What Basic Economy Means Per Airline

Posted on July 9, 2018June 2, 2023 by Alyssa

In the last couple years, several U.S. airlines have rolled out something called “Basic Economy.” The new airline class aims to be more affordable than standard Economy by placing added restrictions on how travelers fly and what they can fly with. Here, our near Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport parking company shares what Basic Economy means in the airlines that offer it:

United Airlines

Check-in: Only passengers who qualify for free carry-on bags or who have paid to check their bags (see “Exception” below) are able to check in online. All other Basic Economy passengers must check in at the airport.

Luggage: Passengers are not allowed to bring a carry-on bag with them. Instead, they are allowed to bring a personal item (such as a purse or backpack) that can be a maximum of 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches.

Exception: The passenger is a Premier member, primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or a Star Alliance Gold member.

Seats: Passengers are not allowed to preselect seating, make changes to their tickets after purchasing them, or upgrade to higher ticket classes. In addition, passengers traveling in a group (including families) will not be able to sit together unless advance seat assignments are purchased and seats are available.

Boarding Group: Basic Economy passengers will be placed in the last boarding group.

Exception: The passenger is a Premier member, primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card, or a Star Alliance Gold member.

American Airlines

Check-in: The AA check-in process is the same for passengers in all airline classes.

Luggage: Passengers are not allowed to bring a carry-on bag with them and will be limited to one personal item that measures 18 x 14 x 8 inches or less.

Exception: The passenger is an AAdvantage elite member, a primary cardmember of a qualifying AAdvantage credit card, or is traveling to Europe.

Seats: Basic Economy passengers are not allowed to preselect seating until they check in. If they want to choose a certain seat on the plane, a fee will apply. Otherwise, seats will be assigned to them during check-in. In addition, Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and are not eligible for an upgrade.

Boarding Group: Basic Economy passengers will be placed in the last boarding group.

Exception: The passenger is an AAdvantage elite member or a primary cardmember of a qualifying AAdvantage credit card.

Delta Air Lines

Check-in: The Delta check-in process is the same for passengers in all airline classes.

Luggage: Unlike United and American Airlines, Delta allows passengers to bring a carry-on item (no larger than 45 combined inches) as well as one personal item.

Seats: Basic Economy passengers are not allowed to preselect seating until they check in. If no seat number appears on the boarding pass, it will be assigned at the gate before boarding. In addition, Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and are not eligible for changes.

Boarding Group: Basic Economy passengers will be placed in the last boarding group.

Have you flown as a Basic Economy passenger? If so, what was your experience like? Our nearby Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport parking company would love to know!

Which Type of Luggage Is Right for You?

Posted on June 13, 2018June 2, 2023 by Alyssa

When it comes to luggage, there are a wide variety of choices available. From small, affordable designs to larger models with luxurious features, travelers are open to a world of choices. Here, our near Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport parking company explores the most popular types and their pros and cons:

Hardshell Luggage

Today, many travelers are choosing hardshell luggage because of its durability. Most styles of hardshell luggage are made polycarbonate, plastic, or aluminum and offer travelers peace of mind. The hard shell is designed to protect your belongings if your suitcase gets thrown around, dropped, stacked, and more during your trip. However, because of its rigidity, some travelers find it more difficult to pack – once you fill up the suitcase, there’s no room for anything else.

Softshell Luggage

Softshell luggage is more of a classic choice among travelers. These types of suitcases are often lighter than hardshell luggage and are sought for their flexibility. While the fabric of a softshell doesn’t offer the same protection of a hardshell, it allows you to better fit your luggage into overhead bins and other small spaces. It also lets you stuff in those last-second items you forgot to pack. In addition, many softshell suitcases come with a variety of pockets and compartments for easier packing.

Duffel Bags

Duffel bags are a great choice for casual travel and shorter getaways. They can be found in a variety of sizes and are ideal as carry-on choices. Of the most popular luggage options, duffel bags are the most flexible, which can come in handy in many different situations. Look for duffel bags with padded shoulder straps for the most convenient method of transport.

Parking at Red Beam

Which type of luggage do you prefer? No matter what your choice, we at Red Beam Garage want you to have the best vacation experience possible and we can help you start it off right. Make your near Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport parking reservation today and enjoy affordable prices and great service.

What “Basic Economy Fare” Means Per Airline

Posted on March 14, 2018July 27, 2022 by Alyssa

For the longest time, the most common airline fares were for First Class, Business Class, and Economy class. However, after years of competing with low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier, many U.S. airlines have decided to roll out a new fare – “Basic Economy.”

Today’s low-cost carriers offer discounted airfare in exchange for basic luxuries. For example, if you book a flight with Frontier, your fare will cost less, but you’ll have to pay extra to choose your seat or to bring a carry-on bag. U.S. airlines’ Basic Economy fares are designed the same way and aim to give travelers a “no-frills” experience.

Here, our Providence airport parking company shares the Basic Economy restrictions that apply to travelers flying American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines:

American Airlines

Baggage: One personal item allowed (no carry-on)*

Checked bag fee: $25

Seats: Assigned at check-in

Flight changes/refunds: Not available

Flight upgrades: Not available

Boarding: Last group*

*Doesn’t apply to AAdvantage elite status members or AAdvantage credit card holders

Delta Air Lines

Baggage: One carry-on and one personal item allowed

Checked bag fee: $25

Seats: Assigned at check-in; Passengers flying together may not be seated together

Flight changes/refunds: Not available

Flight upgrades: Not available

Boarding: Last group

United Airlines

Baggage: One personal item allowed (no carry-on)*

Checked bag fee: $25

Seats: Assigned at check-in; Passengers flying together may not be seated together

Flight changes/refunds: Not available

Flight upgrades: Not available

Boarding: Last group*

*Does not apply to MileagePlus Premium members, MileagePlus credit card holders, or Star Alliance Gold members

While Basic Economy fares only apply to the above three U.S. airlines, there have been talks of Alaska Airlines introducing its own Basic Economy fare and even non-U.S. airlines like Aer Lingus have considered the idea. This means Basic Economy may become a staple fare amongst travelers in the future. What do you think about this new fare?

No matter which airline you choose to book your next flight, don’t forget to make your parking reservation with our Providence airport parking company! We offer a hassle-free parking experience.

8 Things to Pack in Your Carry-On

Posted on January 26, 2018June 2, 2023 by Alyssa

Most airlines allow you to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item with you at no charge when you fly. If these two pieces of luggage are your only belongings, you’ll have everything you need with you. However, if you check a bag, you’ll be without its contents for the duration of your flight. Continue reading