Is United Basic Economy Worth the Savings?

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Basic economy fares are the latest trend in the airline industry. This is the cheapest fare class available on many airlines — stripped of things like advanced seat selection, upgrade eligibility, itinerary changes and free checked bags.
While the savings can be significant, these fares can end up costing more than you expect if you value any of the above perks. Here's a look at the differences between United economy and basic economy to help you decide if the savings are worth it.
» Learn more: United Airlines MileagePlus program: The complete guide
What is basic economy on United?
Basic economy is United’s least-expensive economy fare class. Unlike some of the other perks (i.e. free checked bag, seat selection) included on a regular economy ticket, basic economy offers nothing extra. In addition, you'll board last and may not be able to bring a carry-on.
United economy vs. basic economy
Although you’ll pay slightly more for a regular economy ticket, the benefits can outweigh the cost.
Here are the key differences between United economy and basic economy tickets:
Economy | Basic economy | |
---|---|---|
Price | More expensive. | Cheaper. |
Boarding | Group 3-5. United elites, Star Alliance Gold members and United credit card holders can have a better boarding position. | Last group. United elites, Star Alliance Gold members and United credit card holders can have a better boarding position. |
Seat selection | Free. | Can purchase seat at booking. If not purchased, seat is assigned before boarding and cannot be changed. |
Economy Plus seat | Can purchase. Free for elites. | Can purchase at check in only. Elites don't get a free Economy Plus seat. |
Personal item | Free. | Free. |
Carry on bag fee | Free. | Free on international flights only. On domestic flights, not allowed unless elite or have a United credit card. |
Checked bag fee | Free on all international flights. For all other flights, must pay unless elite member or have United credit card. | Free on trans-Pacific flights only. For all other flights, must pay unless elite member or have United credit card. |
Ticket changes | Not allowed outside 24-hour cancellation policy. | |
Refund | Depends on when you purchased the ticket and the fare class. | Not allowed outside 24-hour cancellation policy. |
Mileage earning | Yes. | Yes. |
Status earning | Earn PQP and PQF. | Earn PQP only. |
As you can see, each part of the flying experience from booking to take off is worse if you’re flying in basic economy. Even if the money spent is on par with an economy ticket, you’d board last and would miss out on earning Premier Qualifying Flights that you need to reach elite status.
Only you can decide if purchasing a basic economy ticket is worth the perks you forego. However, if you just need to get from point A to B and don’t value any of the benefits included in a regular economy ticket, going with a basic economy fare can save some money.
Although United basic economy tickets have a lot of restrictions, there are some ways around them, including purchasing a la carte economy benefits.
Here are a few other ways to receive economy benefits on a basic economy ticket.
Using credit card benefits in United basic economy
Some of the restrictions around United basic economy fares are waived for those who carry one of the airline’s co-branded credit cards. That includes priority boarding and free checked bag allowances.
If you have one of these cards already, be sure to add your MileagePlus number to your United basic economy reservation to get the priority boarding benefit. To receive these perks, you must purchase your ticket with the qualifying credit card.
United℠ Explorer Card (annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95): One free checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation. Priority boarding for primary cardholder and companions on the same reservation.
United Club℠ Infinite Card (annual fee: $525): Two free checked bags for the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation. The primary cardholder and travel companions on the same reservation qualify for Premier Access benefits, which include priority boarding.
United℠ Business Card (annual fee: $99): One free checked bag for the cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation. Priority boarding applies to the primary cardholder and travel companions on the same reservation.
United Club℠ Business Card (annual fee: $450): Two free checked bags for the cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation. Primary cardholder and travel companions on the same reservation qualify for Premier Access benefits, which include priority boarding.
United Quest℠ Card (annual fee: $250): Two free checked bags for the cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation.
» Learn more: Best benefits of United Airlines credit cards
United elite status in basic economy
United MileagePlus Premier members receive similar benefits on basic economy fares. These include free checked bags for MileagePlus Premier members and their travel companions, as well as priority boarding. The number of free checked bags depends on your Premier status level:
Premier Silver: Priority boarding and one free checked bag.
Premier Gold: Priority boarding and two free checked bags.
Premier Platinum & Premier 1K: Priority boarding and three free checked bags.
Members of the military in basic economy
United offers five free checked bags to active duty U.S. military personnel and their accompanying dependents when traveling on official business. The allowance is lowered to three checked bags for personal travel.
Military members also receive pre-boarding privileges while flying United. In other words, the negative aspects of basic economy fares are mostly offset for members of the military — the lack of advance seat assignments will probably be your biggest headache.
United bag fee calculator
Before booking United Basic Economy, use our calculator below, which will help determine the total cost of your ticket (including any bag fees), so you can compare the trade-offs of Basic Economy to the main cabin based on whether you have elite status and/or airline credit cards.
Note that this calculator applies to domestic flights only. International baggage rules are more complex.
Final thoughts on United basic economy
Basic economy fares on United are restrictive if you’re someone who appreciates flexibility and peace of mind while traveling. But the most unpleasant aspects of this cheap fare can be eliminated with benefits reserved for United elites and those who hold the co-branded United credit cards.
If you anticipate traveling in basic economy frequently, picking up a United credit card might be worthwhile. If you’re traveling with a friend or family member who has United Premier elite status, it’s absolutely worth booking your flights together to piggyback on their baggage and priority boarding benefits.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2022, including those best for:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
