7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers
7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Pay to Select Your Seat in Advance
United Airlines now allows Basic Economy passengers to pay a fee to select their seats up to 24 hours before departure.
While this option provides more control over seat selection compared to other budget airlines, Basic Economy fares still come with restrictions such as last boarding and lack of certain amenities.
Seat selection fees for Basic Economy passengers on United Airlines can be as low as $8, significantly less than the typical $25-$50 charged by other airlines.
Unlike other budget carriers, United allows Basic Economy passengers to select their seats up to 24 hours before departure, giving them more control over their travel experience.
While Basic Economy fares on United do not include free checked bags, passengers can still earn the full mileage credit for their flights, a perk not offered by all airlines.
The cost of seat selection on United varies based on the flight, with middle seats typically priced around $10 and window/aisle seats costing $12 or more.
Even with the seat selection fee, Basic Economy passengers on United still board the plane last and do not receive certain amenities available to passengers in higher fare classes.
United's new seat selection policy for Basic Economy provides more flexibility than the random seat assignments typically offered by budget airlines, although it comes at an additional cost to the passenger.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Pay to Select Your Seat in Advance
- 7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Carry-on Bag Allowances
- 7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Onboard Food and Beverage Purchases
- 7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Early Boarding Privileges
- 7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Elite Status Benefits
- 7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Restrictions on Seat Selection and Upgrades
7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Carry-on Bag Allowances
United Airlines' Basic Economy fares have strict limitations on carry-on bag allowances, restricting passengers to only one small personal item that must fit under the seat in front of them.
Basic Economy passengers are not permitted to bring a full-size carry-on bag, although they can choose to check their bag for a fee.
As an alternative, passengers can add United Economy benefits to their Basic Economy ticket, which allows them to bring a full-sized carry-on item onboard.
United Airlines' Basic Economy fares strictly limit passengers to only one small personal item that must fit under the seat in front of them, prohibiting full-size carry-on bags.
The personal item allowed for Basic Economy passengers can be a shoulder bag, backpack, or laptop bag, but no larger carry-on luggage is permitted.
Basic Economy passengers on United typically board the plane in the last group, group 9 for domestic flights and group 8 for international flights, putting them at a disadvantage for overhead bin space.
While Basic Economy passengers cannot bring a full-size carry-on bag, they have the option to check their bag for a fee as an alternative.
Interestingly, if Basic Economy passengers add United Economy benefits to their ticket, they regain the ability to bring a full-size carry-on item on board.
The strict carry-on bag limitations for Basic Economy fares are unique among major US airlines, as some competitors may allow a small personal item plus a carry-on bag.
Frequent flyers with elite status or a United Airlines co-branded credit card may be able to circumvent some of the Basic Economy carry-on restrictions, depending on their specific benefits.
7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Onboard Food and Beverage Purchases
While Basic Economy passengers may receive complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on some flights, the availability and selection of these offerings can vary greatly by airline.
Passengers should be prepared to purchase any desired meals or alcoholic drinks, as these are often not included in the Basic Economy fare.
The lack of complimentary food and beverage options is a notable downside of Basic Economy that travelers should be aware of when booking these stripped-down tickets.
Onboard food and drink purchases can vary significantly between airlines, with some offering complimentary snacks and beverages on Basic Economy flights, while others charge for even the most basic refreshments.
Delta Air Lines, for instance, charges Basic Economy passengers for any onboard food and drink purchases, including items like peanuts and soft drinks, in contrast to their complimentary offerings for Main Cabin and higher-class passengers.
Conversely, American Airlines provides complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on all domestic flights over 250 miles, regardless of fare class, a perk not available on some other major carriers.
Alcoholic beverages are almost universally available for purchase on flights, but the prices can range from $7 for a beer on JetBlue to $10 or more for a glass of wine on certain airlines.
Some airlines, like United, offer "buy on board" meal options for Basic Economy passengers, with prices typically starting around $10 for a simple sandwich or snack box.
International flights often have more robust food and beverage services, with some carriers like Lufthansa providing complimentary multi-course meals in Economy class, even for Basic fare passengers.
Certain airlines, like Emirates, are known for their extensive onboard menu options, including gourmet meals, fine wines, and premium cocktails, available for purchase by all passengers regardless of class.
The availability and pricing of onboard food and drink can be a significant factor in the total cost of a Basic Economy ticket, so savvy travelers should research their airline's policies before booking.
7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Early Boarding Privileges
On American Airlines, Basic Economy passengers can board alongside Main Cabin passengers, while on Delta Air Lines they board during the last group of Zone 3.
On United Airlines, Basic Economy passengers board after Economy Class but before Main Cabin 1 passengers, allowing them to get settled before the rest of the cabin.
Though they may not get the best seat selection, this early boarding perk for Basic Economy passengers on these major airlines is a surprising benefit compared to the typical last-to-board policy on budget carriers.
