Budget travelers might have another option to fly to Europe for less with United Airlines basic economy. While United has been offering discount fares across the Atlantic for part of 2018, the new trans-Atlantic basic economy fares replace the current “First Checked Bag Charge/No Changes Allowed” fares on December 11, 2018.
This new fare type continues to have the -LGT fare basis code. United also mentions the change helps align their offerings with trans-Atlantic partners Air Canada and Lufthansa.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS / USA – March 10, 2018: A United Airlines passenger aircraft – Boeing 777 – arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on a sunny morning. photo credit: GettyGetty
What Comes with Trans-Atlantic United Airlines Basic Economy?
Since June 2018, United has been offering discount trans-Atlantic flights where you can bring a carry-on, but have to pay to check a bag if you don’t hold a co-branded United card that waives the baggage fee.
While you can book a cheaper flight, this fare comes with some strings attached. These are some of the restrictions you should know about:
- No free checked bag (must pay $60 for the first bag and $100 for the second bag)
- Non-refundable and non-changeable after the first 24 hours from purchase
- Seats assigned either at check-in or at the gate (you can purchase a seat before check-in)
- Not eligible for any premium cabin or Economy Plus upgrades
One benefit of flying United is that you still avoid the fuel surcharges that international airlines charge. Plus, you can also check-in online using the United app. This is different from other United Basic Economy fares where your only check-in option is in-person.
Get One Full-Size Carry-On and One Personal Item
With these basic economy flights, you can bring one full-sized carry-on bag and one personal item. If you don’t need to check a bag, this can be a cheaper option.
You also have access to in-flight wifi, entertainment, dining options, and services that other economy passengers have access to.
Receive Premier Qualifying Credit
Unlike domestic basic economy flights, you can earn premier qualifying credit on these flights:
- Full Premier Qualifying Dollars (PQD)
- 50% Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM)
- 0.5 Accrual for Premier Qualifying Segments (PQS)
MileagePlus members will also earn frequent flyer miles for these and other basic economy flights.
Trans-Atlantic Basic Economy vs Basic Economy
This version of United Basic Economy is better than domestic and short-haul international flights.
Here are a few reasons why:
- Allowed one full-size carry-on bag
- Can earn Premier benefits
- Won’t necessarily be in the last boarding group
- Online and mobile app check-in is available
If you want to enjoy Premier benefits and upgrades, you should still pay extra for a regular or premium economy seat. But, if you want to take a trip on the cheap using a legacy carrier, you might like this new fare option.