What has changed – just a bit – is the alphabet soup of fare classes used. And with the fairly recent addition of the super-discounted N-class on United, as well as all Star Alliance carriers now using the same letters for award redemptions, every letter of the alphabet is now in use at United., Understanding fare classes is essential for frequent United flyers as they affect mileage and Premier qualifying point earnings, which are tied to the price of your ticket. For instance, a basic economy passenger with an "N" ticket will earn significantly fewer miles than a business traveler with a full-fare "Y" ticket., If you’re short on time, here’s the key difference: economy fares are cheaper but nonrefundable, while economy refundable fares allow you to get a full refund if you cancel but cost more upfront., United Premium Plus – Large Recliner seat with meal & drink service. Similar to or slightly better than domestic first class. United Economy Plus – Usual economy seat offering extra legroom. United Economy – It’s economy class. United Basic Economy – Same seat, more restrictions, less flexibility., United Economy: More Flexibility; United’s standard Economy Class offers more flexibility and fewer restrictions than Basic Economy, making it a popular choice. What’s Included: Inflight services and amenities. One carry-on bag and one personal item. Complimentary snacks and beverages. MileagePlus upgrades available. What’s Not Included:, United Airlines offers United Basic Economy, often known as the budget-friendly fare class, to travelers who prioritize cost savings during their journey. This fare class provides a more economical option, where passengers willingly trade off certain amenities and flexibility for lower ticket prices..