The TRUTH about BASIC ECONOMY (AA vs Delta vs United)
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Date: 2025-05-10
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Comments and reviews: 20
ScienceGuy3500
If anyone wants a first/private review for domestic:
Private is luxurious. You choose your food. It’s basically ridiculous. There is turbulence, but the restroom is weirdly large even if you participate in one of those clubs where they lease you a pilot and jet. Unless they’re hobbyists, I’ve found most UHNWI’s do this route. It’s still a private terminal. No TSA stuff.
United has pods in first. Even if in the middle seats you can pull a shade down to see your partner.
Jet Blue lies flat. Sometimes, the cushions aren’t so great, though.
Alaska is the safest airline, and honestly, my absolute favorite. They bought out Virgin America and Hawaiian. Amazing staff, too. They keep their planes up to date, safe, economical with respect to fuel, and the landing is always gentle. (I thought i was going to die the one time we flew on Breeze. That pilot must have been having fun)
American Airlines is good, but I haven’t used them as much lately. They def have lie flat on transcontinental. I sort of have a soft spot for them. I also like their lounges, which they share with Alaska. But they are not ultra-exclusive.
If I’m honest, I’m actually really impressed that Delta has screens for coach. I would definitely fly with them. They partner internationally with brands like KLM. Very egalitarian. Without my old lady, I’d fly coach on Delta first and foremost (after Alaska.
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If anyone wants a first/private review for domestic:
Private is luxurious. You choose your food. It’s basically ridiculous. There is turbulence, but the restroom is weirdly large even if you participate in one of those clubs where they lease you a pilot and jet. Unless they’re hobbyists, I’ve found most UHNWI’s do this route. It’s still a private terminal. No TSA stuff.
United has pods in first. Even if in the middle seats you can pull a shade down to see your partner.
Jet Blue lies flat. Sometimes, the cushions aren’t so great, though.
Alaska is the safest airline, and honestly, my absolute favorite. They bought out Virgin America and Hawaiian. Amazing staff, too. They keep their planes up to date, safe, economical with respect to fuel, and the landing is always gentle. (I thought i was going to die the one time we flew on Breeze. That pilot must have been having fun)
American Airlines is good, but I haven’t used them as much lately. They def have lie flat on transcontinental. I sort of have a soft spot for them. I also like their lounges, which they share with Alaska. But they are not ultra-exclusive.
If I’m honest, I’m actually really impressed that Delta has screens for coach. I would definitely fly with them. They partner internationally with brands like KLM. Very egalitarian. Without my old lady, I’d fly coach on Delta first and foremost (after Alaska.
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Skybartender
OK, this comparison is skewed on many different levels. First, you traveled on three different aircraft and declared the 737700 as the best before the the test was over. The bin space on these aircraft are all going to be different and as far as I could tell, the A321 was a NEO and there’s no comparison on that bin spacerarely are bags checked. Delta does not use the 700 variant and I can’t speak to the aircraft’s interior. How far in advance did you book these From the video it appears you were booking them on the day of the flight. Sure, on the Delta flight you had middle seats but if you book last minute, that’s what you can expect on any airline. You leap frogged from destination to destination and didn’t speak to the service offerings. LAX-DFW is 1052 miles and Delta would have offered four snacks and a variety of free beverages. You are not limited to one snack and you could’ve gotten the can of Coke with your water Yes, all free. Snack boxes would have been available for purchase. Not to mention Delta branded Biscoff cookies. Perhaps a better metric would’ve been LAX-DFW on all three airlines. Even if the same aircraft is not offered on that route at least you could have compared the same services with the same exact mileage and the same route. Or, find a route within a few miles of each other with the same service offerings, using the same aircraft with each prospective airline.
