No, You're Not Getting a Deal With United Basic Economy to Europe
Tuesday morning, United loaded basic economy fares for some of its international routes — but they aren't any lower than what was available yesterday. In fact, they're exactly the same, as evidenced by some screenshots I captured for the airline's flight between Newark (EWR) and Paris (CDG).
On one date I searched on Monday, United was offering an "Economy (first bag charge/no changes allowed)" fare for $552 round-trip, a reasonable savings of $135 off the regular coach fare, which includes a checked bag and allows flight changes with a fee.
On Tuesday, that exact same fare now falls under the "Basic Economy" umbrella — it'll still cost you the same $552 round-trip, but you're earning half the number of elite-qualifying credits (including Premier Qualifying Miles and Premier Qualifying Segments). You'll also no longer be able to select a seat in advance without a charge, which means you're likely to end up stuck in the middle.
Unlike on domestic basic economy flights, transatlantic passengers are still eligible to bring a rolling carry-on bag, and may not necessarily board in the last group. Premier members get a checked bag as well, but are not eligible for complimentary seat assignments, Economy Plus seating, free same-day changes or paid, mileage or certificate upgrades.
Perhaps most frustrating is the fact that, like other US airlines, United continues to suggest that basic economy offers an advantage to customers. With this latest announcement, the airline claims: "We are committed to providing more options for our customers so that they can choose the experience that best fits their needs." In reality, United's charging the exact same fares it had just one day prior, while giving customers a far less flexible or rewarding experience.
There's really no way to spin this as a positive change — while it's not quite as restrictive as it had been in the past, there's no question that United basic economy is bad news for consumers.
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The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
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- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month