United Basic Economy: What You Need to Know - NerdWallet (2024)

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 what to know about United Airlines basic economy to help you decide if the savings are worth it.

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.

For all of its restrictions and limitations, these types of fares are easy on the wallet. A NerdWallet analysis of flights from Chicago-ORD to 10 destinations across the country found a basic economy ticket will typically save you $60 on your base fare.

Is United economy the same as basic economy? No, the flight experience varies across these two ticket types.

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 versus basic economy tickets:

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.

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 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:

United Airlines military baggage basic economy allowance

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.

How do I know if I have basic economy on United?

Before purchasing: Basic economy tickets are not offered on every route. If this ticket option is available on a particular flight, you'll see the option displayed on the flight search results page on united.com or under "Choose your travel experience" in the United app.

After purchasing: Check your fare class. What letter is basic economy on United? These tickets are usually classified as N.

Does United basic economy include a carry-on?

Many frugal flyers often double as carry-on only travelers. So does United basic economy include a carry-on?

The short answer is that basic economy flyers on United cannot bring a carry-on bag on domestic flights unless they hold elite status or have a United credit card. This rule changes, however, on international flights, where basic economy flyers can bring a carry-on for free.

How much is a checked bag on United basic economy?

Unless you're elite or have a United credit card, basic economy class passengers can expect to pay $35 (or $30 if prepaid) for the first checked bag and $45 ($40 if prepaid) for the second checked bag on domestic flights. You can, also get a free checked bag in basic economy on Trans-Pacific flights.

These are the same United baggage fees that economy class passengers are subject to.

Can I upgrade from basic economy to economy on United?

Yes, it's possible to purchase a United upgrade from basic economy to economy for certain flights. Travel within the U.S. and short-haul flights to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America cost a flat fee of $45 to "Switch to 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.

The information related to United Club℠ Business Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.