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For the instances when you just need to book a seat — no bells and whistles required — United's basic economy option is usually available at a compelling price point. But one thing is for sure: United basic economy is “basic” for a reason; there are a lot of rules and restrictions to abide by.
Thankfully, United just relaxed one of these many restrictions. For the first time, United basic economy passengers can now check in online without having to pay for a checked bag. However, in order to do so, you'll need to put a credit card on file just in case you're caught trying to bring a full-sized bag with you.
Here's everything you need to know about United Airlines' basic economy and how to navigate the restrictions.
Page Contents
United Basic Economy Overview
United Airlines basic economy tickets are the airline's lowest-priced ticket option. Because of the low price point, the airline places plenty of limitations and restrictions on these tickets — even more so than other legacy airlines like American Airlines and Delta.
Booking United basic economy requires giving up benefits such as complimentary carry-on bags, free seat selection, and elite upgrades. On top of that, you'll board in the last boarding group.
United Basic Economy Restrictions
Basic economy tickets offer fewer perks than United standard economy or Economy Plus tickets. While each option gets you a seat in the main economy cabin of the plane, basic economy tickets are subject to extra rules, such as:
- United selects your seat. If you don't want to leave a middle seat assignment up to chance, you can pay an additional fee to choose your seat. Otherwise, United will randomly assign you a seat before boarding. United will try to give children under 12 a seat next to a family member, but putting the whole family together isn't something the carrier guarantees.
- You'll board in the last group. United boards its planes in a total of seven groups. Unless an exception applies, such as holding a co-branded credit card or bearing elite status, you'll board last in Group 6.
- You only get one personal item. United basic economy ticket holders are entitled to a single personal item. Size-wise, this means a backpack, laptop bag, or purse. You can't bring a carry-on bag or check a bag without incurring a charge. There are exceptions to this rule — such as flying an eligible route, holding United or Star Alliance elite status, or having a United credit card.
- Changes aren't allowed, and cancelations can be punitive. United won't let you change your flight if you're booked in basic economy, but it will let you cancel. You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking and a week before departure — or get a partial travel credit if you cancel more than 24 hours after booking.
United also had a fifth rule: basic economy passengers weren't permitted to check in online. This changed as of August 6, 2024. Now, United allows those flying on its cheapest tickets to check in online, via mobile app, or at an airport kiosk — no check-in desk visit is required, unless you're checking a bag.
However, there's a catch. United requires you to put a credit card on file to check in. It'll then put a $65 hold on your card when you check in ($40 for a checked bag plus a $25 gate handling fee) to ensure you don't show up to the gate with luggage larger than a personal item. If you don't conform to the rules, you won't get that money back.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to United MileagePlus
United Economy vs. Basic Economy
On the fence about booking United Airlines basic economy over a regular economy fare? Let's compare Basic and standard economy to help you decide which is right for you.
Carry-on luggage
The most notable difference between basic and standard economy is United's carry-on bag policy. Unless you qualify for an exception—such as holding elite status, carrying an eligible credit card, or flying an eligible route — United won't let you bring a carry-on bag on the airplane. If you need to bring luggage on your flight, you'll have to check a bag or pack your free personal item to the brim.
If you show up at the gate with a carry-on bag, United will charge you $65 to check it. That's several dollars more than you'd otherwise pay at the check-in counter or online when you check in.
Related: United Airlines Hikes Checked Bag Fees
Flexibility
United standard economy fares are flexible. Basic economy fares are not. United doesn't permit changes to basic economy reservations — advance or same-day. On the other hand, you can change your standard economy itinerary without paying a fee. However, fare differences might apply.
Related: Airline Award Ticket Change and Cancellation Policies
Refunds
United's refund policy for basic economy fares is less friendly than for standard fares. While United's flexible booking policy applies to all of its fares, what happens outside of the policy makes basic economy fares potentially punitive. If your plans might change, it could be worth paying for a refundable fare.
Cancelation of a basic economy ticket more than 24 hours after booking will yield a partial travel credit. “Partial” comes from the price of your ticket less one of the following fees:
- Domestic basic economy tickets
- $49.50 fee for canceling a one-way itinerary.
- $99 fee for canceling a round-trip itinerary.
- International basic economy tickets
- $99.50 fee for canceling a one-way itinerary.
- $199 fee for canceling a round-trip itinerary.
Upgrades
Lastly, United basic economy passengers won't enjoy upgrades — even if they have Premier elite status. At present, basic economy fares aren't eligible for the following upgrades:
- Complimentary Economy Plus seating.
- Complimentary upgrades to domestic first class.
- Paid upgrades.
- Upgrades with MileagePlus miles.
- Upgrades with PlusPoints.
