United Airlines has some good news for Basic Economy passengers who need to change their plans: their tickets will now no longer be worthless. The airline is now offering a ‘Switch to Economy’ upgrade to a ticket that can be changed or credited.
Over the past year, most airlines removed all change and cancellation fees during the pandemic, and have continued that policy for regular economy and up tickets, while restoring sizable change fees for basic.
The upgrade charge is generally a little more than the difference between the basic and regular economy fares, but once paid the ticket is not only changeable or eligible to keep as credit toward future flights, it also includes the standard coach benefits of a carry-on, seat assignment and more.
So far, the option is limited to domestic and short-haul international flights.
