Booked flights but couldn’t choose seats

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op - to be honest I have no idea what seats were available or not. My husband booked them. He just said he couldn’t choose. It wasn’t an option. So maybe the flight was full and there weren’t 5 seats close together.

Why anybody would want to sit next to a 4 year old by themselves is beyond me. Older kids could theoretically sit by themselves but won’t really like it.

I feel like it is just a lawsuit waiting to happen if a young girl gets assaulted on a flight because they couldn’t sit next to their parent. I have a friend who was sexually assaulted on an over night flight. But of course airlines are only interested in making more money.

What if that young girl got assaulted because her parents were too cheap to pay for a seat selection? Those parents would be considered monsters.

I think in any sexual assault situation the monster is the person doing the sexual assault.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also be aware that with United Basic you can not bring a carry on..only something that will fit under the seat. You can pay to check a bag but there is no option for a carry on at all. The one time I did it....as we waited to be the last boarding group they really gave us the peon treatment. That said I ended up with a window seat next to an empty middle so it worked out fine.

I’m looking at my basic economy confirmation email right now and it says carry-on baggage allowed.

for which airline? Delta and American basic economy tickets do allow full-size carry-ons which only fit in the overhead bin. United is the one of the "Big 3" which does not allow that for basic economy.

And yes, even with United basic economy you can have a backpack sized carry-on, as long as it's no bigger than 17x10x9. Most roller type carry-on sized bags are between 20-23 inches in length, so they wouldn't qualify and have to go in the overhead bin. That's what United basic economy doesn't allow for free.

How do they even know this when you board? I have flown United many times (never basic economy though), and I can't think of ever seeing someone stopped for trying to board with carry on luggage as long as it's regular carry on size. Does a big X come up on the scanner?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also be aware that with United Basic you can not bring a carry on..only something that will fit under the seat. You can pay to check a bag but there is no option for a carry on at all. The one time I did it....as we waited to be the last boarding group they really gave us the peon treatment. That said I ended up with a window seat next to an empty middle so it worked out fine.

I’m looking at my basic economy confirmation email right now and it says carry-on baggage allowed.

for which airline? Delta and American basic economy tickets do allow full-size carry-ons which only fit in the overhead bin. United is the one of the "Big 3" which does not allow that for basic economy.

And yes, even with United basic economy you can have a backpack sized carry-on, as long as it's no bigger than 17x10x9. Most roller type carry-on sized bags are between 20-23 inches in length, so they wouldn't qualify and have to go in the overhead bin. That's what United basic economy doesn't allow for free.

How do they even know this when you board? I have flown United many times (never basic economy though), and I can't think of ever seeing someone stopped for trying to board with carry on luggage as long as it's regular carry on size. Does a big X come up on the scanner?

I’ve never flown it because I think it’s silly to book, but I believe it’s the last boarding group so you’d already be on the plane when it happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also be aware that with United Basic you can not bring a carry on..only something that will fit under the seat. You can pay to check a bag but there is no option for a carry on at all. The one time I did it....as we waited to be the last boarding group they really gave us the peon treatment. That said I ended up with a window seat next to an empty middle so it worked out fine.

I’m looking at my basic economy confirmation email right now and it says carry-on baggage allowed.

for which airline? Delta and American basic economy tickets do allow full-size carry-ons which only fit in the overhead bin. United is the one of the "Big 3" which does not allow that for basic economy.

And yes, even with United basic economy you can have a backpack sized carry-on, as long as it's no bigger than 17x10x9. Most roller type carry-on sized bags are between 20-23 inches in length, so they wouldn't qualify and have to go in the overhead bin. That's what United basic economy doesn't allow for free.

How do they even know this when you board? I have flown United many times (never basic economy though), and I can't think of ever seeing someone stopped for trying to board with carry on luggage as long as it's regular carry on size. Does a big X come up on the scanner?

I’ve never flown it because I think it’s silly to book, but I believe it’s the last boarding group so you’d already be on the plane when it happens.

So basically whatever you're probably saving by booking basic economy, you then have to pay to check your bag. Unless it's a very short trip and you only need a backpack.

[Anonymous]

I hate parents like OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also be aware that with United Basic you can not bring a carry on..only something that will fit under the seat. You can pay to check a bag but there is no option for a carry on at all. The one time I did it....as we waited to be the last boarding group they really gave us the peon treatment. That said I ended up with a window seat next to an empty middle so it worked out fine.

