United Airlines is pitching an upgrade deal at Basic Economy passengers—a chance to upgrade to regular economy for $45. With the deal, you get to choose a seat and bring a regular-size carry-on, both unavailable in Basic.
The deal is teased with a page that offers the deal under the heading “Is Basic Economy too restrictive for you?” The deal might be a better deal when airfares are higher, but ThePointsGuy recently gave two examples where it’s a trap. On a Fort Lauderdale to Denver flight, Basic was selling for $49 and regular Economy for $89; paying for the upgrade made it more expensive than Economy. Another flight from Florida to Newark was $49 in Basic and $59 in Economy—but $94 as an upgrade!
The Points Guy’s advice? When you spot a deal like that, call United and simply rebook in Economy. Until at least March 31, all of United’s fares qualify for free changes, and for now, that also applies to Basic Economy.
