Jazmin Li
United Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, with some exceptions. For instance, if United makes an involuntary schedule change that significantly alters your departure or arrival time, you can cancel and request a refund, or change to another United or United Express flight departing from the same airport within 24 hours of your original flight time. If you want to change airports, you can upgrade your basic economy ticket to economy or a premium cabin and then change your flight. You can also add yourself to the standby list for a different flight on the same day of travel, but this may require paying a difference in fare.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Changes | Not allowed |
| Cancellations | Full refund if cancelled within 24 hours of booking and a week before departure; partial travel credit if cancelled more than 24 hours after booking |
| Check-in | Allowed online, via mobile app, or at an airport kiosk; a credit card on file is required with a $65 hold |
| Carry-on baggage | Not included; personal items such as a backpack or purse are allowed |
| Checked baggage | Not included; can be purchased online or at the airport |
| Seat assignment | Not included; can be purchased during booking or until check-in opens |
| Standby | Available to all United passengers for flights departing within 24 hours of their booked travel |
| Schedule changes | Changes of more than 30 minutes allow for requests for another United or United Express flight departing from the same airport within 24 hours of the original flight time |
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What You'll Learn
Involuntary schedule changes
Firstly, if United makes a significant involuntary schedule change to your Basic Economy itinerary, you have the right to cancel your flight and request a refund. A significant schedule change typically refers to a substantial alteration to your departure or arrival time. For example, if your flight time is moved up by several hours, causing a notable inconvenience, you can choose to opt-out and get your money back.
In the case of minor involuntary schedule changes, you may not be able to cancel and receive a full refund. However, United might offer alternative options, such as rebooking you on a different flight with similar timings or providing travel vouchers. These options will depend on the specific circumstances of the schedule change and United's policies at that time.
It's important to regularly check your booking details and stay updated with any notifications from United Airlines. If you notice an involuntary schedule change that affects your plans, contact United's customer support as soon as possible. Their team will guide you through the available options and help you find a suitable solution. Remember that acting promptly increases your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
While involuntary schedule changes can be frustrating, understanding your rights and staying proactive will help you navigate the situation effectively. Remember that policies may evolve, so staying informed about the latest United Basic Economy guidelines is always a good idea.
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Cancelling and refund policies
United Airlines has different policies for different types of fares. While United's flexible booking policy applies to all its fares, basic economy fares are non-refundable and non-changeable. Basic economy passengers are not allowed to make changes to their reservations, whether in advance or on the day of the flight. However, United allows passengers to cancel their basic economy bookings.
If you cancel within 24 hours of booking and at least a week before departure, you can get a full refund. If you cancel more than 24 hours after booking, you will receive a partial travel credit. Note that these travel credits may be subject to expiration dates and other restrictions.
United's refund policy for basic economy fares is less flexible than for standard fares. If you anticipate the possibility of needing to change or cancel your flight, it may be worth considering a refundable fare or a standard economy ticket, which offers more flexibility.
In addition to the basic economy restrictions, it is important to be aware of other potential fees associated with your ticket. For example, United charges fees for checked luggage, priority boarding, preferred seating, and bringing a pet on board. These fees can add up, so it is advisable to review the fee structure before finalizing your booking.
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Checked baggage fees
United Airlines offers three types of economy fares: basic economy, United Economy, and Economy Plus. Basic economy fares are usually the cheapest option, but they come with restrictions on seat assignment, boarding, carry-on baggage, upgrades, changes, refunds, elite earnings, and elite benefits.
Basic economy passengers are only entitled to one personal item, such as a backpack, laptop bag, or purse, that can fit under the seat in front of them. The maximum dimensions for a personal item are 17 inches x 10 inches x 9 inches. If passengers bring a larger carry-on item to the gate, they will typically need to pay a $65 fee to gate-check it. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Basic economy passengers flying to Canada, South America, across the Atlantic, or on international flights across the Pacific, are allowed one carry-on bag with maximum dimensions of 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches. Additionally, basic economy passengers flying on international flights across the Pacific (excluding flights to China or Tahiti) can check a bag for free.