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OK, this comparison is skewed on many different levels. First, you traveled on three different aircraft and declared the 737700 as the best before the the test was over. The bin space on these aircraft are all going to be different and as far as I could tell, the A321 was a NEO and there’s no comparison on that bin spacerarely are bags checked. Delta does not use the 700 variant and I can’t speak to the aircraft’s interior. How far in advance did you book these From the video it appears you were booking them on the day of the flight. Sure, on the Delta flight you had middle seats but if you book last minute, that’s what you can expect on any airline. You leap frogged from destination to destination and didn’t speak to the service offerings. LAX-DFW is 1052 miles and Delta would have offered four snacks and a variety of free beverages. You are not limited to one snack and you could’ve gotten the can of Coke with your water Yes, all free. Snack boxes would have been available for purchase. Not to mention Delta branded Biscoff cookies. Perhaps a better metric would’ve been LAX-DFW on all three airlines. Even if the same aircraft is not offered on that route at least you could have compared the same services with the same exact mileage and the same route. Or, find a route within a few miles of each other with the same service offerings, using the same aircraft with each prospective airline.
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Worldofourown2024
Farmers Fridge, small airport self check out sandwich and water mini stores, have $12 ham and cheese sandwiches that don't have even the slightest flavor being as bland as plain water despite appearing they could be delicious and filling. Is airport food just overpriced unhealthy GMO garbage sold by a corporation taking advantage of travelers willingly entrapping themselves in authoritarian technocratic dystopian police state of big government I guess the Feds in the capital don't mind for they even go to Vegas and purchase high luxuries according to Elon Musks latest DOGE announcement. One has to be asleep to believe America is the great big dream for it's the ultimate nightmare in the making. I guess air travel is mostly cheap compared to everything else for logistics is the backbone of an empire developing the one world corporate state of the lobbying interest. Instead of jetsetter high classy experiences with nice food like the oligarchs reserve for themselves, airlines can be viewed as flying bus transportation far cheaper and faster than Greyhound and Amtrak.
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Farmers Fridge, small airport self check out sandwich and water mini stores, have $12 ham and cheese sandwiches that don't have even the slightest flavor being as bland as plain water despite appearing they could be delicious and filling. Is airport food just overpriced unhealthy GMO garbage sold by a corporation taking advantage of travelers willingly entrapping themselves in authoritarian technocratic dystopian police state of big government I guess the Feds in the capital don't mind for they even go to Vegas and purchase high luxuries according to Elon Musks latest DOGE announcement. One has to be asleep to believe America is the great big dream for it's the ultimate nightmare in the making. I guess air travel is mostly cheap compared to everything else for logistics is the backbone of an empire developing the one world corporate state of the lobbying interest. Instead of jetsetter high classy experiences with nice food like the oligarchs reserve for themselves, airlines can be viewed as flying bus transportation far cheaper and faster than Greyhound and Amtrak.
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slxuttshxmingxo
loved this video! i was honestly shocked at how accurate the 'recommendation criteria' section at the end was to my person: I'm almost always a solo traveller, my travel schedules are very rigid so i never worry about having to change or cancel flights, and being a college student means im often packing ALL of my things in a single large check-in bag beforehand and otherwise going through the airport exactly as i am - just whatever's in my backpack and pockets. especially being a united frequent flyer member, i often dont have to worry about baggage check-in fees because either one or both of those fees can be paid for with my accumulated miles, which means the net spending for my flight is consistently less than regular economy even WITH the knowledge that i always have to check in a bag. im glad you had a great experience! its very convenient for people like me who arent picky beyond just being able to get from A to B!
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loved this video! i was honestly shocked at how accurate the 'recommendation criteria' section at the end was to my person: I'm almost always a solo traveller, my travel schedules are very rigid so i never worry about having to change or cancel flights, and being a college student means im often packing ALL of my things in a single large check-in bag beforehand and otherwise going through the airport exactly as i am - just whatever's in my backpack and pockets. especially being a united frequent flyer member, i often dont have to worry about baggage check-in fees because either one or both of those fees can be paid for with my accumulated miles, which means the net spending for my flight is consistently less than regular economy even WITH the knowledge that i always have to check in a bag. im glad you had a great experience! its very convenient for people like me who arent picky beyond just being able to get from A to B!
