I’ve argued for years that the branding message for many airlines should be “we’re not happy until you’re not happy.”

Just about every time we turn around, the airlines are looking for additional ways to raise revenue with new fees or penalties.

United Airlines is now the latest to do this, by offering rock bottom budget fares—United calls it basic economy—with absolutely no frills whatsoever.

There’s no assigned seat, no checked bag, and no earned frequent flyer mileage.

Passengers will be limited to one carry-on bag that fits underneath the seat in front of them.

What if you want to use the overhead bin? It will cost you.

If you’re traveling with your significant other or family member, don’t count on sitting together.

There are no preassigned seats on this basic economy fare, and seats only get released on the day of departure.

The only good thing you can say about the new United fare structure is that the price is right.

It created this price category by taking a page from the Spirit Airlines play book and trying to attract passengers who are only motivated by price and nothing else.

http://petergreenberg.com/2017/01/04/united-airlines-basic-economy-fare/