Looks like UA has found another way to squeeze their passenger. While this is touted as a new "Basic" economy fare, I'm guessing it will replace the usual economy fare and just have new restrictions as stated.
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...c-economy.aspx

As I read it, there are more than "a few" restrictions! Are the fares much lower? I don't read that the are ready to replace the regular economy fare with this, but you may be right that they are headed in that direction.

They seem to be aping the budget carriers in Europe.

And carries in the US such as Frontier.

It's actually a separate fare class. You don't have to buy it. You can still buy a standard ticket that allows carry-on plus personal item.

Example, you can buy your ticket as follows:

Basic Economy (highly restricted), Economy (as it is now), Economy Plus and Business First.

Correct -- however I am willing to bet they will mve in this direction with fares. The new Basic Economy will have a fare = to what we pay now for Economy. Our current economy class will cost more or you will have to pay for seat assignments, etc. I hope I am wrong.

But, gee, the passengers all look so happy!

I have no problem with rockbottom fares and optional add-ons - like Frontier, Spirit, easyJet, Ryanair, and many others are doing.

But if United wants to join that league, they'd better make the BASIC fare so basic that the add-ons (bags, food, seats) don't bring the price back up to the regular traditional economy level.

I have flown with Spirit a number of times this year DEN-LAX-DEN for under USD80 R/T. Later this week I'll fly DEN-LAX-DEN with Frontier for USD38 R/T.

I just flew DEN-ZRH-DEN with BA (outbound) and AA (homebound) for USD398 R/T. From Basel to Lisbon and back I paid USD88 with easyJet.

THAT is the sort of rockbottom I'm talking about, and if United can hold their "basic" fares down to those levels, then fair enough - you add on what you need and you still come out ahead.

But if they do a mission creep, we'll all be disappointed and go elsewhere.

We currently have airfare booked next March on United (Indianapolis to Madrid via Newark). These were purchased as regular economy fares, prior to United's recent announcement. I'm assuming the new "rules" will not retroactively apply to tickets purchased as regular economy (not basic economy) tickets Do you think that's a fair assumption? Otherwise, I'm going to have to rethink how we typically pack for an international flight.

">Do you think that's a fair assumption?<"
You are asking for conjecture - never a reliable source of information. read the small print of your booking confirmation and, if still in doubt, contact United.

It would be highly unusual for UA to change your fare class. But calling UA will give you your answer.

The new fare class is not available for purchase until January for travel dates starting in the 2nd quarter.

Thanks jmb67; I saw that after I posted.

From the NYTimes on United's new fare class and how to avoid the worst of the restrictions::

"If you buy one of United’s “basic economy” fares, you can bring along a personal item like a laptop bag or backpack that is 9 inches by 10 inches by 17 inches or less, but not carry-on luggage (hence why you’re not given access to the overhead bins). But there are ways around those rules. In fact, there are three ways to bring on carry-on luggage and use the overhead bins even if you purchase a “basic economy” fare:

1. If you’re a Premier member of the airline’s MileagePlus loyalty program.

2. If you’re the primary card member of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card.

3. If you’re a Star Alliance Gold member (a frequent flier in the Star Alliance network of nearly 30 airlines).

Any of the above will also prevent you from having to board last as well."

I feel so sorry for gate agents and FA's having to enforce the new fare class. Will they enforce it??

American is introducing its own 'Basic Economy' starting in Feb.

>>With Basic Economy, get our lowest Main Cabin fare with the same great onboard experience including free snacks, soft drinks and entertainment. Plus, you’ll still earn American Airlines AAdvantage® award miles, and elite qualifying credits (EQMs/EQSs) at a reduced rate.

Some restrictions will apply:
Seats assigned at check-in
Fees to choose a specific seat
Not eligible for upgrades
No flight changes or refunds<<

Yes, looks like the wave of the future
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel...63a90d46aa5131

I also read an article I think in the NYTimes that this was the airlines way to make more $ which is what we all speculated.