I’m looking at my basic economy confirmation email right now and it says carry-on baggage allowed.

for which airline? Delta and American basic economy tickets do allow full-size carry-ons which only fit in the overhead bin. United is the one of the "Big 3" which does not allow that for basic economy.

And yes, even with United basic economy you can have a backpack sized carry-on, as long as it's no bigger than 17x10x9. Most roller type carry-on sized bags are between 20-23 inches in length, so they wouldn't qualify and have to go in the overhead bin. That's what United basic economy doesn't allow for free.

How do they even know this when you board? I have flown United many times (never basic economy though), and I can't think of ever seeing someone stopped for trying to board with carry on luggage as long as it's regular carry on size. Does a big X come up on the scanner?

The last two flights I have been on had an attendent come through the waiting area and look at people's tickets to see their baggage allowances. If you weren't in certain classes, you were gate checked right there. It was great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op - to be honest I have no idea what seats were available or not. My husband booked them. He just said he couldn’t choose. It wasn’t an option. So maybe the flight was full and there weren’t 5 seats close together.

Why anybody would want to sit next to a 4 year old by themselves is beyond me. Older kids could theoretically sit by themselves but won’t really like it.

I feel like it is just a lawsuit waiting to happen if a young girl gets assaulted on a flight because they couldn’t sit next to their parent. I have a friend who was sexually assaulted on an over night flight. But of course airlines are only interested in making more money.

OP is a troll

OP it is your responsiblity to sit with your four year old. Who books tickets with kids without knowing the seats?

Op I am certainly not a troll. I did not book them but husband told me he booked and there wasn't an option to choose seats. We haven't really flown much in the past decade (at least with our kids) since they are young. Last booked flight we were able to choose seats fine. Booking economy.

Go into the United app and look at your tickets. Or go look at the flight itinerary receipt. What class does it say you are flying. On the email receipt it has blue bars for each flight. They will say (for example) Flight 1 of 2 on the left and then on the right it says "Class: United ________________" In the app click "flight details" and the drop down menu will tell you your class.

Then you will see what class you are flying. There are three economy options 1) basic economy, 2) economy, and 3) premium economy. Of those, basic economy is the only one that does not permit you to pick your seats. If it says basic economy and its been 24 hours you can call and cxl or you can pay to upgrade. If it say economy or premium economy. I would call and see what the deal is.

OP here - I just checked and it says "economy".

Then instead of continuing to complain about it here, contact United.

Is it just this one poster who is super nasty or are there several

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also be aware that with United Basic you can not bring a carry on..only something that will fit under the seat. You can pay to check a bag but there is no option for a carry on at all. The one time I did it....as we waited to be the last boarding group they really gave us the peon treatment. That said I ended up with a window seat next to an empty middle so it worked out fine.

I’m looking at my basic economy confirmation email right now and it says carry-on baggage allowed.

for which airline? Delta and American basic economy tickets do allow full-size carry-ons which only fit in the overhead bin. United is the one of the "Big 3" which does not allow that for basic economy.

And yes, even with United basic economy you can have a backpack sized carry-on, as long as it's no bigger than 17x10x9. Most roller type carry-on sized bags are between 20-23 inches in length, so they wouldn't qualify and have to go in the overhead bin. That's what United basic economy doesn't allow for free.

How do they even know this when you board? I have flown United many times (never basic economy though), and I can't think of ever seeing someone stopped for trying to board with carry on luggage as long as it's regular carry on size. Does a big X come up on the scanner?

The last two flights I have been on had an attendent come through the waiting area and look at people's tickets to see their baggage allowances. If you weren't in certain classes, you were gate checked right there. It was great.

But gate checking is for free, so isn't that sort of defeating the purpose of the basic economy prices - from United's standpoint at least.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also be aware that with United Basic you can not bring a carry on..only something that will fit under the seat. You can pay to check a bag but there is no option for a carry on at all. The one time I did it....as we waited to be the last boarding group they really gave us the peon treatment. That said I ended up with a window seat next to an empty middle so it worked out fine.

I’m looking at my basic economy confirmation email right now and it says carry-on baggage allowed.

for which airline? Delta and American basic economy tickets do allow full-size carry-ons which only fit in the overhead bin. United is the one of the "Big 3" which does not allow that for basic economy.

And yes, even with United basic economy you can have a backpack sized carry-on, as long as it's no bigger than 17x10x9. Most roller type carry-on sized bags are between 20-23 inches in length, so they wouldn't qualify and have to go in the overhead bin. That's what United basic economy doesn't allow for free.

How do they even know this when you board? I have flown United many times (never basic economy though), and I can't think of ever seeing someone stopped for trying to board with carry on luggage as long as it's regular carry on size. Does a big X come up on the scanner?

