A couple of days ago, United Airlines revealed its latest plan to entice customers who are wandering away to the low-cost carriers, with a “cheap” fare deal called – United Basic Economy.
United Airlines Boeing 737-900ER on approach to Chicago O’Hare – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Basic Economy is United Airlines attempt to take on the low-cost airlines/ultra low-cost airlines at their own game.
However, there are a lot of nasties if you want to get a cheap fare. Here’s the list with some examples.
- Seat assignments are given at check in. If you buy two tickets together, you probably won’t be sitting together. Also, say hello to middle seats unless you’re on a regional jet.
- Carry on bags are limited to one personal item. United defines a personal item measuring as “9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).”. This fare excludes traditional carry-on wheelie bags. This is lifted if you hold a Mileage Plus Credit Card, Mileage Plus Premier or above member or a Star Alliance Gold.
- No voluntary ticket changes allowed.
- Tickets will earn Mileage Plus redeemable award miles
- Tickets will not count towards:
- Premier qualifying credit (miles, segments, or dollars)
- Lifetime miles
- Does not contribution to the four segment minimum to earn status.
- Unable to buy-up to Economy Plus or other “premium” cabins.
- You’ll boarding in Group 5 – the last boarding group. If you have Mileage Plus Credit Card, Mileage Plus Premier or above member or a Star Alliance Gold, then you can board earlier.
- You cannot combine this fare with other United fares or fares from partner carriers. No interlining available.
Who is this fare targeted at? I’d say that this is aimed at:
- The super-cheap traveller where price is the primary and only object. Think Spirit and Frontier travellers who have defected to these carriers.
- The infrequent traveller who doesn’t care which carrier they fly.
- Those who aren’t fussed where they sit
- Those who don’t care about points and miles. Yes. People like this do exist in the world.
Who shouldn’t use this fare?
- Families. If you do one thing, book the next ticket up as you can assign seats and hopefully sit together.
- Groups. Again, if you want to sit together, this is not the fare for you.
- Elite flyers. If you’re aiming for any United status, this fare will not help in the least as it will not count to a dot of your status. I would expect fellow Star Alliance status customers to be treated with the same contempt.
- Those who tote a carry-on suitcase. If you have a wheelie-bag, this fare is not for you.
- Those who want a window or aisle seat. Unless you’re on a very lightly loaded flight or on a regional jet the middle seat is going to be your new best friend.
By enforcing a Group 5 boarding (i.e. last on the plane), anyone caught trying to break these rules (including those with luggage bags) will be caught, and subjected to further fees.
I’m sure this fare will work for some people, but for those who are used to flying United as a “premium” airline, with the “frills”, do yourself a favour and buy the slightly more expensive fares to get around these restrictions.
None the less, I’m sure other US Airlines will be looking at United Airlines move with Basic Economy… and seeing how much further they can pair down their products…
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