Ever since EVA Air offered its upgraded Evergreen class of premium economy seats in 1991, other airlines have jumped on the wagon, hoping that passengers will pay extra for a slightly better experience. The experience can vary greatly depending on the airline, with some offering an increased baggage allowance, better in-flight meals, and improved entertainment. One thing they all have in common is increased legroom and a more expensive purchase price.

United airlines economy seat

Photo: United Airlines

Chicago-headquartered United Airlines has taken the concept a bit further, offering three classes of economy tickets, which are:

  • Basic economy
  • Economy
  • Economy Plus

With this in mind, we will look at United Airlines’ basic economy and see how it compares to the carrier’s regular economy offering. United Airlines economy class is comparable to that of other major US carriers like Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. Still, its basic economy only offers some of the perks of a regular economy class ticket.

Basic Economy Class

As the carrier’s cheapest fare, below is a list of what is included with a United Airlines basic economy ticket:

  • Checked luggage and carry-ons: For domestic flights, passengers can bring one personal item, such as a shoulder or laptop bag, onboard, so long as it can be stowed on the floor of the seat in front of them. No full-size carry-on bags are permitted. The first checked bag starts at $35, depending on the route. However, when it comes to selected long-haul routes (mainly transatlantic and transpacific routes), passengers are entitled to a free carry-on bag.
  • Seat assignment: United Airlines automatically assigns seats to basic economy ticket holders. However, some flights allow passengers to select a seat for a fee, starting from $10.
  • Boarding: Basic economy passengers are generally the last to board the aircraft (group 5).
Overhead luggage storage

Photo: United Airlines

  • Cancelations and refunds: United Airlines basic economy tickets cannot be changed, but as is standard across the US, passengers can get a full refund if they cancel their flight at least 24 hours after booking. For flights canceled later than 24 hours after booking, there is a cancelation fee of $99 for a domestic flight and $199 for an international flight. It is also worth noting that the refund will not be in cash, it will be a credit voucher that can be used towards future flight bookings.
  • Miles and upgrades: With a basic economy fare, passengers are not eligible for a complimentary upgrade to Economy Plus. They will also earn only half the air miles you would typically be entitled to with a regular economy ticket.

Related

Basic Economy Tickets Revenue Increased 20% At United Airlines In Q4 2023

United Airlines carried 165 million passengers in 2023 at a load factor of 86.4%, the most passengers ever in a year.

Economy Class

Below is a run-through of what is included with a standard economy class ticket on United Airlines:

  • Checked luggage and carry-ons: United Airlines economy class has the same fees as basic economy for checked baggage, but it does allow passengers one piece of free carry-on luggage.
  • Seat assignment: With an economy class ticket, passengers can select where they want to sit, which is a big plus when traveling with friends or family.
  • Boarding: Just like with basic economy, standard economy is one of the last groups to board (groups 3 through 5), but they do get called for boarding ahead of people with basic economy tickets.
  • Cancelations and refunds: United Airlines, like other major US carriers, has eliminated ticket change fees, meaning that if passengers cancel their booking within 24 hours of making it, they will be entitled to a full refund. They can still cancel later, but the refund will be in the form of a voucher for a future flight. This is the same for both basic economy and economy tickets.
  • Miles and upgrades: Members of United Airlines’ loyalty program, MileagePlus, are eligible for a complimentary upgrade to Economy Plus.

As with any upgrade, price is one of the main factors that will determine whether it is worth it. Simple Flying carried out a one-way dummy booking from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on August 24th to compare the difference in price between a basic economy ticket and an economy ticket.

United Airlines offers a choice of nine direct flights between the two airports on August 24th. The cheapest basic economy ticket is $199, with an economy ticket on the same flight coming in at $234. Although the service has a relatively short flight time of just two hours and 50 minutes, the difference in price is only $35, so for those looking to travel with a carry-on bag and choose their seat in advance, the upgrade could be well worth it.

For those looking for extra touches to enhance their economy class experience, United Airlines also offers Economy Plus seats throughout its fleet. These come with a range of perks, the main one being extra legroom. On the above dummy booking, the price for an economy plus ticket is $311, which is $112 more than the basic economy fare.

Read more:

Everything You Need To Know About Economy Plus Seating On United Airlines

The exclusive cabin is available throughout United’s fleet.

Have you traveled on a United Airlines basic economy or economy ticket? How would you compare the two experiences? Let us know by commenting below.


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