Last Updated: December 8, 2023
United Basic Economy Vs. Economy: All The Differences
Found a great deal on United Basic Economy tickets but you’re not sure what they entail? Then you’re in the right place because this guide explores all the differences between the Basic Economy and Economy fares on flights with United Airlines!
How many bags you’re allowed to bring, whether you can choose your seat, and the in-flight amenities are all covered in this guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the different rules and restrictions for the Basic Economy fare and how it compares to the standard Economy fare and see whether it makes sense for you!
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United Basic Economy vs Economy: Overview
Basic Economy is a relatively new fare option for select United Airlines flights. It’s the most restrictive of all of their fares, and a good option for passengers who want the cheapest available tickets.
The Basic Economy fare gets a bad rep because it’s quite restrictive, but it’s actually not so bad. It all depends on the flight – in some cases, it’s absolutely worth it because you can save money while getting almost the same treatment as the other economy passengers. But in other cases, it’s not the best option because the tickets are only slightly cheaper than Economy tickets, but the fare is much more restrictive.
This guide takes an in-depth look into United Airlines’ Basic Economy fare and covers all the rules and restrictions that apply to passengers who purchase Basic Economy tickets.
United Basic Economy vs Economy: Carry-On Bags
United Basic Economy does not include a carry-on bag unless you are flying across the Atlantic or Pacific or to South America. Should you bring a carry-on on the plane you will be charged an additional $25.
When you’re searching for flights on the official United website, you can always get a full list of what’s allowed with the Basic Economy Fare. In fact, United won’t let you purchase a Basic Economy ticket until you’ve checked a box that says you’ve read through the restrictions and decided that the Basic Economy fare works for you.
So, be sure to read through the restrictions to check what the baggage allowance is for your chosen flight. The Basic Economy fares that allow a full-sized cabin bag has a size restriction of 22” x 14” x 9” for the bag, including the handles and wheels. The maximum size of the carry-on bag is the same for all fares.
If you want to bring a bigger bag on your Basic Economy flight, you can prepay to check it when you’re buying the ticket and pay only the standard checked bag fee. You only get a free checked bag if you are flying internationally with United Economy.
United Basic Economy vs Economy: Personal Item
The fare for Basic Economy passengers includes a free personal item on all flights. The maximum dimensions of the personal item are 9” x 10” x 17”, and the bag must fit underneath the seat in front of you. This bag can be a backpack, a laptop bag, a tote, or pretty much anything you want, as long as it doesn’t exceed the listed dimensions.
It’s worth noting that this is the standard personal item size for all United Airlines fares, so whether you’re flying Basic Economy or Economy Plus, the size of the luggage is identical.
I want to point out that these backpacks are quite roomy, and it is perfectly possible to pack inside one for a short trip.
United Basic Economy vs Economy: Checked Baggage
The Basic Economy ticket includes one checked bag only on international flights across the Pacific Ocean, so flights to Asia, Africa, and Australia. For all other flights, you will need to pay an additional fee to check a bag, which is usually $30 or $35 for the first bag, and it’s cheaper if you prepay it online than check it at the gate.
United Basic Economy vs Economy: Seat Selection
United’s standard Economy fare allows you to choose where you want to sit. This is great if you’re traveling with friends or family and you want to be sure that everyone gets to sit together on the plane.
The Basic Economy fare doesn’t let you choose a seat. Instead, you’re randomly allocated an empty seat, and you have zero input on where you get to sit. It is possible to purchase preferred seating with your ticket until the check-in for your flight opens. But once the check-in opens, you cannot change your seat at all. The fare for a preferred seat is usually $10 per flight.
In my opinion, it’s not worth it to pay for an assigned seat, especially on shorter flights. If you’re on the plane for less than two hours, it doesn’t really matter where you’re seated, especially if you get to save some money along the way. Also, if your flight doesn’t end up being completely full, you can most likely change seats once you’re in the air. Just ask the flight attendants nicely to be on the safe side.
Boarding Group
Passengers who purchase a Basic Economy fare usually board with the last boarding group. However, regular Economy is only second to last, so it’s not like it’s a massive upgrade if you go for the more expensive ticket.
There is an exception to this rule – passengers who are Premier members, Star Alliance Gold members, or have a membership with one of the qualifying Chase Cards receive priority boarding even with Basic Economy tickets. Also, passengers with disabilities and those who need assistants are qualified for pre-boarding with Basic Economy flight tickets.
In-Flight Amenities
Basic Economy fares provide passengers with identical in-flight services as standard Economy fares. This means you will still get a meal, Wi-Fi access, and in-flight entertainment on select aircraft. On longer international flights, all Economy passengers also get snacks mid-flight.
United Basic Economy vs Economy: Changes & Refund Policies
Passengers who purchase a Basic Economy fare will be allowed to make changes and ask for refunds only within the first 24 hours after purchasing the ticket. After that period, they will not be allowed to make changes to their flight, but they can purchase a seat or add an extra checked bag.
