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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 9:28 am
  #1  
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baggage rules question

I booked a flight for tomorrow on United, TYS-YYC, in Basic Economy. As I understand there is no carry-on allowed, one must check their bag. I bought that option. So since I paid for a checked bag, will I be allowed the larger size bag(maximum dimension 62 inches)? Or does it still have to be the smaller carry-on size? Just want to be clear on this. Thanks.
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 9:56 am
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Originally Posted by nanp
I booked a flight for tomorrow on United, TYS-YYC, in Basic Economy. As I understand there is no carry-on allowed, one must check their bag. I bought that option. So since I paid for a checked bag, will I be allowed the larger size bag(maximum dimension 62 inches)? Or does it still have to be the smaller carry-on size? Just want to be clear on this. Thanks.
I don't believe Basic Economy is offered to flights to Canada. I don't see a single Basic Economy fare filed for travel tomorrow on TYS-YYC.

Regardless, anyone who checks a bag, regardless of the type of ticket, gets the same size allowances. You'd be allowed the 62" size (L+W+H).
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 10:56 am
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It says on the ticketing "United Economy (S), return flight is United Economy (K)." Now whether that is Basic Economy, ??? I think what is meant by that is the flight is not EconomyPlus perhaps. Regardless, I paid for my carry-on as a checked bag, as per their rules, but now may opt to take a larger bag. United website states: "If you have purchased Basic Economy, you will only be allowed one personal item""Everyone else who is traveling on a Basic Economy ticket and 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". It may work out for the best anyway, now I can take my hiking shoes......
BTW, can a sandwich from home get through the airport screeners or should I pack it in the check-on? Can I put a frozen icepack in my check-on or will that be confiscated? It has been a while since I've been through the screening process.
Thank you.

Nancy
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 11:03 am
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Originally Posted by nanp
It says on the ticketing "United Economy (S), return flight is United Economy (K)." Now whether that is Basic Economy, ??? I think what is meant by that is the flight is not EconomyPlus perhaps. Regardless, I paid for my carry-on as a checked bag, as per their rules, but now may opt to take a larger bag.
That is not Basic Economy, which books into class N. You have regular economy (booked into classes S and K). Therefore, you're eligible to carry a bag onto the plane at no charge, if you're so inclined. I don't know whether or not United would refund the baggage fee.

Originally Posted by nanp
United website states: "If you have purchased Basic Economy, you will only be allowed one personal item""Everyone else who is traveling on a Basic Economy ticket and 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". It may work out for the best anyway, now I can take my hiking shoes......
Well, there's always a bright side. :-) Basic Economy is a special class of highly-restricted fare that is currently only available domestically. The terminology is confusing, especially since you were shopping for a route where Basic Economy isn't sold.

Originally Posted by nanp
BTW, can a sandwich from home get through the airport screeners or should I pack it in the check-on? Can I put a frozen icepack in my check-on or will that be confiscated? It has been a while since I've been through the screening process.
This is probably better asked in the TSA forum. I've had no problems bringing solid food through the checkpoint. I don't know whether an icepack would be allowed or not -- I've never tried it.
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 11:04 am
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You are not in Basic Economy. End of story.

You can ask your icepack question in the Security threads, but a sandwich is fine.
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 11:14 am
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"You are not in Basic Economy" Well, Uniteds baggage information page was a bit confusing, so they got me for 2 checked bag fees. I'll just have to make the best of it.
Thanks for the clarifications.
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 11:29 am
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Originally Posted by nanp
"You are not in Basic Economy" Well, Uniteds baggage information page was a bit confusing, so they got me for 2 checked bag fees. I'll just have to make the best of it.
Thanks for the clarifications.
For Economy flights between USA-Canada on UA, there is no free check luggage.

Traveling in UA Economy allows for 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item.
There are two subsets of Economy
If you purchase Economy Plus, you are allowed to select Economy seats with extra leg space.
If you purchase the cheaper Basic Economy (notice the capital letters), you lose the 1 carry-on bag and the ability to chose seats in advance (and some other items -- such as mileage earning).
The term "Basic Economy" is a label for the cheaper version of (regular) Economy.
And as mentioned earlier Basic Economy is not presently used for flights to Canada.

