Basic Economy

Save on your ticket price and get most of the same inflight services as standard Economy, like drinks, snacks, and inflight entertainment. Make sure to check the rules and restrictions before booking.

Your bags

Personal item

You can travel with one personal item, like a shoulder bag, backpack, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

Carry-on bag

Carry-on bags are not included unless you're flying to Canada, South America, across the Atlantic or on an international flight across the Pacific. You need to check any carry-on bags before airport security for a fee starting at $35. If you bring a carry-on bag to the gate that won't fit under the seat, you need to pay a $65 fee to check it.

Checked bags

If your flight across the Pacific is international, you get one free checked bag, excluding China and Tahiti.

For MileagePlus Premier members or cardholders

You get one free carry-on if you’re a MileagePlus® member with Premier status, traveling with a Premier member, or are the primary card member of a qualifying* MileagePlus credit card with Priority Boarding.

*The United GatewaySM Card and the United MileagePlus® Select Card do not qualify for a free carry-on bag in Basic Economy.

Baggage fee calculator

Depending on where and how you travel, you may have to pay to check your bag. Use our calculator to see how much it'll cost to check your bags.

Baggage fee calculator

Depending on where and how you travel, you may have to pay to check your bag. Use our calculator to see how much it'll cost to check your bags.

Your seats

Seat assignments

We’ll pick a seat for you and automatically assign it to you before boarding.

Sitting with children

Up to two children under 12 can sit next to the first adult listed on the reservation for free. You can select these seats after booking in My trips on our website or “Seat preferences” in the United app seat map. The rest of your party may be separated. To help make sure everyone is seated together, consider paying to select seats for everyone.

Changes and cancellations

While changes may not be allowed, you can cancel your flight for a refund within 24 hours according to our flexible booking policy. You can then book a new trip if you want. You can also cancel your trip after 24 hours for a partial travel credit.

Changes and cancellations

While changes may not be allowed, you can cancel your flight for a refund within 24 hours according to our flexible booking policy. You can then book a new trip if you want. You can also cancel your trip after 24 hours for a partial travel credit.

At the airport

Checking bags

If you’re bringing any bag larger than a personal item, you need to check it. If you’re checking a bag, you can check in through our website or app. Bring your bags to the airport to confirm weight and size.

Carrying a personal item only

If you’re not checking a bag, you need to check in at the airport. We’ll confirm your personal item meets size and height requirements at the airport.

Boarding group

You’ll board in Group 6 unless an exception applies.

Adding benefits

If you want more flexibility you can add benefits like the option to change or cancel your flight, bring a carry-on bag, choose your own seat or upgrade to Economy Plus® or a premium cabin.

My trips

Adding benefits

If you want more flexibility you can add benefits like the option to change or cancel your flight, bring a carry-on bag, choose your own seat or upgrade to Economy Plus® or a premium cabin.

My trips

Compare your options

United Economy

Standard legroom and space
Seats are located at the back and middle of the plane
In-seat power isn't always available
Free soft drinks, juices, tea, and freshly brewed illy® coffee*

Economy Plus

Extra legroom and space
Seats are located in front of United Economy®
In-seat power is always available
Free soft drinks, juices, tea, and freshly brewed illy® coffee*
Earn Premier qualifying points

*illy Cold Brew Classico is available for purchase.

Basic Economy FAQs

Terms and conditions