Airlines Ban All Carry-Ons for Lowest-Fare Customers Patrick Lejtenyi - AskMen
go to original January 23, 2017

Welcome to basic economy class. ‘Enjoy’ your flight (Maclean's)

A major fear (substantiated or otherwise) of the incoming presidential administration is that basic necessities will be stripped from the poorest Americans who rely upon them most, only to be sold back to them at a premium under the guise of "more options." No, not healthcare: American (and United) Airlines' new Basic Economy class, wherein passengers aren't allowed any carry-on luggage and are herded more like cattle (but also, healthcare).

With its Basic Economy class, you can fly cheaper, but it won’t be pleasant. All carry-on luggage has to be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Overhead bin use is verboten.

So if you are travelling with luggage, you have pay for the privilege of checking it. That’s a $25 gate handling fee on top of the $25 check-in fee you have to pay for the first bag. That’s the same deal you’ll get with United.


Also, forget about sitting together if you’re traveling with a companion in Basic Economy. Unlike standard passengers, Basic Economy users are assigned their seats at check-in. And to make you feel like even more of a schlep, you and your fellow BEs will be the very last to get on the plane. The one comfort in that may be the fact that you won’t have to worry about stowing your luggage while jostling with fellow passengers jockey for room in a crowded, chaotic aisle. And you’re not eligible for an upgrade.

The airlines are quick to point out that no one has to fly Basic Economy, it's merely an option.

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