United rolling out cheaper, no-frills fares in new cities

CHICAGO _ A lot more passengers will have access to United Airlines' new no-frills "basic economy" fares next month.

The fares, which offer the cheapest seats on a plane in exchange for giving up a few of the perks that still come with standard economy tickets, are now available in more than 100 domestic markets, United spokeswoman Maggie Schmerin said Thursday.

Both United and American Airlines began selling basic economy tickets in February, but United's were initially only available on flights between Minneapolis and seven hubs, including Chicago, where the airline is headquartered.

Delta Air Lines introduced its version of basic economy a few years ago. The cheaper fares are a way for major airlines to try to win back penny-pinching passengers who might otherwise fly budget carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines while also getting other passengers to pay for more of the perks they value.

United's basic economy fares come with restrictions: Without paying extra fees, passengers can't pick their seats in advance, are in the last group to board and, in most cases, can only carry a small bag that fits under the seat.

How much passengers save depends on the flight. A basic economy ticket from Chicago to Newark, N.J., or Denver on May 9 was listed at $15 cheaper than the standard economy fare on United's website on Thursday. Between Chicago and Los Angeles, basic economy passengers saved $20.

Start dates for actual flights vary by city, but they begin May 9 in the first markets to get the new fares.

Although United has been selling basic economy tickets since February, the first flights with basic economy passengers took off earlier this week. So far, customers have arrived at the airport aware of the extra restrictions, and anecdotally, having fewer large carry-on bags means it takes less time to get passengers on board, Schmerin said.

United has said it wants to use new fares and products _ including basic economy tickets and offerings for travelers willing to pay for extra services _ to bring in new revenue.