For all other routes, basic economy passengers must pay a fee for checked baggage. The cost of checking bags on a basic economy itinerary can vary depending on the route, elite status, credit card, and ticket type. For example, passengers travelling to Europe will need to pay $75 each way for a checked bag. United offers customizable bundle packages during the booking process, which can save money for passengers paying multiple fees. For instance, passengers can bundle their checked bag fees with priority boarding. It is important to note that these bundles are typically non-refundable, so passengers should be sure of their travel plans before booking.
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Standby options
United Airlines does not allow changes to basic economy tickets. However, same-day standby options are available to travellers. Standby allows you to be placed on a list of passengers waiting for a seat on a flight. If a seat becomes available, passengers on the standby list may be able to board the flight.
To add yourself to the standby list, you can use the United Airlines website or app, or visit an airport kiosk or representative. You can monitor your standby status on the United app or by keeping an eye on the display screens near the departure gate.
There is no standby fee for United passengers, regardless of their ticket type or class of service. MileagePlus elite status holders (Premier members) can also confirm a seat on the same day, with the same departure and arrival cities as their original ticket, without paying a fee if the new seat is in the same fare class.
If you are considering changing your basic economy ticket, it is important to note that you may be able to cancel your trip and receive a refund or partial travel credit, depending on the timing of your cancellation. For example, you can cancel your United basic economy ticket and get a full refund if you do so within 24 hours of booking and at least one week before your scheduled departure. If you cancel outside of this window, you may still be eligible for a partial travel credit.
Additionally, if your United basic economy itinerary experiences an involuntary schedule change of more than 30 minutes, you may have the option to request another United or United Express flight departing from the same airport within 24 hours of your original flight time. Alternatively, you can upgrade your basic economy ticket to economy or a premium cabin and then change your flight.
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Seat selection
United Basic Economy tickets are the airline's lowest-priced option, but they come with a lot of rules and restrictions. One of the main limitations of these tickets is that you usually cannot select your seat for free. Instead, United assigns you a seat before boarding. If you want to choose your seat, you may have to pay an additional fee. This fee can vary depending on your flight, and you can select your seat during the booking process or by logging into your reservation on the United website or app.
It is important to note that even if you pay for seat selection, United does not guarantee that your entire family or group will be seated together. Additionally, basic economy passengers typically board in the last group, so you may not be able to find overhead bin space for your carry-on item and may need to gate-check it for a fee.
If you are a United Premier member or have Star Alliance Gold status, you can avoid some of the negative aspects of basic economy fares. For example, Premier members can pay to add United Economy benefits to a basic economy ticket and become eligible for standard Premier status benefits on United and United Express flights. However, these benefits do not include complimentary Economy Plus seating, complimentary upgrades, or mileage upgrades.
Upgrading to United Economy may be a better option for travellers who need to cancel or change their flight, as it is typically much cheaper than purchasing a new flight. Additionally, for flights within the US and short-haul flights to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, United offers the option to pay a single fee to switch a basic economy ticket to regular economy. This fee varies based on flight details and can be a more cost-effective option than adding individual perks.
Overall, while United Basic Economy tickets offer a compelling price point, the restrictions on seat selection and other benefits can be significant factors to consider when booking.
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Frequently asked questions
No, United does not allow changes to basic economy tickets. However, you can cancel your ticket and get a refund if it's within 24 hours of booking and at least one week before your departure.
Yes, if there is an involuntary schedule change of more than 30 minutes, you can request another United or United Express flight departing from the same airport within 24 hours of your original flight time.
You can change your ticket at the airport by talking to a United representative. However, you will likely need to pay a difference in fare, even if you're able to get a new ticket for the same fare class as the original ticket.
