Let's say you just want to get there.
You don't care much about comfort, options or stowing your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartments. Well, the world is turning into your veritable oyster.
United Airlines and American Airlines recently unveiled opportunities for patrons to purchase stripped down airfare without the frills of boarding early, picking your seat or even taking a bag on the plane with you.
Oh, you can do any of the above, but it will cost you a fee.
The Associated Press reports American, followed shortly thereafter by United, announced an intriguing option for frugal travelers who travel light and don't really care about where they sit or when they travel.
Sometimes you just want to get somewhere and want to do so in the cheapest manner possible. Shoving yourself in the middle seat as people look at you with disdain as you are the last to board is acceptable, to some.
In this case, you now have something to consider when it comes to American and United flights.
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Much like the manner you will travel, the dates and locations will be restricted.
In a press release, United explained that those traveling from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Houston Bush International, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington Dulles now have a Basic Economy option from which to choose.
As noted, you get the same service you would with regular economy with various restrictions such as carry-on baggage being relegated to one personal item, seat assignments being selected before boarding and MileagePlus members earning miles but not Premier qualifying credit.
Scott Kirby, president of United Airlines, states, via press release: "The launch of our Basic Economy product is transformational - offering customers seeking the most budget-conscious fares United's comfortable and reliable travel experience across our unmatched network of destinations. Basic Economy lets you go where you want to go at our lowest available fare while enjoying United's Economy cabin and the exceptional inflight service that comes with it."
As noted above, United's offerings of Basic Economy is relegated to Twin Cities travel - cited as a means to ensure efficiency in the initial throes of the program - while American will honor the option on limited flights noted as "sometimes one or two a day - and on some days, none at all."
As for savings, the AP states you stand to make "about $24 to $40" on a round-trip ticket.
Flying is increasingly an expensive prospect. More and more travelers are going with a la carte options that allow travelers to pay for the expenditures that really matter to them.
The myriad travelers who pack light and consider the destination far more important than the journey now have more options.
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