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Buc_Stops_Here
Their trip shows why there is such a small price difference between basic economy, as you only save $40. You don't lose much on Delta but seat selection and that is about it. You pay just $35 less on American. United is far more expensive, paying $80 for the forced check in as you are not allowed to try to put it on the plane. You save only $35 so basic makes no sense. In most ways it is not worth it to save the very few dollars. The only reason it exists is because of the discount carriers prices and policies. It is why this class of seats works for the main carriers, and is now stressing the budget carries who are losing sales due to this class of seats. We will see if Spirit in particular survives or dies since they have been denied by the government to merge with JetBlue to save themselves.
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Their trip shows why there is such a small price difference between basic economy, as you only save $40. You don't lose much on Delta but seat selection and that is about it. You pay just $35 less on American. United is far more expensive, paying $80 for the forced check in as you are not allowed to try to put it on the plane. You save only $35 so basic makes no sense. In most ways it is not worth it to save the very few dollars. The only reason it exists is because of the discount carriers prices and policies. It is why this class of seats works for the main carriers, and is now stressing the budget carries who are losing sales due to this class of seats. We will see if Spirit in particular survives or dies since they have been denied by the government to merge with JetBlue to save themselves.
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lynn9018
We flew to Italy on Delta Prem selectto Italy. While we were in Italy for 3 wks we chose to fly with ITA airline (basic economy)to our destinations within Italy. We decided to check our rolling carryon luggage & they did it for free! I thought we’d have to pay but nope! One thing about flying within Italy is that they transport you to the plane on a bus & you walk up the stairs (outside) on to the plane & I was grateful we made the decision to check our rolling carryon & only had our back packs. Also it takes more time to load on the bus then have everyone walk up the stairs to the plane, so you may think you have enough time to get to your flight but once that bus leaves the airport building that’s it you’ve missed your flight.
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We flew to Italy on Delta Prem selectto Italy. While we were in Italy for 3 wks we chose to fly with ITA airline (basic economy)to our destinations within Italy. We decided to check our rolling carryon luggage & they did it for free! I thought we’d have to pay but nope! One thing about flying within Italy is that they transport you to the plane on a bus & you walk up the stairs (outside) on to the plane & I was grateful we made the decision to check our rolling carryon & only had our back packs. Also it takes more time to load on the bus then have everyone walk up the stairs to the plane, so you may think you have enough time to get to your flight but once that bus leaves the airport building that’s it you’ve missed your flight.
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briancmagill
Protip Hack: I almost always buy Basic Economy nowadays. If you want to skip the last boarding requirement and happen to have the AMEX Delta Airlines credit card, it nullifies the last boarding and lets you be one of the FIRST boarding! Also, for the no seat choice, I always go to the counter upon check-in at the main counter or at the gate and simply ask for the exit row or a seat choice. I get a Sure! from the agents about 75% of the time! But as for the air miles, yep, you don't get them on Delta. But I do the math and usually the cost of what I saved between basic and regular economy is much more financially wise than trying to earn points. So, there you go. My tips for Basic Economy!
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Protip Hack: I almost always buy Basic Economy nowadays. If you want to skip the last boarding requirement and happen to have the AMEX Delta Airlines credit card, it nullifies the last boarding and lets you be one of the FIRST boarding! Also, for the no seat choice, I always go to the counter upon check-in at the main counter or at the gate and simply ask for the exit row or a seat choice. I get a Sure! from the agents about 75% of the time! But as for the air miles, yep, you don't get them on Delta. But I do the math and usually the cost of what I saved between basic and regular economy is much more financially wise than trying to earn points. So, there you go. My tips for Basic Economy!
