Hey now, I have flown 16 straight flights (spanning 1.5 months of time from mid April to early June) on UA via basic economy tickets. Honestly, it's not bad at all, and certainly no different than regular economy. I don't check bags, have Pre check (via Global Entry), and usually board last, so I generally don't get involved with long lines and waiting around. I still have not sat in a middle seat - knock on wood - despite original seat assignment being middle seats most of the time; almost all flights have been cross country flights.