United Unlocks Online Check-In for Basic Economy Passengers

United Airlines is updating its policy for basic economy passengers, allowing them to check in for their flight online for the first time.

Starting on August 6, passengers who book a basic economy fare with United will have a full range of options for checking for their flight—on the United mobile app, on the airline’s website, or in person at the airport check-in kiosk—in line with all other passengers.

Photo: Courtesy of United

United’s basic economy fares are typically some of the most stripped-down, no-frills air tickets available in the U.S. The Chicago-based airline introduced the fares in 2017 to compete with its low-cost competitors, such as Spirit and Frontier Airlines.

While basic economy fares are invariably the cheapest option for those flying with United, the tickets come with little to no added benefit apart from the flight itself. This includes no seat selection, priority boarding, and little flexibility when changing or canceling your flight.

In terms of baggage, United’s basic economy fare is equally as restrictive. The only thing passengers are permitted to bring on the plane is one small personal item, such as a handbag, small backpack, or laptop, which can fit under the seat in front. Any carry-on bags that go in the overhead bins come with a regular bag fee plus an additional $25.

Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines

For this reason, according to United, basic economy passengers previously had to check in at the airport kiosks in person rather than online. In other words, making them check in at the airport ensured that staff could check whether they were sneaking a carry-on bag onto their flight.

But while that’s changing this week, with basic economy passengers now able to check in just like any other passenger, it doesn’t mean that United suddenly trusts its customers not to break the rules. Instead of relying on manual checks at the airport, basic economy passengers must now provide their credit card details at the point of booking and agree to pay a $65 fee should they arrive at the gate with a carry-on bag.

Photo: Courtesy of Jason Leung / Unsplash

United’s policy change follows a successful trial of the new process at its primary hub, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). According to the airline, the number of checked bags at the gate decreased during the trial period.

United’s announcement also comes as other carriers update their basic economy fares, including JetBlue, which announced earlier this summer that it would allow passengers on its most basic fare to bring a carry-on bag free of charge from September 6.