This week I had my first United Airlines Basic Economy domestic flights as an Aegean Miles+Bonus Gold/Star Alliance Gold elite member. There were four benefits of my flight as an Aegean Star Alliance Gold member.
Loyalty Traveler – How I earned Star Alliance Gold elite for $1,400 in 15 flight segments (April 4, 2019).
Benefit #1: Free Full-Size Carry-on Bag ($25 saved).
Q: What is my carry-on baggage allowance when I buy a Basic Economy ticket?
A: On trans-Atlantic flights operated by United and United Express®, your carry-on baggage allowance is the same as for standard Economy tickets. For all other Basic Economy tickets, you’ll be allowed to bring on board one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other small item that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) or less. Mobility aids and other assistive devices are also permitted. If you have a compact folding stroller, you can bring it on board in addition to your personal item. These strollers can be stored either in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and you’ll need to collapse it before boarding the aircraft. You will not be allowed a full-sized carry-on bag unless you’re a MileagePlus Premier member, a primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or a Star Alliance™ Gold member. If you’re traveling on a Basic Economy ticket and bring a carry-on bag to the gate, your bag will need to be checked and you’ll be required to pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge (payment by credit card only).
Benefit #2: Boarding Group 1
I was assigned a window seat free of charge at check-in.
Benefit #3: United Club Lounge Access
As an Aegean Miles+Bonus Star Alliance Gold elite I can access domestic United Club lounges. United Mileage Plus Star Alliance Gold elite members can only access a domestic United Club Lounge when departing from a U.S. airport on an international flight.
A pre-flight salad and brownie hit the spot.
United Club LAX
United Club LAX was even more impressive and I had three hours to hang out before my flight to Monterey.
Last time I was in a United airport lounge they were still called Red Carpet Club.
I did not mind a 3-hour layover in LAX with lounge wifi, toilets, food and drink.
Benefit #4: Aegean Miles+Bonus 251 Elite and Redeemable Miles
My $91 one-way United Airlines ticket in Basic Economy N class earned 251 Elite Tier and redeemable miles in my Aegean Miles+Bonus account. Those miles are more useful to me than the 316 Mileage Plus miles I would have earned on the $63.26 base fare as a United Mileage Plus member with no elite status.
P.S. My Aegean Miles+Bonus Gold card arrived today in the mail. I only needed my boarding pass for admission to United Club lounges in LAS and LAX.
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