United will begin selling basic economy fares on select
transatlantic flights on Dec. 11, joining competitors American and Delta.
Like the transatlantic basic economy offering of its U.S.
rivals, customers who purchase the new United fare class will be required to
pay for their first checked bag.
In addition, tickets will be nonrefundable and not changeable.
Flyers won't be able to buy or request upgrades. And advanced seat assignments
won't be permitted for free, though they will be available for purchase on the
United website.
In a Monday email to travel agents, United explained
differences between its transatlantic basic economy fare and the basic economy
product it offers on domestic and medium-haul international flights.
Notably, flyers will be allowed one carry-on bag as well as a
personal item. United does not allow domestic basic economy passengers to stow
a carry-on bag, unlike American and Delta.
United's transatlantic basic economy flyers will also be
able to check in online and they won't necessarily board in the last boarding
group.
United said the new basic economy offering will put it more
in line with its transatlantic joint venture partners Air Canada and Lufthansa.