Created for customers who may be more price-sensitive, lower-priced Basic Economy fares provide most of the same inflight services and amenities that are available with standard United Economy® fares — such as food and beverages, United Wi-Fi℠ and inflight entertainment — but with some important restrictions that you'll want to be sure to review carefully before booking:
- Complimentary seat selection and upgrades are not available
When you choose a Basic Economy ticket, your complimentary seat will be automatically assigned prior to boarding, and you won't be able to change your seat once it's been assigned. Advance seat assignments may be available for purchase during booking and up until check-in opens. You will not be eligible to purchase Economy Plus® seating or receive Economy Plus subscription benefits. MileagePlus members, including Premier® members, cannot use complimentary, earned or mileage upgrades.
- Group and family seating is not available
Please note that customers traveling in a group, including families, will not be able to sit together unless advance seat assignments are purchased and seats are available.
- Full-sized carry-on bags are not permitted on select routes
On trans-Atlantic flights, your carry-on baggage allowance is the same as for standard Economy tickets.
For all other Basic Economy tickets, you're not allowed a full-sized carry-on bag unless you're a MileagePlus Premier member or companion traveling on the same reservation, the primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or a Star Alliance™ Gold member. Everyone else who brings a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate will be required to check their bag and pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge.
- One personal item is allowed
You are allowed one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other item that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) or less. Mobility aids, assistive devices and medical devices including breast pumps are also permitted.
With Basic Economy, you'll only be able to check in for your flight through united.com or the United app if you indicate that you're checking a bag. To check your bag, you'll go to a check-in counter or designated kiosk in the airport lobby. If you begin check-in and do not indicate that you're checking a bag, you'll need to finish checking in for your flight at the airport.
- Flight changes and refunds are not allowed
Ticket changes are not allowed with Basic Economy, including advance and same-day changes. Refunds are not allowed except as stated in the United 24-hour flexible booking policy.
- Certain MileagePlus and Premier member benefits are not available
If you're a MileagePlus member, you will still earn award miles based on the fare and your MileagePlus status, as well as full Premier qualifying points, lifetime miles and credit toward the four-segment minimum. However, Basic Economy flights do not count as Premier qualifying flights. See more details below.
With Basic Economy, you'll also be in the last boarding group unless you're a MileagePlus Premier member or companion traveling on the same reservation, the primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or a Star Alliance Gold member.
For Basic Economy fares on trans-Atlantic flights, you'll be required to pay for your first checked bag. All other Basic Economy fares have the same checked baggage policies as standard Economy tickets. You can still check your bags and pay the applicable service charge in the airport lobby when you're picking up your boarding pass.
While Economy Plus is not available with Basic Economy fares, you can still personalize your trip with most other United Travel Options products. Enjoy added convenience when you purchase Baggage Delivery and access to United Club℠ locations — and you have the option of protecting your booking with FareLock℠ or trip insurance. If you have an eligible itinerary, you can also buy more miles with the Award Accelerator® program.
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