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txrazorback6357
The wife and I had back row seats, years ago on a flight from DFW to Little Rock. To date this flight, it was a back row on a
Delta 727. This flight had been delayed due to severe thunderstorms. The flight had us following behind the storms and we caught up with the bad weather. We should have been awarded extra miles due to the plane being slammed up, down and SIDEWAYS. The back row seat were special as they did not recline and although we had a window we were looking at the engine and we heard ever moan and groan those engines made. I just watched the flight attendant. She was trying to read a book so that was a good sign. Keep up the good work. I love your videos.
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The wife and I had back row seats, years ago on a flight from DFW to Little Rock. To date this flight, it was a back row on a
Delta 727. This flight had been delayed due to severe thunderstorms. The flight had us following behind the storms and we caught up with the bad weather. We should have been awarded extra miles due to the plane being slammed up, down and SIDEWAYS. The back row seat were special as they did not recline and although we had a window we were looking at the engine and we heard ever moan and groan those engines made. I just watched the flight attendant. She was trying to read a book so that was a good sign. Keep up the good work. I love your videos.
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JasonTaylor-po5xc
I typically fly United out of COS/DEN so I was surprised when you were taking a carry on bag. It's good to know that option exists on other airlines. Because of that, I just pay the upgrade to get assigned seats and a carry on bag. I'm a big fan of window seats for short flights and otherwise, I opt for an aisle seat. Oddly, my last flight, I opted for main cabin but they didn't have any included seats - so one connection, I paid extra and the other planes were so small, I would either get an aisle or window regardless.
I will say the warnings about what is or is not allowed isn't as clear when booking via third party sites (Expedia.
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I typically fly United out of COS/DEN so I was surprised when you were taking a carry on bag. It's good to know that option exists on other airlines. Because of that, I just pay the upgrade to get assigned seats and a carry on bag. I'm a big fan of window seats for short flights and otherwise, I opt for an aisle seat. Oddly, my last flight, I opted for main cabin but they didn't have any included seats - so one connection, I paid extra and the other planes were so small, I would either get an aisle or window regardless.
I will say the warnings about what is or is not allowed isn't as clear when booking via third party sites (Expedia.
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katmustea4391
Book basic economy when I am visiting my son. Just bring a backpack of clothes. Will Wear heavier items. I treat them like a bus ride. I’m not gonna carry a lot of stuff. I’m not gonna bring anything that will cost me money. I’m just getting a simple ride to a location. I don’t need to bring shampoo etc. I don’t think I could use it for real travel though unless I wanna pay for all the extras and at that point, I don’t think I want basic economy. Just understand what your paying for.
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Book basic economy when I am visiting my son. Just bring a backpack of clothes. Will Wear heavier items. I treat them like a bus ride. I’m not gonna carry a lot of stuff. I’m not gonna bring anything that will cost me money. I’m just getting a simple ride to a location. I don’t need to bring shampoo etc. I don’t think I could use it for real travel though unless I wanna pay for all the extras and at that point, I don’t think I want basic economy. Just understand what your paying for.
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gregevans8147
I usually fly Basic economy. Not on Delta but on the other 2, as well as on Copa. Last time was in 2023. I was able to choose seats at no cost, there were always some not necessarily at the very back that you could choose in advance. On United no overhead space allowed, we worked with it. On American we did have overhead space. Whether you get IFE depends on the plane or route. It's not an uncomfortable experience in my opinion. Upgrading was not worth it on either occasion for me.
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I usually fly Basic economy. Not on Delta but on the other 2, as well as on Copa. Last time was in 2023. I was able to choose seats at no cost, there were always some not necessarily at the very back that you could choose in advance. On United no overhead space allowed, we worked with it. On American we did have overhead space. Whether you get IFE depends on the plane or route. It's not an uncomfortable experience in my opinion. Upgrading was not worth it on either occasion for me.
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jodiburnett6211
Screaming infants in pain and confusion on two long Delta economic flights. Young families always sit in the back of the plane.
Be warned!
The seats were comfortable, but I’m 5’5
I don’t travel with carry on bags, no problem checking a bag.
It’s not the airline, it’s the passengers with infants and loud, uncontrollable kid that seem to be a constant.
