US senator demands ban on Basic Economy air fares

United Airlines will not allow passengers paying the lowest fares to carry large cabin bags

Overhead lockers: 'one of the last sacred conveniences of air travel' (Shutterstock)

As the gulf between high-spending business travellers and budget-minded economy passengers widens, a US senator has demanded a ban on airlines charging for cabin baggage.

Chuck Schumer, a Democrat who is the senior senator for New York, said: “No matter the ticket price, the overhead bin should be free. Period.”

As The Independent has reported, United Airlines will start selling Basic Economy tickets on US domestic flights in the New Year.

The tickets will come with an unprecedented number of restrictions for a “legacy” carrier. Basic Economy passengers will be the last to board; they may be seated apart from their travelling companions; and can bring on board no cabin baggage beyond a laptop or shoulder bag small enough to fit under the seat in front of them. Checked-in cases start at $25 (£20) for the first bag.

United Airlines tells passengers: “Basic Economy fares have some important additional restrictions compared to our standard economy fares”.

But Senator Schumer said: “The overhead bin is one of the last sacred conveniences of air travel and the fact that United Airlines—and potentially others—plan to take that convenience away unless you pay up is really troubling.

“It seems like each year, airlines devise a new, ill-conceived plan to hit consumers and it has simply got to stop. Already, airlines charge extra for checked luggage, pillows, peanuts, and headphones and now you’ll have nowhere to store them. United Airlines should reverse this plan and allow the free use of the overhead bin for all.”

He called the policy a “lose-lose for the flying public” and said it “represents a slippery slope that could negatively alter the policy on free use of the overhead bins for all fliers.”

In Europe, Wizz Air already charges for larger pieces of cabin baggage, and other airlines are known to be studying the concept.

Meanwhile, the airline targeted by Senator Schemer has unveiled its best-ever business-class offering.

"Polaris Class" will include bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue featuring “plush duvets, lightweight day-blankets and a large and small pillow for each United Polaris customer". New amenity kits will feature ergonomically designed eye shades and “calming pillow mist” from Soho House & Co's Cowshed Spa.

Julia Haywood, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of United, said: “Arriving at your destination well rested is something we all strive for when we travel, and for our customers traveling halfway around the world, optimal performance when they arrive at their destination is the only option.”