Basic economy tips

United has decided to delay implementation of its low-frills economy product, according to Skift.

Basic economy fares may be sweeping through the industry, but one airline says it’s staying out.

As of yesterday, American was the only one of the Big Three legacy airlines that hadn’t revealed details of its basic economy fares, the cheap coach fares with few perks and plenty of restrictions that have made Spirit, Frontier, and other ultra-low-cost carriers the darlings of the most price-sensitive customers, and of Wall Street.

Basic economy fares have taken the airline industry—well, the big three of United, American, and Delta anyway—by storm, for better or worse. On one hand, so-called bare fares give customers more options and the ability to (theoretically) save a few bucks in exchange for stripped-down services.

American Airlines is bringing carry-on bags back to its Basic Economy fares this September. In a release this week, the airline said it’s “removing the carry-on bag restriction that is currently part of its domestic and short-haul international Basic Economy fare rules” effective September 5, for tickets purchased or flown that day.

UPDATE: According to Straight To The Points, Singapore has dropped the policy, even before its effect date, in response to negative pushback from customers. Nevertheless, it’s a policy that other airlines are surely considering.

Hawaiian Airlines will become the latest airline to add basic economy fares, joining a now widespread trend in the airline industry.

JetBlue has announced it will join American, Delta, and United in offering bare-bones “basic economy” fares beginning in 2019. The new, no-frills fares will still include the line’s standard free on-board Wi-Fi, snacks and soft drinks, and a full-size carry-on bag plus personal item, the airline said. But basic economy passengers can expect to see fees for things like picking a seat and changing their reservation—JetBlue hasn’t yet said what exactly will change.