No, You’re Not Getting a Deal With United Basic Economy to Europe
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
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.
WELCOME OFFER: 60,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $1,200
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 2X points on all travel and dining, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on orders over $12 for a minimum of one year on qualifying food purchases with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Earn 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2022. That’s 3X points in addition to the 2X points you already earn on travel.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.