Often the most important factor in flying for the budget-minded traveler is the cost. We tried United’s Basic Economy option this week and thought it would be helpful to report on our findings.
When you’re shopping for flights, they typically show you the least expensive first, depending on your sorting preferences. The more the airlines can whittle down their prices by taking away amenities, the higher their options will rank on your searches.
On a recent trip to South Dakota, we found the price for 2 tickets would be about $75 less roundtrip if we went with Basic Economy. They warn you prior to purchase that this means no stowed luggage. It also means no assigned seating.
Regarding the size of your one allowable personal item, maximum 9” X 10” X 17”, about the size of a tall shoe-box; only what can fit under the seat in front of you. And my wife got stopped trying to bring a small camera bag + her purse because that’s 2 personal items. Anything outside of those specs, they’ll charge you $25 to check it, both ways on a round-trip ticket.
The way we thought we could beat this is that we have a United Explorer Mileage Plus credit card, which offers one free checked bag for each passenger, each direction. Unfortunately, we skimmed over the part where you had to buy the flight using your United card, which we hadn’t.
Regarding the no assigned seating, we were seated together all flights except one, where we both had middle seats.
So, I’m saying it’s tolerable, but it requires a lot more consideration. And sometimes on vacation, the last thing you want is more guidelines and regulations. With a little more foresight, if we purchased using the right credit card, for the right discount and depending on the length of flight, I might consider it again.
We did it and so can you, but hopefully with better information than we had.
Here’s a recap:
- Depending on your rewards card, you may be able to use your Airline rewards credit card to purchase tickets and get free checked bags when you fly basic economy
- You’re allowed one personal item 9” X 10” X 17”, and if you take more, you may be required to pay $25 to check each item at the gate.
- No reserved seating; if there are four loners on a plane, you and your partner (when applicable) will likely be sitting between them.
- If you can consolidate and check a single bag for $30 each direction, you can still sometimes save money by flying Basic Economy.
- Only you can decide if it’s worth the money, time and concerns related to the extra restrictions and regulations.