I’ve never flown it because I think it’s silly to book, but I believe it’s the last boarding group so you’d already be on the plane when it happens.

So basically whatever you're probably saving by booking basic economy, you then have to pay to check your bag. Unless it's a very short trip and you only need a backpack.

Correct. Similar to Spirit or Frontier- which is why they created this lower price ticket, to more directly compete with those airlines.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also be aware that with United Basic you can not bring a carry on..only something that will fit under the seat. You can pay to check a bag but there is no option for a carry on at all. The one time I did it....as we waited to be the last boarding group they really gave us the peon treatment. That said I ended up with a window seat next to an empty middle so it worked out fine.

I’m looking at my basic economy confirmation email right now and it says carry-on baggage allowed.

for which airline? Delta and American basic economy tickets do allow full-size carry-ons which only fit in the overhead bin. United is the one of the "Big 3" which does not allow that for basic economy.

And yes, even with United basic economy you can have a backpack sized carry-on, as long as it's no bigger than 17x10x9. Most roller type carry-on sized bags are between 20-23 inches in length, so they wouldn't qualify and have to go in the overhead bin. That's what United basic economy doesn't allow for free.

How do they even know this when you board? I have flown United many times (never basic economy though), and I can't think of ever seeing someone stopped for trying to board with carry on luggage as long as it's regular carry on size. Does a big X come up on the scanner?

The last two flights I have been on had an attendent come through the waiting area and look at people's tickets to see their baggage allowances. If you weren't in certain classes, you were gate checked right there. It was great.

But gate checking is for free, so isn't that sort of defeating the purpose of the basic economy prices - from United's standpoint at least.

No- if you are basic economy they will charge you to gate check. This is only for United, to be clear, for basic economy in the US, Caribbean and Mexico.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also be aware that with United Basic you can not bring a carry on..only something that will fit under the seat. You can pay to check a bag but there is no option for a carry on at all. The one time I did it....as we waited to be the last boarding group they really gave us the peon treatment. That said I ended up with a window seat next to an empty middle so it worked out fine.

I’m looking at my basic economy confirmation email right now and it says carry-on baggage allowed.

for which airline? Delta and American basic economy tickets do allow full-size carry-ons which only fit in the overhead bin. United is the one of the "Big 3" which does not allow that for basic economy.

And yes, even with United basic economy you can have a backpack sized carry-on, as long as it's no bigger than 17x10x9. Most roller type carry-on sized bags are between 20-23 inches in length, so they wouldn't qualify and have to go in the overhead bin. That's what United basic economy doesn't allow for free.

How do they even know this when you board? I have flown United many times (never basic economy though), and I can't think of ever seeing someone stopped for trying to board with carry on luggage as long as it's regular carry on size. Does a big X come up on the scanner?

The last two flights I have been on had an attendent come through the waiting area and look at people's tickets to see their baggage allowances. If you weren't in certain classes, you were gate checked right there. It was great.

But gate checking is for free, so isn't that sort of defeating the purpose of the basic economy prices - from United's standpoint at least.

I don't know about the fees, but it ensured there was actually enough bin space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also be aware that with United Basic you can not bring a carry on..only something that will fit under the seat. You can pay to check a bag but there is no option for a carry on at all. The one time I did it....as we waited to be the last boarding group they really gave us the peon treatment. That said I ended up with a window seat next to an empty middle so it worked out fine.

I’m looking at my basic economy confirmation email right now and it says carry-on baggage allowed.

for which airline? Delta and American basic economy tickets do allow full-size carry-ons which only fit in the overhead bin. United is the one of the "Big 3" which does not allow that for basic economy.

And yes, even with United basic economy you can have a backpack sized carry-on, as long as it's no bigger than 17x10x9. Most roller type carry-on sized bags are between 20-23 inches in length, so they wouldn't qualify and have to go in the overhead bin. That's what United basic economy doesn't allow for free.

How do they even know this when you board? I have flown United many times (never basic economy though), and I can't think of ever seeing someone stopped for trying to board with carry on luggage as long as it's regular carry on size. Does a big X come up on the scanner?

The last two flights I have been on had an attendent come through the waiting area and look at people's tickets to see their baggage allowances. If you weren't in certain classes, you were gate checked right there. It was great.

