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

United Airlines sell flights for its economy cabin, but not all ticket types are created equal. In fact, travelers can choose between three types of economy tickets: basic economy, economy and Economy Plus.

Naturally, you might wonder whether it's worth it to pay more for one ticket type than another, especially when you'll be sitting in coach regardless.

One of the key differences is legroom, but there's more to it than just that. Here's an in-depth look at what each United economy ticket type offers, from seats and fare restrictions to checked baggage limits. You can also use our calculator to determine whether an economy or basic economy ticket is best for you.

United fare classes: The differences

United Airlines has seven different fare types:

1. United Polaris.

2. United First (domestic).

3. United Business (select 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 the last three all have economy in the name, there are plenty of differences between them.

While Premium Plus is technically in economy, it's an entirely different product from Economy Plus. Premium Plus seats are in a separate section of the cabin and are offered on select aircraft on international long-haul and transcontinental domestic routes. You can expect a larger seat with more recline, similar to what you'd get in domestic first class, as well as a hot meal typically from the business class menu. Economy Plus seats, on the other hand, are standard economy seats with additional legroom.

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

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

Basic economy tickets are United's most restrictive tickets. You're not allowed to bring a carry-on item on domestic flights, and you're not able to choose your own seat. That means if you're on a full flight, you'll more likely than not end up in a middle seat. Typically, basic economy passengers need to go to the check-in counter at the airport to get their boarding pass so an agent can verify that they don't have a carry-on item. However, those with a credit card on file with United can still check in online.

Otherwise, basic economy and economy ticket holders get the same seat width and legroom. Economy Plus flyers get to pick a seat with extra legroom in the front section of the economy cabin. On some planes, only Economy Plus seats have power outlets available in the coach cabin.

As for onboard service, all three economy ticket types include access to the same menu of complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Changes and cancellations

United does not charge change fees for most itineraries that start in the U.S. These tickets are generally still nonrefundable, but that just means you won't get a refund to your original method of payment. Instead, 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, are nonrefundable and non-changeable. If you do need to change your ticket, you can opt to add United economy benefits to your basic economy ticket. You'll need to pay a hefty fee that will likely negate any savings you received from booking basic economy, but this will allow you to change your flights. For cancellations, you can receive a partial travel credit equivalent to the amount you paid minus the cost to add United economy benefits.

When you add United economy benefits to a basic economy tickets, you'll get access to free seat selection, earlier boarding and an overhead carry-on bag. Premier members will also have access to their seat selection privileges and be added to the upgrade list.

Does basic economy get a carry-on on United?

United basic economy passengers are not allowed to bring a carry-on bag that needs to be stored in the overhead. There are some exceptions for passengers flying to select destinations, such as to South America, across the Atlantic Ocean and to international destinations across the Pacific Ocean.

Instead, basic economy ticket holders are allowed to bring a single personal item (such as a purse or small backpack) that fits under the seat in front of them. If the item does not meet the posted standards or if you bring additional items beyond your ticketed baggage allowance, you'll need to check the item and pay an additional baggage fee. Standard economy and Economy Plus flyers can bring a personal item and carry-on bag without any extra fees.

This policy differs from other major U.S. carriers that offer free carry-on baggage for basic economy. However, those carriers impose restrictions that others don't, such as reduced award mileage earning rates or the inability to earn award miles at all.

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. This includes any other passengers on your reservation that also receive priority boarding benefits.

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 guide to United's MileagePlus loyalty program

What else you need to know about United economy

You can use credit card benefits when traveling in basic economy

Even if you’re booked in basic economy, holding a United Airlines credit card will upgrade your flying experience. All of the cards, with the exception of its no-fee credit card, offer at least one free checked bag for the cardholder and a companion. In addition, most cardholders can expect priority boarding benefits and, depending on the card, access to the United Club lounge via one-time passes or a lounge membership. Options include:

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, can select Economy Plus seats for free for themselves and at least one companion on their reservation. Premier Silver members can choose these seats at check-in, while those with Premier Gold or higher can select Economy Plus seating at time of booking. Premier Silver and Gold members can select Economy Plus seats for one companion, while Premier Platinum and 1K members can do it for up to eight. This perk doesn't apply if you're traveling in basic economy.

That means most Premier members should avoid buying an Economy Plus ticket, which is often much more expensive than standard economy.

Premier members traveling in standard economy or higher are eligible for complimentary Premier upgrades to United's domestic first class. Upgrades are confirmed in order of priority based on your elite status tier. While this perk typically applies for paid tickets, Premier members who hold a United credit card are eligible for these upgrades on award tickets.

There aren't free upgrades to premium economy or United Polaris, the airline's international long-haul business class. However, Premier Platinum members and above can use their PlusPoints — received as a perk of earning higher tiers of status — for higher upgrade priority on domestic routes or to add themselves to the upgrade waitlist on transcontinental domestic flights and international long-haul flights.

While United elites traveling in basic economy can't get upgraded, they do retain some of their perks, such as priority boarding or preboarding, depending on your status level. Premier 1K members also get a free drink and food item when 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 sells several different ticket types, three of which include some version of regular economy seating. Of these, Economy Plus provides the most luxuries, with extra legroom and generally a better seat location.

Standard economy allows carry-on bags and complimentary seat selection, while basic economy, as the cheapest of the bunch, has 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.