United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the U.S., with a route network spanning the world. The airline offers multiple classes service to customers, several of which include the word “economy” in their name. Economy travelers will naturally be wondering what the differences are among United’s basic economy, economy and Economy Plus classes — and whether those differences matter enough to pay more for a higher class of service.
The differences extend beyond legroom. Let’s take a look at the features of United economy brands, including seats, fare restrictions and checked baggage limits. If you’re still undecided, use our calculator below to help you decide whether an economy or basic economy ticket is best for you.
United fare classes: The differences
United Airlines has seven different classes of service:
United Polaris.
United First (domestic).
United Business (transcontinental domestic, Latin America and the Caribbean).
United Premium Plus (premium economy).
United Economy Plus.
United economy.
United basic economy.
Even though there are three classes with economy in the name, there are plenty of differences between them.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the differences between United’s three economy-level airfare offerings.
Basic economy
Economy
Economy Plus
Checked bags (domestic)
Starting at $35 (prepaid) for your first bag.
Starting at $35 (prepaid) for your first bag.
Starting at $35 (prepaid) for your first bag.
Overhead carry-on bag
Free on transatlantic and transpacific flights; otherwise not allowed.
Free.
Free.
Seat assignments
Seats are assigned to you.
You can choose your seats for free.
You can choose your seats for free, located in the front section of economy.
Qualifies for elite benefits (including upgrades)
Earns Premier Qualifying Points, but flights do not count as Premier Qualifying Flights. No upgrades.
Yes.
Yes.
Flight changes allowed
No.
Yes.
Yes.
Earns MileagePlus miles
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Boarding group (out of 5 groups)
Last (Group 5).
Groups 3 through 5.
Groups 3 through 5.
Seat
Standard economy seat.
Standard economy seat.
Economy seat with extra legroom.
Changes and cancellations
Along with other major U.S. airlines, United has permanently done away with change fees for most domestic tickets and international flights starting in the U.S.. While these tickets are generally still nonrefundable, if you cancel your ticket, you will receive a future flight credit that you can use to book flights at a later date.
Basic economy tickets, however, remain both nonrefundable and non-changeable. If your travel plans change, you won’t be able to recoup the costs of your flight.
Does basic economy get a carry-on on United?
Unlike other major carriers that offer free carry-on baggage regardless of fare class, United does not allow carry-on bags that need to be stored overhead for basic economy fares, unless you’re flying to South America or are taking a transpacific or transatlantic flight. Both economy and Economy Plus passengers receive this benefit free of charge, but all three fare types will need to pay for checked baggage when flying domestically.
Basic economy ticket holders will be restricted to a single personal item (like a purse or small backpack) that fits under the seat in front of them. If the personal item doesn’t meet the posted standards, it’ll need to be checked, which means an additional baggage fee. Economy and Economy Plus flyers will be able to take a personal item and carry-on bag on the flight without any extra fees.
If you have elite status with United, an eligible MileagePlus credit card or Star Alliance Gold status, you are allowed to bring a free carry-on.
Later, we’ll talk more about options for free checked bags, including United elite status and United co-branded credit cards.