Feb 9, 2019, 5:12 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread -- the active thread is United's Basic Economy - Discussion, Q&A, ...
Important Note: these fares became available 21 Feb 2017 for MSP for travel beginning 18 Apr 2017. More markets were added 19 April 2017 for travel starting 9 May 2017.
Related thread: Basic Economy Airport and Plane Experiences (First or Second Hand)
If you booked before the dates above, you did not have a BE fare. If purchased on united.com you will see a warning like:
4. 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 toward the four-segment minimum.
Link to UA's description of how these fares will work: Basic Economy.
Here are the key facts:
related threads
New UA/*A TATL -LGT Economy fare - no free first bag, no changes/upgrades allowed
Benefit impact of restricted economy fares on UA Elites (Basic Econ, -LGT, Light Econ
Pre-announcement speculation thread (now closed) New "Budget Economy" fares
Important Note: these fares became available 21 Feb 2017 for MSP for travel beginning 18 Apr 2017. More markets were added 19 April 2017 for travel starting 9 May 2017.
Related thread: Basic Economy Airport and Plane Experiences (First or Second Hand)
If you booked before the dates above, you did not have a BE fare. If purchased on united.com you will see a warning like:
4. 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 toward the four-segment minimum.
Link to UA's description of how these fares will work: Basic Economy.
Here are the key facts:
- No seat assignments until check-in. Seats will be assigned by the system and cannot be changed.*NEW* When purchasing a Basic Economy ticket, you will not receive a complimentary seat assignment but may be able to purchase advance seat assignments during booking and up until check-in opens. If you don’t purchase an advance seat assignment, your seat will be automatically assigned to you prior to boarding, and you won't be able to change your seat once it's been assigned.
- No guarantee of adjacent seats with companions
- No voluntary ticket changes after 24 hour purchase period
- Carry on limited to 1 personal item unless the customer is a MP Premier member, primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or Star Alliance *G
- Customers ineligible for carry-on who bring one to the gate will be charged a $25 convenience fee to gate-check in addition to standard baggage fees (source: @united twitter)
- Customers will not be eligible for Economy Plus or premium cabin upgrades. This includes all forms of upgrades (CPU,supported or purchased). Likewise for E+ access (elite or purchased).
- Customers will board in the last boarding group (currently Group 5) unless the customer is a MP Premier member, primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or Star Alliance *G
- Companions on same PNR will have same boarding group and carryon if one on the PNR has a waiver
- No combinability with regular economy fares or partner carriers. Interline travel is not permitted.
- Tickets will earn RDMs (based on fare and status), PQMs (50% of distance), PQSs (0.5), PQDs, in addition it will count for minimum 4 segment and lifetime miles (New as of Dec 2018)
- Basic Economy tickets will use booking code 'N'
- Online check-in only with paid checked bag, otherwise need to see a United representative to verify the onboard bag allowance and receive a boarding pass.
related threads
New UA/*A TATL -LGT Economy fare - no free first bag, no changes/upgrades allowed
Benefit impact of restricted economy fares on UA Elites (Basic Econ, -LGT, Light Econ
Pre-announcement speculation thread (now closed) New "Budget Economy" fares
United's Basic Economy - Discussion, Q&A, ... {Archive}
May 2, 2019, 5:01 pm
#3586
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
Sorry, similar question. I am GS, and fly BE once a month, and pretty much always get an E+ seat which shows up in my app about 2 days before (and even then I get an occasional "how'd you end up back here?" joke from the FAs.). I am flying BE with my daughter next month, who has no status. Will they courtesy assign us both E+ seats if available, or will they assign her to the back even though she's on the same booking? Also, will she be allowed a full sized carry on?
Given the companion is in the same PNR, they inherit your boarding zone and thus a full sized carry on will be allowed (as that is enforced by boarding zone).
May 2, 2019, 5:06 pm
#3587
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: YUL
Programs: UA 1K, MR Bonvoy Bonzaiiiii, National EE
Posts: 622
I just flew BE as a 1K with the wife who's gold for the first time to central america this week.
Worked out pretty well, was able to check in online a day before, auto-assigned seats next to each other in row 15 in front of the emergency exit, was able to carry on maximum amounts without any issues, and got BG1 and my pre-boarding benefits w/ no issues.
The only real downsides as a 1K are ticket changes, mileage accruals, and seat assignments. For tickets that were nearly half the price as the regular economy, it was definitely worth it. If the delta was more like $30-40 per ticket, I wouldn't be doing it again.
