic economy fares are more restrictive and punitive than any of the other U.S. carriers. The Points Guy will not sell your email. And United Airlines is among the worst offenders. 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. And United Airlines is among the worst offenders. (United travelers who aren't checking a bag must visit an airport kiosk or boarding counter to receive a boarding pass.) United was the second of the “Big Three” U.S. airlines (after Delta and before American) to introduce basic economy, in part to better compete with ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Make sure to verify if Basic Economy at booking time. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®. But with the right tools and knowledge, you can make them less painful. Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Even at that price, it could pay for itself after checking bags on just two round-trip flights a year. Click Here to get more details on the United Explorer Card. However, the United basic economy experience can be made better with elite status or an eligible cobranded United Airlines credit card when the card is used to book the flight. But United offers the most generous ability to pick a seat for a reasonable fee even when you’re flying basic economy. These cards easily justify themselves if you use them to book United basic economy fares just a few times each year. Kyle Potter is the executive editor of Thrifty Traveler. Photo by Zach Honig/TPG. Basic economy provides a lower-priced fare but may place restrictions on seat assignment, boarding, carry-on baggage, upgrades, changes, refunds, elite earning and elite benefits. Basic Economy. Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Basic economy fares have reshaped travel, as airlines charge travelers more for what they once got for free. Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Unlike with Delta, you can’t move around the cabin to get an available seat for free after the 24-hour check-in window opens when flying basic economy with United. After agreeing to go on a quick trip to Las Vegas with some friends, I had to figure out how I would get there from Los Angeles. While United’s new basic economy fare could save you $40 – 60 per round trip flight (and only if you don’t pay to check a bag), traveling on a basic economy fare means not being able to check in online in advance (unless you check a bag), and earning significantly fewer base miles and … You’re welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks to enjoy during your flight. But these rates – and the ability to pay for your pick from the moment you book your flight – put Delta and American fares to shame. Seats: Basic economy does not include a seat assignment, though a preferred seat can be booked up to 48 hours before departure for a fee of $12 to $40, depending on the leg. For many people, this is the most frustrating part of the basic economy. United has the single most punitive restrictions for basic economy flyers, so it pays to be hypervigilant about what you get and what you don’t. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. It is filled with "no"--no choice of seats, no changing seats, no upgrades, no normal size carry on, last to board. Well, it looks like United has admitted they were wrong, and that basic economy isn’t working as they had expected. On the flip side, United’s co-branded credit cards pack some serious punch to beat basic economy. United “Customers who book Basic Economy an onboard experience similar to our standard economy, but there are some restrictions associated with this fare such as complimentary advance seat assignments. It will also override the basic economy restrictions for carry-on bags to let you bring one on board. Boarding dead-last with a normal basic economy fare can be a drag, as it often means you won’t have room to stow your carry on. There are ways you can ease the pain of United basic economy – and there’s a silver lining when it comes time to pick a seat. Advance seat assignments may be available for purchase during booking and until check-in opens. This includes advance and same-day changes. An official website of the United States government Here is how you know . On United and other airlines, you’re paying the same amount but getting less with basic economy. Carry-on bags: Basic economy (or “Economy Light”) on Swiss includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on bag that must be 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) or less. And no one wants to be separated from their travel companion – or jammed between two strangers in the middle seat. So, you’re preparing for a trip and notice you’ve booked a basic economy fare on United Airlines. This guide will answer common questions about these restrictions and the basic economy experience on United, but be sure to also check out … Related: United Airlines updates its boarding process, creates new signage. Read more about the changes Our … This item must go under the seat. This card gets you a free checked bag on every United flight – along with a bag for one companion booked on the same reservation. Basic economy provides a lower-priced fare but may place restrictions on seat assignment, boarding, carry-on baggage, upgrades, changes, refunds, elite earning and elite benefits. No flexibility in it at all. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Is allowed when traveling united basic economy the United Economy® cabin, which we list below travel or travel more frequently card... 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