Accidentally booked United Basic Economy

[DrRiker]

Well you guys, I accidentally booked United Basic Economy through Expedia for my flight home from an upcoming interview. United Basic Economy doesn't allow passengers to bring a carry on bag, only a small personal item. Do any of you have experience with Basic Economy? Will I be allowed to bring my garment bag in addition to my personal item?

Lesson learned: don't book United Basic Economy. This should be a sticky!

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[smukke]

Just check the bag at the ticket counter ($25?). If you do it at the gate there's an extra charge.

 

[DrRiker]

Just check the bag at the ticket counter ($25?). If you do it at the gate there's an extra charge.

Yeah that's the thing - I don't want my flimsy garment bag tossed into the cargo hull!

 

[getdown]

Well you guys, I accidentally booked United Basic Economy through Expedia for my flight home from an upcoming interview. United Basic Economy doesn't allow passengers to bring a carry on bag, only a small personal item. Do any of you have experience with Basic Economy? Will I be allowed to bring my garment bag in addition to my personal item?

Lesson learned: don't book United Basic Economy. This should be a sticky!

When you say garment bag are you referring to like a separate suit thing so it doesn't get wrinkled? My experience is if you ask nicely they'll hang your suit in their rack.

edit: NV you actually mean a bag. Can you fit it under the seat?

 

[atomi]

Wear your suit jacket or pack it in your backpack.

Your hotel will have an iron in the room.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Wear your suit jacket or pack it in your backpack.

Your hotel will have an iron in the room.

It’s on his way home. Just cram it in the bag and get it dry cleaned when you get home.

 

[faerie62]

Lol I did this too without reading the fine print. If it’s not too late, United also has a 24hr free cancellation period.

 

[DrRiker]

When you say garment bag are you referring to like a separate suit thing so it doesn't get wrinkled? My experience is if you ask nicely they'll hang your suit in their rack.

edit: NV you actually mean a bag. Can you fit it under the seat?

Exactly - the type of fabric bag they give you when you purchase a suit

 

[smukke]

Exactly - the type of fabric bag they give you when you purchase a suit

I'd just toss it and get a new one. Or buy a cheap one off amazon for the trip, plenty for less than $10.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

I agree, no one will typically check your ticket class at the gate

And they wont hang your garment bag. Asked once on American and they said no.

Btw.. if you are over 6 ft tall, United economy means your knees will be bruised when the seat in front of you reclines

 

[DrRiker]

And they wont hang your garment bag. Asked once on American and they said no.

Btw.. if you are over 6 ft tall, United economy means your knees will be bruised when the seat in front of you reclines

This mistake will never be made again

 

[DokterMom]

Wear your suit jacket or pack it in your backpack.

Your hotel will have an iron in the room.

Please don't try to iron your suit jacket unless you really know what you're doing ---

 

[frosted2]

Check the United website and try to upgrade your cabin... I did that the other day without a problem...

 

[atomi]

Please don't try to iron your suit jacket unless you really know what you're doing ---

You don’t have to be an MD to know how to press a suit jacket with an iron.

I do it every time I travel.

How hard is it to not turn the heat to max?

 

[atomi]

And they wont hang your garment bag. Asked once on American and they said no.

Btw.. if you are over 6 ft tall, United economy means your knees will be bruised when the seat in front of you reclines

Yep, and you will be yelled at by the a hole in front of you for “kicking” their seat the whole flight.

There is a special place in hell reserved for people who recline their seats in coach.

 

[ClimbsRox]

I have flown basic economy on multiple airlines, not sure about United. I have brought carry-ons with no issue. Worst case scenario they make you check it at the gate. Probably still cheaper than the upgrade ticket. I fit my whole suit and whatnot into a small luggage that fits under the seat anyway, but I have stowed it up top without problems.

 

[LizzyM]

Q: What is my carry-on baggage allowance when I buy a Basic Economy ticket?
A: With Basic Economy, you'll be allowed to bring on board one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other small item that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) or less. Mobility aids and other assistive devices are also permitted. You will not be allowed a full-sized carry-on bag unless you're a MileagePlus Premier member, a primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or a Star AllianceTM Gold member. If you're traveling on a Basic Economy ticket and bring a carry-on bag to the gate, your bag will need to be checked and you'll be required to pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge (payment by credit card only). Please see the Carry-on Baggage page for more information.

Q: What if I exceed my carry-on allowance?
A: If you're traveling on a Basic Economy ticket and bring a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate, your bag will need to checked and you'll be required to pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge (payment by credit card only). MileagePlus Premier members, primary cardmembers of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card and Star Alliance Gold members are still allowed a full-sized carry-on bag. Please see the Carry-on Baggage page for more information.

 

[DrRiker]

Q: What is my carry-on baggage allowance when I buy a Basic Economy ticket?
A: With Basic Economy, you'll be allowed to bring on board one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other small item that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) or less. Mobility aids and other assistive devices are also permitted. You will not be allowed a full-sized carry-on bag unless you're a MileagePlus Premier member, a primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or a Star AllianceTM Gold member. If you're traveling on a Basic Economy ticket and bring a carry-on bag to the gate, your bag will need to be checked and you'll be required to pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge (payment by credit card only). Please see the Carry-on Baggage page for more information.

Q: What if I exceed my carry-on allowance?
A: If you're traveling on a Basic Economy ticket and bring a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate, your bag will need to checked and you'll be required to pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge (payment by credit card only). MileagePlus Premier members, primary cardmembers of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card and Star Alliance Gold members are still allowed a full-sized carry-on bag. Please see the Carry-on Baggage page for more information.

I've read this before, but some airlines will hang up your jacket for you and such. Garment bags could fit in this grey area, so to speak.

"You're also allowed to bring the following items on board, in addition to your one bag and one personal item limit:

• Jacket or umbrella
• Reading material
• Food or merchandise purchased in the airport
• Assistive devices (collapsible wheelchair, cane, one set of crutches, medical devices needed to administer prescription medications, portable oxygen concentrator, etc.)
• FAA-approved child restraint system or safety seat
• Diaper bag
• Breast pump
• Pet carrier (service charges apply for in-cabin pets)"

 

[bushido]

at least you'll still get peanuts OP

 

[DrRiker]

at least you'll still get peanuts OP

A consolation prize