Worked out pretty well, was able to check in online a day before, auto-assigned seats next to each other in row 15 in front of the emergency exit, was able to carry on maximum amounts without any issues, and got BG1 and my pre-boarding benefits w/ no issues.
The only real downsides as a 1K are ticket changes, mileage accruals, and seat assignments. For tickets that were nearly half the price as the regular economy, it was definitely worth it. If the delta was more like $30-40 per ticket, I wouldn't be doing it again.
May 2, 2019, 5:15 pm
#3588
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,327
May 2, 2019, 10:14 pm
#3589
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SE ASIA
Programs: SQ KF GO, OZ GO, QR PC PLAT, TG ROP SL, LCAH SL, IHG SPIRE, Marriott BONVOY GO, HILTON GO
Posts: 641
I think this was the most baffling aspect of BE tickets, no matter what status you hold (perhaps they make an exception for GS?) & it took me a while to understand / accept it (maybe not) - so for the convenience of other members ..
No seat assignments when you purchase BE, in some cases BE tickets are $30 cheaper than regular Economy & seat selection may cost $10-$20 so the choice is up to you (e.g. EWR-LAX)
No seat assignments when you purchase BE, in some cases BE tickets are $30 cheaper than regular Economy & seat selection may cost $10-$20 so the choice is up to you (e.g. EWR-LAX)
May 3, 2019, 6:14 am
#3590
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,152
I think this was the most baffling aspect of BE tickets, no matter what status you hold (perhaps they make an exception for GS?) & it took me a while to understand / accept it (maybe not) - so for the convenience of other members ..
No seat assignments when you purchase BE, in some cases BE tickets are $30 cheaper than regular Economy & seat selection may cost $10-$20 so the choice is up to you (e.g. EWR-LAX)
No seat assignments when you purchase BE, in some cases BE tickets are $30 cheaper than regular Economy & seat selection may cost $10-$20 so the choice is up to you (e.g. EWR-LAX)
1- United is trying to disincentiveize everyone and especially their own frequent travelers from choosing this fare type. Simply: They want people buying more expensive fares.
2- The pretextual reason for these fares existing in the first place is to compete with carriers that don't offer seat assignments as part of the core product offering.
Including seat assignments would counter much of the disincentive from #1 and cannibalize own-fare sales since for many people the lack of seat assignment may be the single largest disincentive on the fare band (especially for UA FQTVs because they have the loophole around a full-size carryon at no extra charge) -- For my own travel patterns the no changes/no cancel is significant but my travel is far more fluid than I expect even the average business traveler let alone leisure traveler.
May 3, 2019, 8:32 am
#3591
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,531
I just figured the two things that sucked the most about the regular economy experience were (1) being forced to check a bag because the overhead is full and (2) getting stuck in a middle seat. By having no carry-on (for non-status) and no seat assignments they free up bin space and aisle/window seats for the regular Y crowd.
May 3, 2019, 8:49 am
#3592
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: London, Vancouver, Tokyo, San Francisco, NYC
Posts: 265
Inconsistent implementation of United Basic Economy
Recently completed BOS-LAX on United BE.
My mistake was that I applied AC number expecting AQM/AQS. After realizing United BE does not count to AC AQM/AQS but could count for UA mile as describing in the receipt as below, I tried to change number to UA's but that was locked. So I asked at the check-in counter in BOS to change. Then she said " I can change it but no mileage accumulation because it is BE". That time I was not sure so leave as it was (AC *G). By the way, seat assignment was somehow E+ but middle uncomfortable seat.
After confirming the term as described below, again I asked at LAX premier check-in counter but surprisingly exactly same response stating BE does not count mile and not towards status. I don't care about mileage accumulation but my UA account is about to expire so I needed any transaction. So I still asked her to change the number and she changed it to UA's number.... she confirmed --- should have
After several days, I have not received mileage count so requested credit via website..... Then, I got message as
Although I should have done my homework in advance, why did both ground staff mislead based on wrong information and procedure
Problem is that UA failed to implement the consistent rule to relevant staffs Even the link they included in the mail does not work...
My mistake was that I applied AC number expecting AQM/AQS. After realizing United BE does not count to AC AQM/AQS but could count for UA mile as describing in the receipt as below, I tried to change number to UA's but that was locked. So I asked at the check-in counter in BOS to change. Then she said " I can change it but no mileage accumulation because it is BE". That time I was not sure so leave as it was (AC *G). By the way, seat assignment was somehow E+ but middle uncomfortable seat.
