United and American Just Started Selling Super Restrictive Discount Fares
Skift Take
Consumers aren't going to like this product, but Basic Economy fares are a sign of the times. Travelers are already buying tickets on Spirit and Frontier that come without free large carry-ons, so why shouldn't American and United offer a similar option?
Two major U.S. airlines have started selling no-frills discount fares that do not not permit most passengers to bring large carry-on bags to stow in the overhead bins.
United Airlines and American American started selling new Basic Economy fares on Tuesday, making them the only two full-service U.S. airlines to offer a fare that limits what some passengers can bring for the overhead bins. United and American designed their products to compete with fares from ultra low cost U.S. airlines, including Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Spirit and Frontier sell deeply-discounted tickets, but charge for bin space for larger bags.
Most passengers buying United and American's Basic Economy