Also if you are flying United basic economy you can't check in online/app. You have to do it at the airport. I am not sure if you can use a kiosk or have to go to the "full service" line. But the goal is to put you in a position where a staffer can assess if you have a carry-on that won't fit in the overhead bin.

https://viewfromthewing.com/why-united-airlines-offers-less-value-every-time-for-passengers-flying-the-cheapest-tickets/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op - to be honest I have no idea what seats were available or not. My husband booked them. He just said he couldn’t choose. It wasn’t an option. So maybe the flight was full and there weren’t 5 seats close together.

Why anybody would want to sit next to a 4 year old by themselves is beyond me. Older kids could theoretically sit by themselves but won’t really like it.

I feel like it is just a lawsuit waiting to happen if a young girl gets assaulted on a flight because they couldn’t sit next to their parent. I have a friend who was sexually assaulted on an over night flight. But of course airlines are only interested in making more money.

So what should the airline do for you right now? Boot someone who purchased tickets earlier that you did and paid for a seat out if it to make space for your family?

Op - no I guess we just see what happens. Hope someone likes sitting next to a screaming 4 year old for 3.5 hours.

If your kid is going to scream for hours, you have no business flying.

It’s stupid to buy tickets without seats—there’s a good chance you couldn’t pick seats bc the flight is oversold.

OP - well I have no idea how my kid will act because he has flown once, when he was 1. I assume he will be fine as long as he is sitting next to me. If he isn't then he most definitely will scream.

Why do you assume he can't enjoy a stranger's company?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also be aware that with United Basic you can not bring a carry on..only something that will fit under the seat. You can pay to check a bag but there is no option for a carry on at all. The one time I did it....as we waited to be the last boarding group they really gave us the peon treatment. That said I ended up with a window seat next to an empty middle so it worked out fine.

I’m looking at my basic economy confirmation email right now and it says carry-on baggage allowed.

for which airline? Delta and American basic economy tickets do allow full-size carry-ons which only fit in the overhead bin. United is the one of the "Big 3" which does not allow that for basic economy.

And yes, even with United basic economy you can have a backpack sized carry-on, as long as it's no bigger than 17x10x9. Most roller type carry-on sized bags are between 20-23 inches in length, so they wouldn't qualify and have to go in the overhead bin. That's what United basic economy doesn't allow for free.

How do they even know this when you board? I have flown United many times (never basic economy though), and I can't think of ever seeing someone stopped for trying to board with carry on luggage as long as it's regular carry on size. Does a big X come up on the scanner?

The last two flights I have been on had an attendent come through the waiting area and look at people's tickets to see their baggage allowances. If you weren't in certain classes, you were gate checked right there. It was great.

Also if you are flying United basic economy you can't check in online/app. You have to do it at the airport. I am not sure if you can use a kiosk or have to go to the "full service" line. But the goal is to put you in a position where a staffer can assess if you have a carry-on that won't fit in the overhead bin.

https://viewfromthewing.com/why-united-airlines-offers-less-value-every-time-for-passengers-flying-the-cheapest-tickets/

Wow, that is really a crappy deal. Thanks for the article.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op - to be honest I have no idea what seats were available or not. My husband booked them. He just said he couldn’t choose. It wasn’t an option. So maybe the flight was full and there weren’t 5 seats close together.

Why anybody would want to sit next to a 4 year old by themselves is beyond me. Older kids could theoretically sit by themselves but won’t really like it.

I feel like it is just a lawsuit waiting to happen if a young girl gets assaulted on a flight because they couldn’t sit next to their parent. I have a friend who was sexually assaulted on an over night flight. But of course airlines are only interested in making more money.

OP is a troll

OP it is your responsiblity to sit with your four year old. Who books tickets with kids without knowing the seats?

Op I am certainly not a troll. I did not book them but husband told me he booked and there wasn't an option to choose seats. We haven't really flown much in the past decade (at least with our kids) since they are young. Last booked flight we were able to choose seats fine. Booking economy.

Go into the United app and look at your tickets. Or go look at the flight itinerary receipt. What class does it say you are flying. On the email receipt it has blue bars for each flight. They will say (for example) Flight 1 of 2 on the left and then on the right it says "Class: United ________________" In the app click "flight details" and the drop down menu will tell you your class.

Then you will see what class you are flying. There are three economy options 1) basic economy, 2) economy, and 3) premium economy. Of those, basic economy is the only one that does not permit you to pick your seats. If it says basic economy and its been 24 hours you can call and cxl or you can pay to upgrade. If it say economy or premium economy. I would call and see what the deal is.

OP here - I just checked and it says "economy".

Then instead of continuing to complain about it here, contact United.

Is it just this one poster who is super nasty or are there several

NP. That's not nasty, it's practical.