I recently traveled cross country viaUniteds Basic Economy, and learned a few things along the way.
What is Basic Economy?
Basic economy airfare started cropping up more regularly in the last few years.
Basic economy is pretty much what it sounds like a seat on an airplane, without the extra frills.
The catch is that what the airlines now consider to be frills are actually fairly basic accommodations.
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How To Travel Basic Economy
Traveling basic economy is all about managing expectations.
But if youre expecting much more, you may find yourself disappointed.
Seating
One of the biggest differences between traveling basic economy and the higher-tier options is the seating.
You likely wont be able to select a seat for yourself on the plane without paying extra.
This is the case even if you book at the same time as your travel buddy.
Youll also likely be placed in the least-desirable seats on the plane.
Think: In the very back rows by the bathrooms.
This means you will both board last and exit the plane last after landing.
If you find yourself in a full plane, there isnt much you might do about this.
Chances are they wont allow you to sit anywhere that would be considered an upgrade ie.
seats with extra legroom or in a different class.
Baggage
After seating, baggage restrictions were one of the biggest obstacles I faced on my basic economy flights.
The trick here is to learn what your airline allows and what it doesnt.
Often, this is a simple matter of semantics more than anything else.
Note: Nearly all airlines I looked at charge extra for checked bags when flying basic economy.
Prices vary from $30-60 per bag depending on how far in advance you pay for them.
This means you will likely be offered the same snacks, refreshments, and entertainment options.
Most flights I took offered in-flight entertainment via the United App.
Note: You do not need to purchase in-flight Wifi to have access to this option.
Upgrades are possible, and seat selection is available at the time of booking for an additional fee.
Expect to board in the very last group before the jet bridge closes.
You may also be limited in the number of points you earn as compared to normal cabin flights.
Delta
The biggest drawback to flying basic economy withDeltais that they dont offer any points.
You will however, be able to take both a carry-on and personal item at no extra charge.
Expect to board last, and not know your seat until the day of travel.
You also wont be able to upgrade your ticket or make any changes to your itinerary after booking.
JetBlue
JetBlues Blue Basic airfare only allows for one personal item, but no carry-on.
Youll earn points at the normal rate of one per every dollar spent.
Seat selection or making any changes to your itinerary will cost extra.
Expect to board last.
United
Basic economy withUnitedincludes one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you.
No carry ons are allowed.
Expect to board in the final group.
Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier also offer the equivalent of a basic economy fare.
you could expect a similar experience on these airlines, but with even less frills.
Think: Less comfortable seating, no in-flight refreshments, and even less legroom.
How to Travel Basic Economy: The Final Word
Traveling basic economy certainly isnt for everyone.
Familiarize yourself with your chosen airlines basic economy policy before booking.
Contributor Larissa Runkle frequently writes on finance, real estate, and lifestyle topics for The Penny Hoarder.
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