Last edited by WineCountryUA; Sep 28, 2017 at 11:34 am Reason: rephrasing
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 3:26 pm
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Originally Posted by jsloan
That is not Basic Economy, which books into class N. You have regular economy (booked into classes S and K). Therefore, you're eligible to carry a bag onto the plane at no charge, if you're so inclined. I don't know whether or not United would refund the baggage fee.



Well, there's always a bright side. :-) Basic Economy is a special class of highly-restricted fare that is currently only available domestically. The terminology is confusing, especially since you were shopping for a route where Basic Economy isn't sold.



This is probably better asked in the TSA forum. I've had no problems bringing solid food through the checkpoint. I don't know whether an icepack would be allowed or not -- I've never tried it.
If on a Basic Economy fare the bag you bring on the plane must fit under the seat - period. Seems the OP is not on a BE fare.

Baggage Fees are not refundable.

I would not try to bring an icepack unless you have a medical need for it (with documentation).

Last edited by Collierkr; Sep 28, 2017 at 3:27 pm Reason: typo
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 8:48 pm
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I have to agree, the ice pack won't make it through security.
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 10:57 pm
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Originally Posted by NeilA
I have to agree, the ice pack won't make it through security.
It will if done correctly -- from MyTSA

Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.

If the frozen item is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening. If the ice or ice packs are partially melted and have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they will not be permitted.

Medically necessary liquids may be accompanied by ice packs, but we ask that you declare these items to a security officer for inspection.

You can pack frozen perishables in your carry-on or checked baggage in dry ice. The FAA limits you to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented).

The 3-1-1 rule for liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-ons is as follows: containers must be 3.4 ounces or less; stored in a 1 quart/liter zip-top bag; 1 zip-top bag per person. Larger amounts of non-medicinal liquids, gels, and aerosols must be placed in checked baggage.

If the liquid is considered a hazardous material that is permitted onboard an aircraft, it is still subject to the 3-1-1 limitations. Many questions arise on whether an item is hazardous material and what requirements must be met to take it on an aircraft. The Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) at 1-800-467-4922 or the aircraft operator on which you are flying can assist you with your questions concerning hazardous material.

Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.
And available on Amazon - Neoprene Insulated Pouch for Insulin, Medicine and Makeup - TSA Compliant (Blue Dot) by Icy Cools


and as for Dry Ice
Check or Carry-on

You can pack perishables in your carry-on or checked baggage in dry ice. The FAA limits you to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented).

Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.
and as for UA
Ice

Blue Ice
United Airlines will accept packages containing blue ice per our general baggage guidelines.

Dry Ice
United Airlines will accept packages containing 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) or less of dry ice as carry-on baggage or checked baggage. The container or package must be ventilated to permit the release of carbon dioxide gas. The container or package must be marked as containing dry ice and must show the net weight and the identity of the perishable item. Styrofoam coolers containing dry ice will not be accepted.

There is a $150 USD service charge (each way) per item for travel within the U.S. and between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a $200 USD service charge for all other travel.

Dry ice in quantities greater than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) will not be accepted.

Dry ice packaging used must allow the release of carbon dioxide gas, must be clearly marked as containing dry ice, and must show the net weight and identify the perishable item being preserved by the dry ice. Each container cannot have more than the maximum allotment per customer. Multiple customers cannot pool their portions together, even within the same traveling party.

Wet Ice
United Airlines will not accept wet ice in checked or carry-on baggage.

Last edited by WineCountryUA; Sep 28, 2017 at 11:02 pm
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Old Sep 29, 2017 | 1:58 pm
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Originally Posted by WineCountryUA
It will if done correctly -- from MyTSA

Not trying to aruge here, but I highly doubt that MOST would be able to get a completely solid frozen ice pack to the point of the TSA check. Just too much time evolves to keep it solid. Maybe if you had it in a Yeti and got out at the curb with it... ehh.

If someone has successfully done this I sure would like ot hear that story - in detail.

Note: Here in the south everything melts instantly... even in January!
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Old Sep 29, 2017 | 2:40 pm
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Originally Posted by nanp
BTW, can a sandwich from home get through the airport screeners or should I pack it in the check-on? Can I put a frozen icepack in my check-on or will that be confiscated? It has been a while since I've been through the screening process.
Thank you.
Unless the sandwich contains more than 3oz of liquid, or explosives, it should be fine.

Frozen icepacks are OK for checked luggage. You might want to wrap the items in a sealed plastic bag in case the ice pack leaks.
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