On American Airlines, Basic Economy passengers can board in Group 8, which is earlier than the final boarding group (Group 9) that includes all other Basic Economy passengers.
Delta Air Lines allows Basic Economy passengers to board during Zone 3, which is the last boarding group, but still provides them with the opportunity to get settled before the majority of passengers.
United Airlines has Basic Economy passengers board after Economy Class passengers but before the Main Cabin 1 group, giving them a slight advantage in securing overhead bin space.
While Basic Economy passengers may not have the best seat selection, the early boarding privileges on some airlines allow them to claim their seats and stow their belongings before the main rush of passengers.
On certain routes, Basic Economy fares on American Airlines come with complimentary alcoholic beverages, a perk not typically associated with these stripped-down ticket classes.
Delta's Basic Economy passengers may be assigned middle seats, which can provide extra space compared to aisle or window seats, depending on the aircraft configuration.
United's Basic Economy passengers can pre-reserve seats, including those with extra legroom, for an additional fee, giving them more control over their seating arrangements.
The early boarding privileges for Basic Economy can vary significantly by airline, with some carriers like American and Delta offering earlier access than others like United.
While the early boarding benefit for Basic Economy is a notable perk, it is essential to consider that these passengers still board after elite members and premium cabin flyers, potentially limiting the availability of overhead bin space.
7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Elite Status Benefits
In 2024, airlines continue to offer elite status benefits that can significantly enhance the travel experience for frequent flyers, even when booking basic economy fares.
By achieving certain loyalty levels, passengers can enjoy perks such as priority boarding, access to preferred seating, and additional baggage allowance.
Some airlines even provide complimentary seat selection for families with elite status.
However, the availability and extent of these elite benefits vary depending on the airline and the passenger's elite tier.
Elite status holders on airlines can enjoy priority check-in, which often allows them to bypass long queues at the airport and access dedicated check-in counters or kiosks.
Many airlines provide elite status members with complimentary access to airport lounges, where they can enjoy amenities like comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and quiet workspaces.
Elite status can unlock the ability to earn and redeem miles or points at accelerated rates, enabling frequent flyers to accumulate rewards more quickly for future travel.
Some airlines extend elite status benefits to family members or companions traveling with the elite member, such as allowing them to access preferred seating or enjoy priority boarding.
Elite status holders may receive guaranteed upgrades to a higher class of service, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, especially on longer flights.
Airlines often provide elite status members with dedicated customer service hotlines, allowing them to quickly resolve any issues or inquiries they may have during their travel.
Many elite status programs offer bonus miles or points for reaching certain thresholds, providing an incentive for frequent flyers to maintain their elite standing.
Elite status can unlock exclusive travel experiences, such as access to private airport terminals, chauffeur services, or invitations to special events hosted by the airline.
Airlines may extend elite status benefits to holders of their co-branded credit cards, even if the cardholder has not yet achieved the required elite qualification levels.
Elite status can provide a higher waitlist ranking for upgrades, increasing the chances of securing a seat in a premium cabin when availability is limited.
7 Surprising Seat Perks for Basic Economy Passengers - Restrictions on Seat Selection and Upgrades
Basic Economy fares come with various restrictions, including limited seat selection and upgrade eligibility.
While some airlines allow Basic Economy passengers to pay a fee to choose their seats, others assign seats randomly.
Additionally, Basic Economy fares often do not permit complimentary upgrades or access to premium seating options.
Basic Economy passengers on United Airlines can pay a fee as low as $8 to select their seat up to 24 hours before departure, giving them more control than passengers on other budget airlines.
United's Basic Economy fares do not include complimentary upgrades for MileagePlus elite status members, unlike higher fare classes.
American Airlines Basic Economy passengers can board in an earlier group (Group 8) compared to the final boarding group (Group 9) for other Basic Economy travelers.
Delta Basic Economy passengers may be assigned middle seats, which can provide extra space compared to aisle or window seats, depending on the aircraft configuration.
United Basic Economy passengers can reserve seats with extra legroom for an additional fee, allowing them to customize their seating arrangements.
On certain American Airlines routes, Basic Economy fares include complimentary alcoholic beverages, a perk not typically associated with this fare class.
While United Basic Economy passengers board after Economy Class, they still board before the Main Cabin 1 group, giving them a slight advantage in securing overhead bin space.
Delta Basic Economy passengers board during the last group, Zone 3, providing them the opportunity to get settled before the majority of passengers.
Some airlines, like Delta, allow Basic Economy passengers to select their seats starting seven days before departure for a fee.
United Basic Economy passengers are limited to one small personal item that must fit under the seat, while other airlines may allow a small personal item plus a carry-on bag.
Certain credit cards or elite status may offer perks to make the Basic Economy experience more comfortable, such as priority boarding or additional baggage allowance.