Basic economy fares are the latest trend in the airline industry. This is the cheapest fare class available on many airlines — stripped of things like advanced seat selection, upgrade eligibility, itinerary changes and free checked bags.

While the savings can be significant, these fares can end up costing more than you expect if you value any of the above perks. Here's what to know about United Airlines basic economy to help you decide if the savings are worth it.

What is basic economy on United?

Basic economy is United’s least-expensive economy fare class. Unlike some of the other perks (i.e. free checked bag, seat selection) included on a regular economy ticket, basic economy offers nothing extra.

In addition, you'll board last and may not be able to bring a carry-on.

For all of its restrictions and limitations, these types of fares are easy on the wallet. A NerdWallet analysis of flights from Chicago-ORD to 10 destinations across the country found a basic economy ticket will typically save you $60 on your base fare.

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United economy vs. basic economy

Is United economy the same as basic economy? No, the flight experience varies across these two ticket types.

Although you’ll pay slightly more for a regular economy ticket, the benefits can outweigh the cost. Here are the key differences between United economy versus basic economy tickets:

As you can see, each part of the flying experience from booking to take off is worse if you’re flying in basic economy. Even if the money spent is on par with an economy ticket, you’d board last and would miss out on earning Premier Qualifying Flights that you need to reach elite status.

Only you can decide if purchasing a basic economy ticket is worth the perks you forego. However, if you just need to get from point A to B and don’t value any of the benefits included in a regular economy ticket, going with a basic economy fare can save some money.

Although United basic economy tickets have a lot of restrictions, there are some ways around them, including purchasing a la carte economy benefits.

How credit card benefits work in basic economy

Some of the restrictions around United basic economy fares are waived for those who carry one of the airline’s co-branded credit cards. That includes priority boarding and free checked bag allowances.

If you have one of these cards already, be sure to add your MileagePlus number to your United basic economy reservation to get the priority boarding benefit. To receive these perks, you must purchase your ticket with the qualifying credit card.

United℠ Explorer Card (annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95): One free checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation. Priority boarding for primary cardholder and companions on the same reservation.

United Club℠ Infinite Card (annual fee: $525): Two free checked bags for the primary cardholder and one companion traveling on the same reservation. The primary cardholder and travel companions on the same reservation qualify for Premier Access benefits, which include priority boarding.

United℠ Business Card (annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $99): One free checked bag for the cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation. Priority boarding applies to the primary cardholder and travel companions on the same reservation.

United Club℠ Business Card (annual fee: $450): Two free checked bags for the cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation. Primary cardholder and travel companions on the same reservation qualify for Premier Access benefits, which include priority boarding.

United Quest℠ Card (annual fee: $250): Two free checked bags for the cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation.

Elite status holders still get perks in basic economy

United MileagePlus Premier members receive similar benefits on basic economy fares. These include free checked bags for MileagePlus Premier members and their travel companions, as well as priority boarding. The number of free checked bags depends on your Premier status level:

Premier Silver: Priority boarding and one free checked bag.

Premier Gold: Priority boarding and two free checked bags.

Premier Platinum & Premier 1K: Priority boarding and three free checked bags.

What else you need to know

United Airlines military baggage basic economy allowance

United offers five free checked bags to active duty U.S. military personnel and their accompanying dependents when traveling on official business. The allowance is lowered to three checked bags for personal travel.

Military members also receive pre-boarding privileges while flying United. In other words, the negative aspects of basic economy fares are mostly offset for members of the military — the lack of advance seat assignments will probably be your biggest headache.

United bag fee calculator

Before booking United basic economy, use our calculator below, which will help determine the total cost of your ticket (including any bag fees), so you can compare the trade-offs of Basic Economy to the main cabin based on whether you have elite status and/or airline credit cards.

Note that this calculator applies to domestic flights only. International baggage rules are more complex.

How do I know if I have basic economy on United?

Before purchasing: Basic economy tickets are not offered on every route. If this ticket option is available on a particular flight, you'll see the option displayed on the flight search results page on united.com or under "Choose your travel experience" in the United app.

After purchasing: Check your fare class. What letter is basic economy on United? These tickets are usually classified as N.