The rules for changes and refunds are the same as for Economy tickets. If you want to be able to get a refund if you have to cancel your flight, you will need to purchase a refundable ticket, which is more expensive than a standard Economy ticket.
It’s worth noting that refunds are possible only if you cancel in the first 24 hours even if you get an Economy Plus ticket, which tends to be more expensive than the refundable United Economy ticket.
United Basic Economy vs Economy: Benefits for MileagePlus and Premier Members
Premier and MileagePlus members can still take advantage of some of the benefits they’ve earned if they’re traveling on Basic Economy tickets. They still get priority boarding and complimentary checked bags, but they aren’t eligible for any in-flight upgrades, and they cannot get a complimentary Economy Plus seat.
Also, MileagePlus and Premier members will not earn any PQP with Basic Economy tickets, unless they also purchase a preferred or an Economy Plus seat.
United Basic Economy vs Economy: Price Difference
The price difference is usually the main reason why people opt for Basic Economy tickets. Basic Economy tickets are usually at least $50 cheaper, and the shorter the flight is, the more money you will save.
However, I must point out that Basic Economy tickets are worth it only if you’re not purchasing any extras. If you’re going to get a United Basic Economy ticket and then pay to check a bag and pick a seat, you can end up paying more than you would for a standard Economy ticket.
Difference Between United Economy vs Economy Plus
The main difference between standard Economy and Economy Plus tickets is that you get a better seat with extra legroom with Economy Plus tickets. Passengers with Economy Plus tickets will also get to board before those with Economy and Basic Economy tickets, so there’s that.
But the other restrictions are the same – one cabin bag per passenger, one personal item, a checked bag for a fee, and no refunds after the first 24 hours. It’s important to note that Economy Plus tickets are significantly more expensive than regular Economy tickets, and unless you absolutely need that extra legroom, they’re generally not worth it.
When Is Basic Economy A Better Choice?
Basic Economy is the better option if you’re going on a very short trip and you don’t need the full-sized cabin bag anyway. I would recommend getting a bag that’s the maximum size United allows as a personal item and seeing just how much you’re able to pack inside it.
You might just be surprised at the number of items that can fit inside one of these bags, especially if you’re traveling in the summer and carrying thin and lightweight clothes.
If you don’t care that you’ll get to board last and that you won’t be able to choose a seat, Basic Economy is a great way to save some money on the flight. Basic Economy is also a great option if you’re allowed a full-sized cabin bag for the flight since you get the same allowance as other passengers, but pay less for the ticket.
On the other hand, Basic Economy isn’t a good option if the price difference is minimal. On some flights, Basic Economy is just $20 cheaper than the regular Economy fare, and in this case, it’s worth it to pay more if it means you can bring an extra bag and have the luxury of choosing your seat.
I’d say that the cheaper fare is worth it if it can save you a significant amount of money, but if it’s a small amount that you would spend on coffee or snacks, it’s generally not worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know if my United ticket is Basic Economy?
If you’re doing the booking, you will notice that a ticket is Basic Economy because it is clearly indicated. The fare class is labeled as most restrictive, and the website doesn’t let you buy this ticket before you’ve read the rules and checked a box that states you understand you’re purchasing a Basic Economy ticket and you agree that it works for you.
If someone purchased a ticket for you and you want to check what it is, there are a few ways you can tell what the fare class is. First, look for the fare class code – N is the code for Basic Economy tickets. In some cases, it’s written on the ticket that it’s Basic Economy, so it’s pretty obvious.
Your boarding group can also be a sign – if you’re in boarding group 5 or 6, you’re most likely on a United Basic Economy fare, unless you’re a member of one of the groups that get priority boarding when flying with United Airlines.
Can I bring a backpack for United Basic Economy?
You can bring a backpack as long as it doesn’t exceed the maximum dimensions for a personal item. These backpacks usually have a capacity of some 25 liters, which should be plenty of space for shorter trips. You can find many such backpacks on Amazon, and you can obviously bring any bags that are within the stated dimensions.
Does United Basic Economy include food?
Yes, the Basic Economy fare on United includes food, in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and all the other in-flight perks. The restrictions concern only luggage and seat selection, but on the plane, you will be treated just like all the other passengers in the United Economy cabin.
Is upgrading to Economy Plus worth it?
In my opinion, upgrading to Economy Plus is worth it if you’re a very tall person and you’re going on a very long flight. The main benefit of Economy Plus is that you get a better seat with extra legroom – if your legs already fit in the regular seat without causing you discomfort, there’s no point in upgrading to Economy Plus.
Another benefit of Economy Plus is that you’ll be in an earlier boarding group, but you can also get this perk if you have special membership with the airline. I don’t think that Economy Plus is worth it because it is significantly more expensive than Basic Economy and standard Economy tickets, and the only perk you get is extra legroom.
What are the fare classes on United?
There are seven different fare classes on United, but it’s worth noting that they’re not all available for every single flight. The fare classes are (from cheapest to most expensive):
- United Basic Economy
- United Economy
- United Economy Plus
- United Premium Plus
- United Business
- United First
- United Polaris
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