After confirming the term as described below, again I asked at LAX premier check-in counter but surprisingly exactly same response stating BE does not count mile and not towards status. I don't care about mileage accumulation but my UA account is about to expire so I needed any transaction. So I still asked her to change the number and she changed it to UA's number.... she confirmed --- should have
After several days, I have not received mileage count so requested credit via website..... Then, I got message as
Denied.
Credit for this flight segment/ticket has already been posted to a different MileagePlus account. Please review your ticket number.
Credit for this flight segment/ticket has already been posted to a different MileagePlus account. Please review your ticket number.
Although I should have done my homework in advance, why did both ground staff mislead based on wrong information and procedure
"MileagePlus members earn award miles but no Premier qualifying credit or lifetime miles."
Problem is that UA failed to implement the consistent rule to relevant staffs
Even the link they included in the mail does not work...
May 3, 2019, 10:49 am
#3593
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: YUL
Programs: UA 1K, MR Bonvoy Bonzaiiiii, National EE
Posts: 622
May 3, 2019, 11:52 am
#3594
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,531
(1) When they are fare matching ULCC or just trying to sell a bunch of seats cheap (while still making corporate clients pay the normal price), they set a large delta and people snap them up.
(2) When they are trying to bait-and-switch the kayakers, they set the delta small and most people buy up.
May 5, 2019, 9:31 am
#3595
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,452
I just flew BE as a 1K with the wife who's gold for the first time to central america this week.
Worked out pretty well, was able to check in online a day before, auto-assigned seats next to each other in row 15 in front of the emergency exit, was able to carry on maximum amounts without any issues, and got BG1 and my pre-boarding benefits w/ no issues.
The only real downsides as a 1K are ticket changes, mileage accruals, and seat assignments. For tickets that were nearly half the price as the regular economy, it was definitely worth it. If the delta was more like $30-40 per ticket, I wouldn't be doing it again.
Worked out pretty well, was able to check in online a day before, auto-assigned seats next to each other in row 15 in front of the emergency exit, was able to carry on maximum amounts without any issues, and got BG1 and my pre-boarding benefits w/ no issues.
The only real downsides as a 1K are ticket changes, mileage accruals, and seat assignments. For tickets that were nearly half the price as the regular economy, it was definitely worth it. If the delta was more like $30-40 per ticket, I wouldn't be doing it again.
Sorry, similar question. I am GS, and fly BE once a month, and pretty much always get an E+ seat which shows up in my app about 2 days before (and even then I get an occasional "how'd you end up back here?" joke from the FAs.). I am flying BE with my daughter next month, who has no status. Will they courtesy assign us both E+ seats if available, or will they assign her to the back even though she's on the same booking? Also, will she be allowed a full sized carry on?
May 6, 2019, 3:16 pm
#3596
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: YUL
Programs: UA 1K, MR Bonvoy Bonzaiiiii, National EE
Posts: 622
Hrm - not sure how to track what my lifetime mile accruals were for each segment. I was awarded 1/2 PQM for the flight though, so if PQM applies 1:1 to lifetime, then that would be it.
May 6, 2019, 6:18 pm
#3597
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,743
How are "lifetime miles" calculated for MileagePlus?
May 7, 2019, 5:55 am
#3598
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,930
All assigned BE seats in E+, including 18A on E145
I flied BE fare for the first time as 1K. All assigned seats are in E+ cabins. For the two short segments, I got a window seat on CRJ700, and 18A on E145. Artificial intelligence works for the latter because I select 18A 80-90% of my hops on this aircraft type. For the two long flights, the seats are not very desirable (the row before the exit row). The one on the middle (12B on B752) was changed at gate (I waited patiently for the agent getting ready and asked nicely). I moved to an aisle seat on row 20 (still not desirable, but the only E+ Aisle seat remaining). The seat on B737 of the remaining flights is an aisle. There was no better seats left.
Cheers!
Cheers!
May 7, 2019, 6:05 am
#3599
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NYC/Northern NJ
Programs: 1K - UAL, Platinum DL, Marriott, Hilton, SPG
Posts: 1,815
BE on midrange (1000+ mile) on 737-800 was seat 12A two separate times. Beginning of regular economy.
Last edited by RooseveltL; May 7, 2019 at 9:39 am
May 7, 2019, 2:56 pm
#3600
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: DEN
Programs: UA1K Marriott Gold Hertz PC
Posts: 7
My first time booking BE. Quick 2 day trip DEN-AUS coming up where the rt price diff was $175 per ticket ($97 for BE vs $272 for Economy), so $350 "saved" for Mrs. roguetrader and me.
I haven't been paying close attention, but is this large of a price differential commonplace these days?
I haven't been paying close attention, but is this large of a price differential commonplace these days?
