United Airlines: Basic Economy vs. Economy vs. Economy Plus

United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the U.S., with a route network spanning the world. The airline offers multiple classes service to customers, several of which include the word "economy" in their name. Economy travelers will naturally be wondering what the differences are among United's basic economy, economy and Economy Plus classes — and whether those differences matter enough to pay more for a higher class of service.

The differences extend beyond legroom. Let’s take a look at the features of United economy brands, including seats, fare restrictions and checked baggage limits. If you’re still undecided, use our calculator below to help you decide whether an economy or basic economy ticket is best for you.

United fare classes: The differences

United Airlines has seven different classes of service:

1. United Polaris.

2. United First (domestic).

3. United Business (transcontinental domestic, Latin America and the Caribbean).

4. United Premium Plus (premium economy).

5. United Economy Plus.

6. United economy.

7. United basic economy.

Even though there are three classes with economy in the name, there are plenty of differences between them.

Here's a breakdown of key differences among the three "economy"-labeled fare classes:

» Learn more: United Premium Plus vs. Economy Plus: Does it make a difference?

Here’s a breakdown of some of the differences between United's three economy-level airfare offerings.

» Learn more: How to add United economy benefits to a basic economy ticket

Changes and cancellations

Along with other major U.S. airlines, United has permanently done away with change fees for most domestic tickets and international flights starting in the U.S.. While these tickets are generally still nonrefundable, if you cancel your ticket, you will receive a future flight credit that you can use to book flights at a later date.

Basic economy tickets, however, remain both nonrefundable and non-changeable. If your travel plans change, you won’t be able to recoup the costs of your flight.

Does basic economy get a carry-on on United?

Unlike other major carriers that offer free carry-on baggage regardless of fare class, United does not allow carry-on bags that need to be stored overhead for basic economy fares, unless you’re flying to South America or are taking a transpacific or transatlantic flight. Both economy and Economy Plus passengers receive this benefit free of charge, but all three fare types will need to pay for checked baggage when flying domestically.

Basic economy ticket holders will be restricted to a single personal item (like a purse or small backpack) that fits under the seat in front of them. If the personal item doesn't meet the posted standards, it'll need to be checked, which means an additional baggage fee. Economy and Economy Plus flyers will be able to take a personal item and carry-on bag on the flight without any extra fees.

If you have elite status with United, an eligible MileagePlus credit card or Star Alliance Gold status, you are allowed to bring a free carry-on.

Later, we’ll talk more about options for free checked bags, including United elite status and United co-branded credit cards.

» Learn more: Delta vs. United: Which Is Better?

Is United’s basic economy worth it?

The low price of a basic economy fare is tempting, but the ticket price alone doesn't tell the whole story.

Use the calculator below to calculate the cost of your ticket with add-ons to determine whether the difference in price between basic economy and economy on United is worth it for you.

Keep in mind that upgrading to Economy Plus will only net you more legroom, guaranteed in-seat power access and a seat closer to the front of the plane; it will not get you an additional baggage allowance.

» Learn more: The NerdWallet guide to United's loyalty program, MileagePlus

What else you need to know

Points and miles nerds would be wise to use these tips on their next United economy class flight.

You can use credit card benefits to travel in basic economy

Even if you’re booked in basic economy, holding a United Airlines credit card will upgrade your flying experience. Most offer at least one free checked bag for the cardholder and a companion. In addition, most cardholders can expect free upgraded boarding and, depending on the card, access to the United Club lounge twice or more per year.

United offers a range of cards, from a no-frills, no-annual-fee version that earns miles on spending but provides few perks to a $525-a-year club card with lounge access and other premium benefits. For most travelers, the United℠ Explorer Card is a solid choice. For an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95, you get:

• 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases with United; 2 miles per dollar at restaurants; 2 miles per dollar on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel; and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases.

• First checked bag free for you and a companion.

• 2 United Club one-time passes each year.

• Credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS.

• Priority boarding, discounts on in-flight purchases and more.

• Bonus offer: Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

United’s credit cards are subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, which restricts how many credit cards you can open in any 24-month period. And although you can hold multiple United cards at once, most of these benefits won’t stack. For example, you'll only ever get one free checked bag on your flight, even if you have two separate United credit cards.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Perks await when you fly economy with elite status

Those who hold United Premier elite status, regardless of level, become automatically eligible for upgrades to Economy Plus (or the next highest cabin if the plane doesn't have Economy Plus seats) when they book in economy class or higher. Basic economy tickets do not qualify. Upgrades are confirmed in order of priority based on your elite status tier.

Even better, those with Premier Platinum or Premier 1K status (the two highest levels) will be able to select Economy Plus seats at booking for themselves and up to eight companions free of charge. Premier Gold and Premier Silver members (the lower-level tiers) can select these seats for free for themselves and one companion; Gold members can make their selection during booking, while Silver members have to wait until check-in.

Premier Platinum members and above will also receive an annual allowance of PlusPoints, which can be used to upgrade domestic or international flights. United elite members who also hold a co-branded United credit card will be eligible for complimentary premier upgrades on award tickets. Meanwhile, United elites without a United credit card will not receive a complimentary upgrade on award tickets.

In addition to upgrades, elite members are entitled to early boarding, regardless of ticket type; your boarding group will depend on your elite status level. United also offers a free drink and snack to Premier 1K members traveling in economy.

Finally, those with Premier Silver or higher status will receive at least one free checked bag on all United flights, even when flying basic economy.

» Learn more: The best airline elite status this year

Final thoughts on the different United economy fare classes

United has seven different fare classes, three of which include some version of regular economy seating. Of these, Economy Plus provides the most luxuries, with extra legroom and a generally better seat location.

Standard economy allows carry-on bags and complimentary seat selection, while basic economy, as the cheapest of the bunch, carries the most restrictions. Those seated in basic economy can expect limited baggage allowances, assigned seats and end-of-line boarding, although some of these can be offset by the perks of elite status or a United co-branded credit card.

Photo courtesy of United Airlines.