Chase Ultimate Rewards Portal Now Filters For Basic Economy Fares
Ah, the dreaded basic economy curse: How we hate the newest cost-cutting measure from airlines greedy to turn a little extra profit off of standard amenities such as seat selection and larger carry-on bags.
Now that all three major US carriers offer some version of basic economy, we've found the tiered economy status quickly becoming a reality of everyday domestic — and sometimes even international — travel. We've reviewed offerings from United, Delta and American, and the general consensus is that we'd prefer to never do it again if at all possible.
Fortunately for anyone who shares our sentiments, first Google Flights, and now the Chase Ultimate Rewards booking portal have made it a little easier for travelers to filter out basic economy fares when searching for flights. Here are some example searches of the Chase portal now showing side-by-side fares of different economy classes:
Airlines that don't offer tiered economy fares were clearly marked in the portal with just a single price option, such as this JetBlue flight from JFK to SFO for $242, the same price as Delta's basic economy fare.
Keep in mind, though, that the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal may not offer the cheapest available fares, so we always suggest doing your own due diligence to ensure you're paying the best rate you can for the fare you want.
H/T: View From the Wing
Photo by Kwanchai_Khammuean/Getty Images
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.