United Airlines recently announced a Basic Economy option for revenue customers. This comes as no surprise, seeing as air travel continues to become less luxury and more commodity. Here I outline some of the major changes, and my take on their impact:
Seat Assignments
Policy: Automated seat assignments will be given at check-in, and passengers acknowledge at the point of a multi-seat purchase that seating together is not guaranteed.
Reaction: While it’s great to offer lower fares, I foresee this policy being a big headache. I’ve been approached many times to move people around, although as a flight attendant I can’t change seat assignments. By all means if passengers want to play musical chairs they’re welcome, but I’m worried this may create more issues and delays in the future.
Cardholder Benefits
Policy: MileagePlus program members will earn redeemable award miles; however they will not earn Premier qualifying credit (miles, segments, or dollars), no lifetime miles, and no contribution to four segment minimum.
Policy: Customers will board in the last boarding group (currently Group 5) unless a Mileage Plus Premier member, primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or Star Alliance Gold member.
Reaction: My hope here is that these policies will be communicated clearly to customers. With countless rules from different airlines, sometimes my passengers have trouble keeping up with details. Also with Basic Economy fare, customers cannot receive upgraded seats. I could see this creating backlash based on a lack of understanding, although it can be beneficial to those looking for a good deal over benefits.
Baggage Policy
Policy: Carry-on bags are limited to one personal item, unless the customer is a MileagePlus Premier member, primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or Star Alliance Gold member.
Reaction: This policy has received the most negative attention. Although initially I was against the idea, I’ve started to see it’s advantages. When boarding a full flight, 99% of the time larger carry-on items end up having to be checked. I cannot deny that some smaller items will still be stowed in overhead bins, or that bags will still have to be checked at the gate, but I do think this could pave way for progress.
Overall
Overall I think the Basic Economy policies will fix more problems than create them. Although there are less allowances when booking these cheaper fares, it can be well worth it for a better price. I see a potentially rocky road ahead, but if the changes are communicated clearly, ALL passengers can benefit from United’s Basic Economy.
What are your thoughts on United’s new Basic Economy? I may be optimistic for the airline, and am curious to hear other’s reactions to it’s new policies!
All policies drawn directly from United’s Basic Economy page. This post is published based on the opinions of it’s author, and does not indicate affiliation or sponsorship from United Airlines.
I think that problem with carry-on baggage has started with payed checked luggage. I see that such huge problem doesn’t appear within European legacy airlines, where usually one checked bag is a basis.
I guess these record profits have them salivating for more. How does this help anyone? What percentage of people travel with not even a carry on?? Southwest is still the best. At least they still believe that a ticket comes with a bag. Thank you Southwest. Boo United!!!
Guess I won’t fly them. I can see where it might speed up boarding but my meds wouldn’t fit under a seat…lol
The biggest deal is no elite points. Even Delta is not THAT bad. Folks will be furious. I would depart UA over this. Well that and many other things 😉
If you don’t want the bag limit, don’t buy these cheaper seats.
Why make this so complicated.
Flying used to be fun and exciting. Now it’s just one pain after another. It’s to the point where I feel like just taking some sleeping pills, loading myself into a box and having myself FedExed to my destination.
Couldn’t be any worse.
Kate, I always, I appreciate your point of view. My concern, however, is that these seats won’t be cheaper in the long term. United could very easily increase prices after getting their customers used to the idea. Also, as a business traveler, if I didn’t have United status I’d look elsewhere given my corporate website won’t allow me to choose my fare class. I think this could end up backfiring on them. I see your points, but I hate that the industry is trending in this direction.