New ways to fly across the Atlantic We are committed to providing more options for our customers so that they can choose the experience that fits their needs. Earlier this year, we began offering a new trans-atlantic fare for customers who may be more price sensitive as a first step towards an international Basic Economy product. Beginning December 11, we will offer trans-atlantic Basic Economy fares on select routes, which is similar to our domestic and short haul international Basic Economy product, but with some differences. The fares will replace the current 1st bag fee, no changes fare option, but will retain the -LGT fare basis code. This fare puts us more in line with our Atlantic Joint Venture partners Air Canada and Lufthansa Group.
What is trans-atlantic Basic Economy? For customers traveling between the United States or Canada and select European countries in select Economy booking classes, Basic Economy does not include a complimentary first checked baggage allowance, advance seat assignments, upgrades to premium cabins, United Premium Plus, or Economy Plus or the ability to make changes following purchase. A customer purchasing this new lowerst fare option can check a first bag for an additional fee. MileagePlus members will receive full PQD accrual, 50% PQM and.5 PQS when booking these fares. Customers purchasing this fare for travel ticketed and operated on United will be eligible for one fullsize carry-on bag and one personal item on board, and the same United Economy cabin experience and services, including dining options, Wi-Fi for purchase and inflight entertainment. What date is Basic Economy available? United s Basic Economy fare is applicable for first ticket and first travel date on or after December 11, 2018, for all points of sale. What is the difference between domestic/short haul international Basic Economy and trans-atlantic Basic Economy? Trans-Atlantic Basic Economy is similar to domestic and short haul international Basic Economy product, but with some differences: Customers will be allowed one full-sized carry-on bag and one personal item on board, and will be able to check a first bag for an additional fee Customers will be able to check-in online and via the United mobile app Customers will not necessarily board in the last boarding group Seat assignments will be provided at check-in, or at the gate and available before check-in for purchase at united.com. How is trans-atlantic Basic Economy identified? For all Atlantic joint venture carriers, the last 3 characters of the fare basis code will be -LGT, and the fare type code is ERU/EOU. For point of origin U.S., Basic Economy will be available in booking classes K, L, T, and S. For point of origin E.U. and Canada the fare will be available in booking classes K, L, T, S and W. Booking classes are subject to change and may vary by route. Fares will vary from market to market and depend on availability. Customers traveling between the U.S. or Canada and Europe will be able to see if Basic Economy is available on their flight when booking.
What are the conditions for trans-atlantic Basic Economy? Basic Economy has some important restrictions compared to a standard United Economy ticket: Does not include a free baggage allowance for checked baggage. Non-refundable and non-changeable except as stated in the United 24-hour flexible booking policy. Cannot be combined with any other fare type. Not eligible for upgrades to a premium cabin (complimentary, purchased or instrument), to United Premium Plus, or to United Economy Plus. Advance seat assignments are not permitted for free but may be purchased at united.com. Full accrual for Premier Qualifying Dollars (PQD), 50% accrual for Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM) and 0.5 accrual for Premier Qualifying Segments (PQS) Customers purchasing this fare for travel ticketed and operated on United will be eligible for one fullsize carry-on bag and one personal item on board, and the same United Economy cabin experience and services, including dining options, Wi-Fi for purchase and inflight entertainment.
*subject to change
Comparing United Economy fare options for trans-atlantic travel Please note additional restrictions may apply for flights ticketed and/or operated by the other JV carriers. Additionally, fare conditions may vary based on the carrier the customer checks in with. For more information, please verify restrictions with the operating carrier of the first segment on an applicable trans-atlantic itinerary.
Which carriers offer this more restricted fare option? Similar fare options are offered across United s trans-atlantic joint venture partner airlines: Air Canada (AC), Austrian Airlines (OS), Brussels Airlines (SN), Lufthansa (LH) and SWISS (LX). It is identified as Economy Light for the Lufthansa Group and Basic Economy for Air Canada. Lufthansa Group sales partners will only be able to book the lowest fares within Europe of LH, LX OS and SN, with point of commencement in Germany, through direct distribution channels (Lufthansa Group Airlines Direct NDC API, SPRK, LHG approved NDC Aggregators, lhgroupagent.com, austrian.com, lufthansa.com, swiss.com and brusselsairlines.com). How much does the trans-atlantic first bag fee cost? The fee amount is $60USD / 60CAD or the equivalent in applicable local currency, per direction. In advance of leaving for the airport, customers are encouraged to visit the baggage calculator on united.com or that of the applicable carrier to determine any fees. Are buy-up options to a standard United Economy fare available? Yes. Anywhere there is a Basic Economy fare offered there will be a pre-purchase buy-up option to a standard United Economy fare offered as well. Please note, no changes are possible after purchase. Are there any exemptions from the first bag fee? The following customers are exempt from the fee when checking in with United and traveling on United or United Express for the first segment of a trans-atlantic itinerary: MileagePlus Premier members Chase MileagePlus card holders Members of the U.S. military Star Alliance Gold members Groups are not eligible for the new fare option. Star Alliance Gold customers originating on Lufthansa are eligible for a complimentary first checked bag on Lufthansa flights, but must check-in with LH at the airport and show their Star Gold credentials to qualify for the fee exemption. Are private fares allowed on trans-atlantic Basic Economy? For U.S. point of origin, CAT25 programs are allowed but flat fare programs are not.
Can these fares be inhibited from being displayed? Agencies are encouraged to speak with their GDS provider for instructions on inhibiting the display of Basic Economy fares. Depending on the GDS, the fare type code ERU/EOU may be used to put an inhibit in place. Corporate accounts may either work with their TMC or adjust their inhibit/display preferences in their online booking tool. Examples of fare display On united.com, trans-atlantic Basic Economy will be delineated from other United fare offerings:
GDS fare display example (illustrative only): Native Apollo, EWR-AMS example $BB price lowest entry returns -LGT Basic Economy fare (/:N modifier forces published fares only) $BB price lowest w/ FXD modifier suppresses Basic Economy fare types ERU/EOU and returns lowest regular Economy fare:
In order to store the non-basic price, the user needs to price the non-basic fare, then force (FIC) the fare in their T:$B entry. Segment select if necessary. If the system does not return any violations, then Travelport will guarantee the stored fare validity.
Sabre, EWR-AMS example Pricing options to suppress Basic fare: MPC-ANY modifier suppresses Basic fare type. BRRE selects Regular Economy fare brand.
Fare rule details showing ERU fare type Economy Round-trip Unbundled Sample tariff displays with Basic Economy fare brand: Hover over BE fare brand code in Tariff display and Sabre display fare description postcard :
Amadeus, EWR-AMS example PNR display Fare quote
Stored fare