United has two types of economy fares: economy and basic economy. Basic economy provides a lower-priced fare but may place restrictions on seat assignment, boarding, carry-on baggage, upgrades, changes, refunds, elite earning and elite benefits.
People Also Ask
Final thoughts on the different United economy fare classesStandard economy allows carry-on bags and complimentary seat selection, while basic economy, as the cheapest of the bunch, carries the most restrictions.
A quick easy way is to go into your reservation on the United website or app and try to select a seat. If you are Basic Economy, it won't let you select a seat or have a seat assignment in advance unless you purchased one.
Basic EconomyYou can't bring a carry-on bag unless you're flying to South America, across the Atlantic or across the Pacific. All other bags have to be checked. Note, if you check a carry-on at your gate, you'll be charged the standard bag fee plus an additional $25.
In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.
They're among the most restrictive fares you'll find in the skies. While every other airline allows you to bring a carry-on bag while flying basic economy, United does not. And that means you can't check in online, either.
Group 3 includes passengers in window seats. Group 4 includes passengers in middle seats. Group 5 includes passengers in aisle seats and all Basic Economy passengers.
United Airlines (UA) allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag) per passenger fee free. Carry-on should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions: 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in) or 115 centimeters (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels.
Two free checked bags when traveling within the continental U.S. or to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Three free checked bags when traveling between the U.S. and South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Those who are traveling in business or first class and/or have elite status with United can check a bag up to 70 pounds for free — even on a basic economy ticket. If you're a heavy packer and your luggage weight usually exceeds 50 pounds, you may want to consider going for United elite status.