Sometimes, United will let you pay to upgrade to standard economy. Then, you may become eligible for some of the upgrades listed above. However, the cost to upgrade is generally more than what you'd otherwise pay by booking a standard economy ticket outright.
United credit card holders and Premier status members can circumvent some of these restrictions, which we'll detail shortly.
United Basic Economy Luggage Restrictions
The Chicago-based airline also imposes strict baggage rules for basic economy tickets. Here's what you can expect.
Personal item allowance
Basic Economy passengers can take one personal item, such as a backpack or purse, onboard the airplane. For items that appear larger than a typical personal item, United may size your bag at the airport. If your bag is too large, you may be subject to a charge at the gate.
United personal item size
Sizing your personal item before you travel is an easy way to avoid issues when flying United basic economy. For those with a measuring tape, the maximum dimensions for a personal item are 17 inches x 10 inches x 9 inches.
Carry-on policy
Unless you're flying to Canada, South America, across the Atlantic, or taking a flight across the Pacific, you are not allowed to bring a carry-on bag. If you arrive at the gate with a carry-on bag, United will check it to your final destination for $65 — the pre-authorized amount of you check-in for your flight online.
There is an exception for MileagePlus Premier status holders, Star Alliance Gold members, and the primary cardholders of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card (with an annual fee), who are allowed one free carry-on bag. Presently, the following cards grant a complimentary carry-on bag:
- The New United℠ Explorer Card (Rates & Fees)
- The New United Quest℠ Card (Rates & Fees)
- The New United Club℠ Card (Rates & Fees)
- The New United℠ Business Card (Rates & Fees)
For all passengers, United posts the following maximum dimensions for carry-on bags: 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches.
Related: Which United Credit Card Is Right for You?
Checked luggage policy
Like the policy for carry-on bags, basic economy passengers are only entitled to a checked bag if they qualify for an exception or pay for a checked bag online or at the airport. Free bags are allowed for those with elite status or basic economy passengers taking a flight across the Pacific Ocean.
Mileage Earnings on United Basic Economy Flights
United basic economy passengers earn MileagePlus miles based on the price of the fare, excluding taxes and fees. If you hold status, your elite bonus will also apply. The current mileage earning rates are shown below:
| United MileagePlus Status | Base Miles Earned | Premier Bonus Miles Earned | Total Miles Earned (Based on Fare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | 5 x fare | - | 5 x fare |
| Premier Silver | 5 x fare | 2 x fare | 7 x fare |
| Premier Gold | 5 x fare | 3 x fare | 8 x fare |
| Premier Platinum | 5 x fare | 4 x fare | 9 x fare |
| Premier 1K | 5 x fare | 6 x fare | 11 x fare |
Like with paid fares in other classes, you'll also earn one Premier Qualifying Point (PQP) for every dollar you spend on your United flight. While segments flown in basic economy don't count as Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs), the segments you fly count toward United's four-flight minimum for Premier status qualification.
United will show you the total base miles, PQPs, and PQFs you'll earn on your itinerary when booking. This way, there are no surprises when the miles post to your MileagePlus account.
Benefits of Being a Premier Elite Member or United Cardholder
An easy way to take the sting off a basic economy fare is to hold United Airlines MileagePlus Premier status. Or, if you don't have elite status, carrying a United co-branded credit card affords similar perks. Here are some of the benefits status holders and cardholders can enjoy:
- First checked bag free, plus additional bags free depending on your status. This applies to eligible Premier status members and United cardmembers (plus companions) when traveling on flights operated by United Airlines. However, note that United cardmembers only get a first checked bag free on United- and United Express-operated itineraries when paying for the ticket with their eligible card.
- Standard boarding group privileges. Depending on your status or the United credit card in your wallet, you'll board no later than Group 2.
- United Club access. Those with The New United Club℠ Card can access United Clubs — even on basic economy itineraries.
Related: Everything You Should Know About United Gold Status
Final Thoughts
If you're going to book a basic economy fare, you'll want to know the rules of the game. And of the major U.S. carriers, United Airlines' basic economy fares are easily some of the most restrictive.
Sure, there's a tradeoff to booking United basic economy tickets. You'll give up the comfort of extra legroom, full Premier-qualifying credits, and even a carry-on bag. But for some, the savings are worth every penny.
However, as savvy travelers can attest, basic economy isn't so restrictive when you've got MileagePlus elite status or carry a United co-branded credit card. With either of these tools in your back pocket, you can fly for less, enjoy a little more comfort, and check a bag for free. They're all but essential for United's most frequent basic economy fliers.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: The New United℠ Explorer Card (Rates & Fees), The New United Quest℠ Card (Rates & Fees), The New United Club℠ Card (Rates & Fees), and The New United℠ Business Card (Rates & Fees)
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