Watch Out for the Basic Economy 'Forgetful' Fee

Much has already been written about major airline's Basic Economy fares, which essentially offer a seat on the plane and little else.

If you're looking to save some money on a flight, these reduced fares might be just what you're looking for, but keep in the cost for frugality is high. These fares don't include the option to reserve a seat so there's a big chance you won't be able to sit with friends or loved ones. If you're traveling somewhere where you'll need clothing, you can almost certainly expect to incur a checked bag fee as you are not permitted to carry on anything much bigger than a backpack.

The fare class comes with other restrictions as well. No flight changes are available, you'll have limited access to your Mileage Plus premier benefits-including upgrades and premium economy seating-and you'll be among the last people to board the plane.

But there's another fee, one that seems to continually catch everyone by surprise.

We call it the forgetful fee, although United Airlines calls it the gate handling charge and American calls it the gate service fee. If you weren't careful to read up on just what is and isn't included in your basic economy fare or you genuinely forgot you can't lug a carry on with you on the plane-or if you're among the sneaky travelers who think you'll pull a fast one on the gate crew-It won't work.

Sure, you might get lucky and sneak that bag on board, but what will more likely happen is you'll get slapped a $25 per bag fee.

Which means, yes, if you're traveling as a family of four, you will have to pay $100 on top of the regular checked bag fees (or second checked bag fee if you already deposited one downstairs) if you wait until you're at the gate to deal with that forbidden piece of luggage.

All is not lost. If you've left plenty of time to check in and enjoy the airport terminal at your convenience-or maybe you just know how long those post-security coffee lines have become-the airlines will let you return to the check-in counter to properly check the bag and avoid the gate surcharge.

If there's not enough time, you'll be stuck paying the forgetful fee.

The airlines say that they do try to remind passengers not to carry that bag with them.

[READMORE]READ MORE: The Truth About Basic Economy Fees[/READMORE]

"We do everything we can to make sure customers do not reach the gate with a bag that needs to be gate-checked," said Maggie Schmerin, a spokesperson with United Airlines in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

Indeed, their policies are pretty well laid out online at their United Airlines Basic Economy and American Airlines Basic Economy web pages. So take some time to read the fine print and save yourself a little money when heading out on your next trip.

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