In a policy reversal soon to go into effect, United Airlines will make it possible to check-in online when traveling on a basic economy ticket, a small reprisal for a ticket type that remains comparatively punitive.
United Airlines Makes It Possible For Basic Economy Passengers To Check-In Online
First noted by Zach Griff, Live And Let’s has reviewed a memo circulated to employees that shares of a big change coming to travelers without MileagePlus Premier status who purchase basic economy tickets:
On August 5, we’re implementing a new way for Basic Economy (BE) customers to complete check-in. Currently, customers are not able to complete check-in without a bag verification at the airport. Starting August 5, customers will be able to complete check-in before they get to the airport (and eventually at a kiosk) without bag verification.
Up until now, if you purchased a basis economy ticket on United and do not pre-pay for a checked bag, you were unable to check-in online or at an airport kiosk. Instead, you had to wait in line to be checked in by a human agent to verify that you were not trying to take a prohibited carry-on item onboard (with a redundant check during Group 5 boarding at the gate).
That really made United an outlier, as American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines all allow online check-in on basic economy tickets. United hoped this move would discourage folks from buying these fares, but at a recent earnings call shared that there has been a big surge in revenue from this restricted fare class.
With Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines upending their business models, United was left as one of the most–and arguably perhaps the most–prohibitive carriers concerning basic economy class tickets. But that begins to change now.
United told employees this process was trialed in Chicago (ORD) for several months and deemed a success.
How United Basic Economy Customers Can Check-In
While basic economy customers can soon check-in online, it won’t be the same as for other customers. During check-in, a credit card must be placed on file to authorize the $65 charge for any bags that are gate-checked.
At the gate, customers who have brought additional bags over their allowance will be advised that they must check their bag(s) and will be automatically charged $65 to the credit card provided at check-in.
This would include trying to bring on oversized carry-on bags that do not fit under the seat in front of you.
Passengers who pay for checked baggage in advance save $25, paying only $40 for the first bag.
United Still Blocks Carry-On Items For Basic Economy
Even with this helpful change, United is still unique among Alaska, American, and Delta in not allowing basic economy passengers to bring a full-size carry-on item onboard. Instead, only a small personal item is permitted. The check-in policy change will not impact the longstanding ban on carry-on items.
JetBlue is the only other US carrier that does not style itself as an “ultra-lowcost carrier” that prohibits full-size carry-on items.
CONCLUSION
United Airlines is making basic economy a bit less punitive by allowing online check-in, effective August 5, 2024. Even so, you’ll need to provide a credit card which will be preauthorized to charge you $65 should it be discovered at the gate that you are trying to bring a carry-on item onboard.
If I recall correctly, starting September 1st JetBlue will also allow a full size carry-on with their lowest fare – leaving United truly in a class all its own.
Even JetBlue is allowing carryons for their Basic Economy. When I first saw this headline, I had assumed United was being forced to follow suit. I’m genuinely surprised they’re keeping the carryon restriction; how long can they last as the literal only mainline carrier with that restriction?
JetBlue does not allow carry-ons, TMK.
JetBlue “announced it is elevating the value of its Blue Basic fare by including a free carry-on bag for customers flying beginning September 6, 2024, regardless of purchase date.”
I don’t have any issues with UA treatment of BE…they don’t want customers to buy that product and it doesn’t appear as though their revenue numbers are taking a hit as a result.
Thank goodness. Years ago without status I booked a UA BE ticket soon after it was introduced. Since I couldnt checkin online, and had no bags to check, I tried checking into a kiosk like 5-10mins before the checkin cutoff time, which was after the baggage cutoff time. And the kiosk had locked me out of checking in, saying I missed the cutoff.
The roving agents did nothing to help, refused to listen to my situation, and said to go to a rebooking customer service line that was huge. There were no actual agents in the non-status check-in area, just people to take bags and that customer service line. I ran around the terminal to find any agent with minimal queue behind a counter who could actually check me in as the clock was ticking, and then I’d really miss the checkin cutoff. Horrible experience. Never considered buying a UA BE ticket again and turned me off from flying UA for quite a while…