United Just Made a Big Change to Its Basic Economy Tickets

United Airlines is making it easier for customers traveling in basic economy to check in for their flights with a policy update that allows them to complete the process online.

Starting August 6, the airline will allow basic economy ticket holders to check in on the United app, on United.com, or at an airport kiosk, the airline confirmed to Travel + Leisure. 

Currently, basic economy passengers are only allowed to check in for their flights in person at the airport. That’s because United’s basic economy fares do not include a carry-on bag and airport staff must confirm travelers don’t have one with them.

To prevent basic economy travelers who check in online from sneaking a carry-on bag on board, United will now require them to put a credit card on file and agree to a $65 charge if they do bring a bag to the gate. United will then be able to automatically charge that card after departure.

Basic economy passengers will be required to indicate how many bags they are bringing with them when they check in.

The policy change comes after United said it tested the new system at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). An airline spokesperson told T+L the feedback was positive during that months-long test and said gate checked bags actually decreased.

Until the new policy is fully rolled out, United warned some basic economy customers may still need overrides at airport kiosks for a few weeks.

While United charges basic economy passengers for baggage, the airline does allow customers who need to change their flights to either upgrade to a standard economy ticket (which has no change fees), or cancel it for a fee.

United isn’t alone in making changes to its basic economy tickets. Starting in September, JetBlue said it will include a carry-on bag with its own basic economy fare.