Welcome to FT!,
csan
Originally Posted by
csan
Has anyone recently bought a basic economy ticket on a different credit card, but still received Group 2 boarding and was allowed a full-size carry-on as a United Card holder? I have the United Explorer card.
I want to save by buying basic economy tickets and I'm ok not having free checked in luggage as long as I can bring on a full size carry-on luggage.
From United Explorer terms and conditions, it says as long as I include the mileage plus number in the reservation:
The primary Cardmember and companions traveling on the same reservation are eligible for priority boarding; authorized users are only eligible if they are on the same reservation as the primary Cardmember. To receive priority boarding, the primary Cardmember must include their MileagePlus® number in their reservation.
However, most online publications say I need to pay using the Explorer Card. Was this updated recently?
TPG (article: How to survive basic economy on United Airlines)
Nerd Wallet (article: The Guide to United Basic Economy)
ThriftyTraveler (article: Everything You Need to Know About United Basic Economy)
Other sources are perhaps confusing or over simplying two different policies. Neither is a recent change.
To get a free checked bags, you must use the appropriate Chase credit card to purchase the itin
To get a higher Boarding Group, BG2, you must be an appropriate Chase MP cardholder (and does not need to be used to purchase the itin)
With BG2, even with BE, you (and those on your PNR) will be allowed a personal item and a carryon