How to survive basic economy on United Airlines
So, you're preparing for a trip and notice you've booked a basic economy fare on United Airlines. 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. Don't worry — this guide aims to answer all of your questions.
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What is United basic economy?
United has two types of economy fares: economy and basic economy.
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. This guide will answer common questions about these restrictions and the basic economy experience on United, but be sure to also check out Benji Stawski's review of United's basic economy.
Related: Comparing basic economy fares across US airlines
Note that some basic economy restrictions are waived for Star Alliance elites and cardholders of United cobranded credit cards, two of which currently offer increased bonuses. If you fall into either of these groups, see the specific section related to your group to see which restrictions are waived for you.
- United Explorer Card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
- United Quest Card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
- United Club Infinite Card: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- United Business Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
Related: 4 reasons someone in your family needs a United credit card
Can I check a bag?
Yes. Baggage fees vary based on itinerary; you can calculate the fees for your flight here. If you don't have elite status with United or carry one of their credit cards, here are some examples of baggage fees:
- Within the U.S. and Canada: $35 for the first bag ($30 if prepaid), $45 ($40 if prepaid) for the second bag, $150 for each additional bag.
Between the U.S. and Europe: $75 for the first bag, $100 for the second bag, $200 for each additional bag. - Between the U.S. and Mexico: $30 for the first bag, $55 for the second bag, $180 for each additional bag.
Related: How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines
Can I bring a carry-on?
Sometimes. For domestic flights, only one personal item such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or another item that is no larger than 9 by 10 by 17 inches is allowed. Mobility aids and other assistive devices are also permitted. This item must go under the seat in front of you. Any additional items must be checked at ticket counters; if you take them to the gate you'll pay a $25 gate-service fee per item plus the applicable checked bag fee.
On transatlantic flights operated by United and United Express, your carry-on baggage allowance is the same as for standard economy tickets. This means you can bring a carry-on item that is no larger than 9 by 14 by 22 inches as well as a personal item that is no larger than 9 by 10 by 17 inches.
Premier members of the MileagePlus program, Star Alliance Gold members and the primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, like the United Explorer Card, may bring a carry-on and a personal item onboard.
Related: How to tell if your backpack counts as a personal or carry-on item
Can I select a seat?
Yes, but it'll cost you. Advance seat assignments may be available for purchase during booking and until check-in opens. Selecting a seat is oftentimes reasonably priced, usually $10 on short-haul flights. However, if you don't opt to purchase a seat assignment, a seat will be automatically assigned prior to boarding, for free. You can only purchase Economy Plus seats at check-in.
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. If it's important for your family to sit together, please consider purchasing advance seat assignments, if available, or selecting another fare."
Related: Flying United? Don't switch seats once you're on board
Why can't I check in online?
You'll only be able to check in for your flight online if you're checking a bag or traveling on a transatlantic flight. (Note: After checking in online, go to a check-in counter or designated kiosk in the airport lobby to check your bags.) If you're not checking a bag or traveling on a transatlantic flight, you'll need to finish checking in at the airport to prove that you don't have more than one personal item.
When can I board?
You'll board in the last boarding group, unless you have elite status or select credit cards. More on that in a bit. Note: Basic Economy customers with disabilities or who need assistance are allowed to pre-board.
Related: United Airlines updates its boarding process, creates new signage
Can I change my flight?
No. Changes aren't allowed with basic economy. This includes advance and same-day changes.
Related: The best ways to avoid airline change and cancellation fees on paid flights
Can I get a refund if I cancel my flight?
Refunds are not usually allowed except as stated in the United 24-hour flexible booking policy.
Related: How to refund a nonrefundable airline ticket
Do I still earn miles?
Yes. You'll earn award miles based on the fare and your MileagePlus status, as well as full Premier qualifying points and lifetime miles, and accrue toward the four-segment minimum. However, your flights will not count as Premier qualifying flights toward elite status.
Related: United Airlines makes big changes to how we earn elite status, upgrades
Does having a cobranded credit card help?
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.
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:
- One carry-on bag no larger than 9 by 14 by 22 inches for you and each of your travel companions traveling on the same reservation.
- Priority boarding for you and your travel companions traveling on the same reservation.
- First checked bag free for you and one travel companion traveling on the same reservation when you book your tickets using your United Explorer, United Club Infinite, United Quest, United Business or United Club Business Card.
- First and second checked bags are free for you and one travel companion traveling on the same reservation when you book your tickets using one of the above cards.
The information for the United Club Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: The best credit cards for flying United
Does having elite status help?
Yes. When flying on a basic economy fare, Premier members and Star Alliance elites get the following benefits:
- One carry-on bag no larger than 9 by 14 by 22 inches for you and each of your travel companions traveling on the same reservation.
- Your normal checked baggage allowance.
- Your normal boarding group for you and your travel companions traveling on the same reservation.
However, elite status holders will not receive any of the following when flying on a basic economy fare:
- Complimentary Economy Plus seating.
- Complimentary upgrades.
- Paid upgrades.
- Mileage upgrades.
- Upgrades using PlusPoints.
Related: Last-minute strategies for United Premier elite status
Bottom line
United Airlines basic economy fares are more restrictive and punitive than any of the other U.S. carriers. 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.
So, if you haven't booked your ticket yet, or you plan to fly United basic economy again, you may want to consider getting a United Airlines credit card. Doing so now is particularly compelling due to the increased bonuses currently available:
- United Explorer Card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
- United Quest Card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
- United Club Infinite Card: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- United Business Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
These cards provide a carry-on bag and priority boarding in Group 2 for you and each of your companions traveling on the same reservation. Plus, you and one travel companion traveling on the same reservation get your first checked bag free. These benefits of these cards easily outweigh the fees if you use them to book United basic economy fares just a few times each year.
You can also check out our guides to basic economy on Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.
Additional reporting by Johnny Motley.