https://thepointsguy.com/airline/how-to-survive-basic-economy-on-united-airlines/
United has three types of economy fares: Basic Economy, Economy and Economy Plus. United basic economy will usually offer the lowest fare. However, travelers flying in United basic economy usually face restrictions on seat assignment, boarding, carry-on baggage, upgrades, changes, refunds, elite earnings and elite benefits.
With select United credit cards — such as the United Explorer Card, United℠ Business Card, United Quest℠ Card or the United Club℠ Infinite Card — you can still enjoy the following perks when flying in basic economy on United- and United Express-operated flights:
- One carry-on bag no larger than 9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches for you and each of your companions traveling on the same reservation
- Group 2 priority boarding for you and your companions traveling on the same reservation
- First checked bag free for you and one companion traveling on the same reservation (You must book the tickets using your United credit card; the United Quest Card and United Club Infinite Card offer a first and second checked bag free.)
However, upgrades you might be eligible for as a perk of select United credit cards (such as the United Quest Card and the United Club Infinite Card) aren’t available on tickets containing basic economy fares.
United basic economy baggage policies
If you’re flying on a United basic economy ticket, know that your fare usually won’t include a carry-on bag or checked luggage. However, you can bring a personal item (such as a shoulder bag, backpack or laptop bag) that is no larger than 17 inches by 10 inches by 9 inches and fits under the seat in front of you. If you bring a larger carry-on item to the gate that won’t fit under the seat in front of you, you’ll usually need to pay a $65 fee to gate-check it.
United basic economy seat selection
You usually can’t select a seat for free when flying on a United basic economy ticket. However, you can buy a seat assignment during booking or until check-in opens for your flight.
When can United basic economy passengers board?
United basic economy passengers usually board in Group 6 unless an exception applies.
Bottom line
United basic economy fares are restrictive. Many routes don’t allow passengers to carry on more than a small personal item. But United basic economy is better with elite status or an eligible United Airlines credit card.