United Basic Economy- How bad is it?

[ari3]

slightly off topic, but UA has gotten extremely strict about 50lb suitcase weight- beware!!!

recent experiences. one flight I had a 52.5 pounder and no problem another flight 51 pounds and she made me take something out

[username]

Which airport?

[yelped]

slightly off topic, but UA has gotten extremely strict about 50lb suitcase weight- beware!!!

The most hated part of airline travel. I had to pay $100 in EWR last week, even though another suitcase was underweight by the same amount this suitcase was overweight (no room in the other one to move the stuff around).

[ari3]

Which airport?

EWR no problem BZN gave me trouble (my second suitcase was an empty cooler that wheighed around 10 pounds).

The most hated part of airline travel. I had to pay $100 in EWR last week, even though another suitcase was underweight by the same amount this suitcase was overweight (no room in the other one to move the stuff around).

put something in your hand luggage or just throw something out.

[Joe4007]

BE doesn't allow online check-in unless you prepurchase a  checked bag.

Had the same issue. Worked via the app.

[yelped]

put something in your hand luggage or just throw something out.

I had no room and I needed the stuff.

[Elikip]

The workaround I've come up is book an economy ticket   cancel it on united and get a travel certificate then rebook it as basic economy . . . Will hopefully work

That worked till July 31st, United is no longer offering ETC as a refund options (as of 8/1)

[Elikip]

slightly off topic, but UA has gotten extremely strict about 50lb suitcase weight- beware!!!

At agent's discretion. Some stickle, some don't. But ime no agent will let you go over 52.5

[elimmm]

At agent's discretion. Some stickle, some don't. But ime no agent will let you go over 52.5

i seen this multiple times at EWR and recently at other airports. they didnt allow 51lbs even with status...  they are prob getting tougher on their agents
just warning ppl to have a backup plan in mind (shopping bag for some heavy items)

[Yammer]

Does mileage plus give free suitcase for basic economy? If yes can additional card also get free Suitcase?

Didn't try yet but was advised that you will get free hand luggage and suitcase for AC + 1

put something in your hand luggage or just throw something out.

+1

i seen this multiple times at EWR and recently at other airports. they didnt allow 51lbs even with status...  they are prob getting tougher on their agents
just warning ppl to have a backup plan in mind (shopping bag for some heavy items)

Or they are just trying to squeeze out some more revenue

[Yammer]

UA BE aren't refundable within 24hrs if booked within 7 days of travel?

Seems so from the UA site... Although I've never heard of someone having an issue..

"Although Basic Economy reservations aren’t eligible for changes within 24 hours, they’re still eligible for a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours and you made your purchase one week or more before the flight was scheduled to depart. Please view the terms and conditions below for more details." It doesn't say anything about the 7 day policy under that

https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/reservations/refunds/24-hour-booking-policy.html

[nafnaf12]

That's the official policy, in practice you can cancel.

[Yammer]

That's the official policy, in practice you can cancel.

Ty!

[Muhammad]

i seen this multiple times at EWR and recently at other airports. they didnt allow 51lbs even with status...  they are prob getting tougher on their agents
just warning ppl to have a backup plan in mind (shopping bag for some heavy items)

with status? Doesn’t status give you 70LB??

[Esther]

If traveling with a lap child and a toddler in basic economy, is there any chance they'll separate me from the toddler since I can't pick seats?

[SamDaMan]

If traveling with a lap child and a toddler in basic economy, is there any chance they'll separate me from the toddler since I can't pick seats?

Very unlikely. I have had success calling UA and telling them I'm flying with a toddler so they should make sure our seats are together and the agent was able to pick seats.

[JACKBLUE]

If traveling with a lap child and a toddler in basic economy, is there any chance they'll separate me from the toddler since I can't pick seats?

They have to seat you together legally. A toddler can’t sit alone.

[m65]

basic economy ticket booked for 6.5k miles, will i be allowed a regular handbag or only the tiny backpack?

[coffeebean]

Can someone please answer this ASAP, flight is soon. Does it say anywhere on website I get a free carry on for all companions when booking a Basic Economy fare with Explorer card?

[yelped]

Can someone please answer this ASAP, flight is soon. Does it say anywhere on website I get a free carry on for all companions when booking a Basic Economy fare with Explorer card?

Never had or heard of any issues.