Market Update: United Basic Economy vs. Economy vs. Economy Plus – Full Analysis

Naturally, you might wonder whether it’s worth it to pay more for one ticket type than another, especially when you’ll be sitting in coach regardless.

One of the key differences is legroom, but there’s more to it than just that. Here’s an in-depth look at what each United economy ticket type offers, from seats and fare restrictions to checked baggage limits. You can also use our calculator to determine whether an economy or basic economy ticket is best for you.

United Airlines has seven different fare types:

Even though the last three all have economy in the name, there are plenty of differences between them.

While Premium Plus is technically in economy, it’s an entirely different product from Economy Plus. Premium Plus seats are in a separate section of the cabin and are offered on select aircraft on international long-haul and transcontinental domestic routes. You can expect a larger seat with more recline, similar to what you’d get in domestic first class, as well as a hot meal typically from the business class menu. Economy Plus seats, on the other hand, are standard economy seats with additional legroom.

Here’s a breakdown of key differences among the three “economy”-labeled fare types:

Basic economy tickets are United’s most restrictive tickets. You’re not allowed to bring a carry-on item on domestic flights, and you’re not able to choose your own seat. That means if you’re on a full flight, you’ll more likely than not end up in a middle seat. Typically, basic economy passengers need to go to the check-in counter at the airport to get their boarding pass so an agent can verify that they don’t have a carry-on item. However, those with a credit card on file with United can still check in online.

Otherwise, basic economy and economy ticket holders get the same seat width and legroom. Economy Plus flyers get to pick a seat with extra legroom in the front section of the economy cabin. On some planes, only Economy Plus seats have power outlets available in the coach cabin.

As for onboard service, all three economy ticket types include access to the same menu of complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

When you add United economy benefits to a basic economy tickets, you’ll get access to free seat selection, earlier boarding and an overhead carry-on bag. Premier members will also have access to their seat selection privileges and be added to the upgrade list.

United basic economy passengers are not allowed to bring a carry-on bag that needs to be stored in the overhead. There are some exceptions for passengers flying to select destinations, such as to South America, across the Atlantic Ocean and to international destinations across the Pacific Ocean.

Instead, basic economy ticket holders are allowed to bring a single personal item (such as a purse or small backpack) that fits under the seat in front of them. If the item does not meet the posted standards or if you bring additional items beyond your ticketed baggage allowance, you’ll need to check the item and pay an additional baggage fee. Standard economy and Economy Plus flyers can bring a personal item and carry-on bag without any extra fees.

This policy differs from other major U.S. carriers that offer free carry-on baggage for basic economy. However, those carriers impose restrictions that others don’t, such as reduced award mileage earning rates or the inability to earn award miles at all.

If you have elite status with United, an eligible MileagePlus credit card or Star Alliance Gold status, you are allowed to bring a free carry-on. This includes any other passengers on your reservation that also receive priority boarding benefits.

The low price of a basic economy fare is tempting, but the ticket price alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

Use the calculator below to calculate the cost of your ticket with add-ons to determine whether the difference in price between basic economy and economy on United is worth it for you.

Keep in mind that upgrading to Economy Plus will only net you more legroom, guaranteed in-seat power access and a seat closer to the front of the plane; it will not get you an additional baggage allowance.

That means most Premier members should avoid buying an Economy Plus ticket, which is often much more expensive than standard economy.

While United elites traveling in basic economy can’t get upgraded, they do retain some of their perks, such as priority boarding or preboarding, depending on your status level. Premier 1K members also get a free drink and food item when traveling in economy.

Finally, those with Premier Silver or higher status will receive at least one free checked bag on all United flights, even when flying basic economy.

United sells several different ticket types, three of which include some version of regular economy seating. Of these, Economy Plus provides the most luxuries, with extra legroom and generally a better seat location.

Standard economy allows carry-on bags and complimentary seat selection, while basic economy, as the cheapest of the bunch, has the most restrictions. Those seated in basic economy can expect limited baggage allowances, assigned seats and end-of-line boarding, although some of these can be offset by the perks of elite status or a United co-branded credit card.

Photo courtesy of United Airlines.