overhead carry-on bags prohibited

In first quarter 2017, United Airlines will start selling an airfare class called "Basic Economy". It's for those of us who don't want to upgrade all the way up to "Economy".

The most noteworthy feature of this airfare is that it prohibits passengers from using the overhead bins for their carry-ons. Your bag must fit under the seat in front of you. (See page 31 of this investor brochure.)

Once again, the motto for domestic air travel is: Bellagio prices for a room at Circus Circus.

Circus Circus? More like an hourly off strip place. Even Frank Lorenzo had some limits.

Meanwhile an overhead compartment compatible stroller/child seat is being marketed.

The time of overhead bin use is huge, the delay in boarding is huge and the necessity to check the overheads for proper closing and latching is a real drag because it is not left to the flight attendant but falls upon the Captain since the First Officer is dealing with ground personnel.

It really is getting to be a 'we fly passengers; FedEx flies your bags' situation. I remember the old SFO to LAX freight flight where they really treated passengers like cattle... never thought it would get worse, but it has.

And to continue the casino analogy.... they now want to impose an Impact Fee and Fancy Name for reeming you.

Quote: reno

In first quarter 2017, United Airlines will start selling an airfare class called "Basic Economy". It's for those of us who don't want to upgrade all the way up to "Economy".

I believe American Airlines is already selling a Basic Economy class.

Quote: DRich

I believe American Airlines is already selling a Basic Economy class.

I think its Delta
They have a low fare that comes with no seat assignment
You get a seat when you get to the airport day of travel which chances are is a middle seat

Quote: terapined

I think its Delta
They have a low fare that comes with no seat assignment
You get a seat when you get to the airport day of travel which chances are is a middle seat

Yes - Delta has Basic Economy. Cheaper price for no seat assignment and no ability to make any changes to you reservation.

Delta used to be my primary airline (flying out of DTW, which is a hub for Delta). But their prices are insanely high these days for the nonstop from DTW > LAS. It used to average ~$330, now it is hard for me to find any for under $400 unless I want a red eye (I don't).

I've switched over to primarily flying Southwest.

My last trip on Delta for the foreseeable future is this weekend. It's a shame.

Anyway: I voted terrible idea. Because it is a terrible idea.

The majors are feeling the pinch from the ULCCs and need to take some steps to counter them.

It seems odd, though, that these ultra-low fares by them are so restricted. I understand no seat assignment, but not even the option to pay for one? And now bags. It's getting so, as in the 80s, you'll need a lawyer to figure out what fare you want.

In the meantime, flying keeps turning from a pleasant diversion to a chore. Maybe that's why I stick with Interjet even when it gets a bit more expensive, as I know what I'm getting and there are no extra fees. Although they've begun with fare tiers, and the economical one doesn't allow seat assignments (you still get two free checked bags, though).

Quote: terapined

I think its Delta
They have a low fare that comes with no seat assignment
You get a seat when you get to the airport day of travel which chances are is a middle seat

Thanks, that makes sense as I have been flying a lot of Delta and American lately.

With checked bag fees, more people are carrying luggage that they may have checked onto the plane.

By charging for the use of the overhead bin, they are trying to claw back some of those fees.

Quote: AZDuffman

Circus Circus? More like an hourly off strip place. Even Frank Lorenzo had some limits.

Ha! Agreed.

***

Totally off topic, but on a warm Saturday afternoon a few weeks ago (October), I was at the adults-only swimming pool at Wynn where they have an outdoor craps table with $10 minimums. It was a really fun table with a great lively crowd, and the table is within eyesight of the adults-only "European" pool with topless sunbathing. I was in paradise.

My wife had taken the kids to play video games at the kids arcade at Circus Circus, so after an hour at the Wynn craps table, I walked the (depressing) quarter mile to Circus Circus. And guess what? The Circus Circus craps table also had $10 minimums!

How could that be? How could Wynn and Circus Circus be offering identical craps table minimums simultaneously? And who would pass up bare-breasted ladies at Wynn's craps table to shoot dice at Circus fucking Circus?