When booking flights on United they usually offer "bundled options" to add to your flights (e.g. early boarding, extra bag, economy plus, etc.). Depending on the offers, I have often found these to be a good deal.
Today, I booked a round- trip flight from California to Paris. The only "bundle" offered was economy plus, which I normally purchase. The outbound was priced at $204 and the return at $225. These seemed expensive to me, so I passed.
After completing the booking, I went to seat selection. The economy plus ranged from $149 to $169.
I just wanted to pass along that the bundles aren't always a good deal.
Posted by
Folsom
2734 posts
The bundles include either premier access or extra checked bags. Not sure those are worth it but it’s not the Economy Plus seat alone that you are buying with a bundle. Regardless I agree the Economy Plus seating is more than worth it for those long flights.
Posted by
OP
California
129 posts
The bundles vary. This one included only economy plus.
It did not include extra checked bag or premier access.
Right before I paid, premier access was offered fir $29, but it was not in the bundle.
A couple of months ago I purchased round trip Jackson Hole from California.
Outbound included economy plus and extra bag. Return was only economy plus with nothing else.
Posted by
Folsom
2734 posts
OK then, I stand corrected. Add this to another on the long list of how the hell do airlines actually price what they are selling?
Posted by
OP
California
129 posts
Here's their choices.
www.united.com/CMS/en-US/products/travelproducts/Pages/packages.aspx
I agree, there's no rhyme or reason. It would be nice to pick and choose for yourself.
Another pet peeve I have is that on domestic flights I have one checked bag free because of using their credit card. The second (often camping gear) is $35.
I think it should be $25 because that is what a first checked bag cost if you are paying.
Posted by
OP
California
129 posts
I'd rather they had checked bags than jammed overhead bins!
Posted by
1221 posts
Do note that United is currently making changes to their web site on both the front and back end. So unless you're finding a screaming deal when searching out travel dates and routes, I'd probably give them a couple days to shake some more of the bugs out of the new site.