[ghostly_s]

Flew United recently and just after boarding they made an announcement asking if anyone had purchased one of these "basic economy" fares, presumably so they could exclude them from the twelve cents worth of pretzel+soda service. What a ridiculous and insulting system (not to mention poorly-managed!).

[downandout]

The funny thing is that not everyone may even know that they are on a "basic economy" fare and may not raise their hand - not out of a desire to cheat the system, but because somebody else booked their travel (corporate travel department, family member, etc.). That, in addition to the people that just don't want to be called out as cheap, will yield very few people voluntarily disclosing this on a crowded plane.

[xadhominemx]

I don't see how you can find it insulting. You pay less because you receive a lower level of service and that includes the pretzels.

[Thrymr]

You really don't see how being called out on the loudspeaker could be insulting even if the ticket buyer was fully aware of the service difference (which they may not be)?

[xadhominemx]

Is it insulting when you have to sit in the normal seat pitch economy seat when the row in front of you paid more and received more knee space?

[joelrunyon]

Yup -

At least if you're going to discriminate against people sitting next to each other, go off the manifest & don't be so overt about it.

[s0rce]

Another ridiculous thing about United Basic economy that doesn't seem like it would save them money is that you can't check in online early you have to do it at the airport...

[jacquesm]

That's in case they overbook you're end of the queue.

[Robotbeat]

Okay, so that's just BS, then. They're just charging a ton of money for flying standby (which is normally super cheap), then.