United Airlines is rolling out Basic Economy fares on intercontinental flights, but also loosening some restrictions.
Yesterday, United introduced trans-Atlantic Basic Economy fare on select routes. These vary in three key ways from domestic and shorthaul Basic Economy tickets:
- Customers will be allowed one full-sized carry-on bag and one personal item on board, and will be able to check a bag for an additional fee
- Online and United mobile app check-in are permitted, even without a checked bag
- Customers will not necessarily board in the last boarding group
Complimentary seat assignments will be provided at check-in or at the gate. Seats are also available before check-in for purchase. The onboard experience will be no different than any other customer: passengers will continue to receive the same dining options, Wi-Fi for purchase and inflight entertainment.
Earn Elite Miles On Basic Economy Tickets
In a broader move, all Basic Economy tickets now count towards Premier status. MileagePlus members will earn full Premier qualifying dollars, 50% Premier qualifying miles and 0.5 Premier qualifying segments for each flight, as well as lifetime miles and accrual toward the four-segment minimum.
Award mileage will sill be rewarded based upon fare paid:
MileagePlus elite members (and Chase co-branded credit card holders) remain exempt from the domestic carry-on hand baggage ban and are still ineligible for upgrades. Furthermore, no changes or refunds are permitted on these tickets.
CONCLUSION
Let’s not forget that Basic Economy is not a new low fare class. Rather, it simply replaced the lowest-priced fare bucket. Still, United smartly realized that if it wanted to sell more of these tickets, it would have to make the experience a little more user-friendly. While I will not be rushing out to buy a Basic Economy ticket anytime soon, at least these changes make such tickets easier to stomach.
Is Basic Economy available on connecting flights? If so, how would it work, for instance, if you flew SFO-ORD, then ORD-FRA? Would you be able to bring a full size carry-on on the second flight but not the first?
My understanding is yes, that is precisely what would occur.
How did you determine that those who purchase a seat in advance on international BE would not necessarily board last? The UA FAQs for BE is not clear on this. (Assuming you don’t have a UA branded credit card or otherwise special status.)