I get it, Grama wants to see them and can’t travel.
I still have my Sun Chips!
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Screaming infants in pain and confusion on two long Delta economic flights. Young families always sit in the back of the plane.
Be warned!
The seats were comfortable, but I’m 5’5
I don’t travel with carry on bags, no problem checking a bag.
It’s not the airline, it’s the passengers with infants and loud, uncontrollable kid that seem to be a constant.
I get it, Grama wants to see them and can’t travel.
I still have my Sun Chips!
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qkun
Personally we fly american basic since our only other option aside from southwest, is united and they dont offer carryons. I usually purchase the extra 8-11$ fee for selected seating since i am sure as hell not sitting alone lol. Its worked for me so far! Also i genuinely thought we were getting nothing like bottom of barrel stuff. The first time i booked by myself and flew, i was suprised they gave me a drink and a snack, i felt like firsf class lol!
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Personally we fly american basic since our only other option aside from southwest, is united and they dont offer carryons. I usually purchase the extra 8-11$ fee for selected seating since i am sure as hell not sitting alone lol. Its worked for me so far! Also i genuinely thought we were getting nothing like bottom of barrel stuff. The first time i booked by myself and flew, i was suprised they gave me a drink and a snack, i felt like firsf class lol!
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RobertPFarrell
Thanks for making a video about how so many people choose to travel. Speaking as someone who can technically afford some of the upgrades airlines market to me, I've never encountered a situation where sitting in a chair for a few hours was all that arduous (and don't get me started on paying to get into a claustrophobic metal tube earlier, lol. But I am quite grateful to those will will pay for these things as it makes my tickets cheaper.
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Thanks for making a video about how so many people choose to travel. Speaking as someone who can technically afford some of the upgrades airlines market to me, I've never encountered a situation where sitting in a chair for a few hours was all that arduous (and don't get me started on paying to get into a claustrophobic metal tube earlier, lol. But I am quite grateful to those will will pay for these things as it makes my tickets cheaper.
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durhamskywriter
Just flew Delta Basic Economy from Raleigh-Durham to Chicago (strangely having to change planes in Detroit. It was great. I set alarms for checking in exactly 24 hours ahead and scored window seats for all four flights! I also used my travel backpack instead of a rollaway so I wouldn’t worry about having to check it. The only hassle was rushing to catch my connecting flights thank goodness for Detroit’s tram system.
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Just flew Delta Basic Economy from Raleigh-Durham to Chicago (strangely having to change planes in Detroit. It was great. I set alarms for checking in exactly 24 hours ahead and scored window seats for all four flights! I also used my travel backpack instead of a rollaway so I wouldn’t worry about having to check it. The only hassle was rushing to catch my connecting flights thank goodness for Detroit’s tram system.
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jeb_brooks
Just flew frontiers A321NEO plane Vegas to Cleveland. The boyfriend is 6’8, so he chose 30 A as there is no seat in front of him. And could stretch out those long legs. However, I was the middle 30 B. It was extremely narrow compared to the aisle seat. What was the logic when they deigned this row There’s no way I would’ve been able to sit comfortably. Had somebody been in that 30 C seat it was made for a child ugh.
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Just flew frontiers A321NEO plane Vegas to Cleveland. The boyfriend is 6’8, so he chose 30 A as there is no seat in front of him. And could stretch out those long legs. However, I was the middle 30 B. It was extremely narrow compared to the aisle seat. What was the logic when they deigned this row There’s no way I would’ve been able to sit comfortably. Had somebody been in that 30 C seat it was made for a child ugh.
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flyguyny
I recently flew on both Swissair and SAS Airbus 319s in Europe, and they were basically Southwest. All economy seating. Both sucked, but the price was incredibly cheap. The Europeans seemed to be used to it. The funny thing is that on each airline, the passengers rushed to get out of their seats and run up the aisle to be first, something you don't normally see on US airlines. I've always considered that to be rude.
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I recently flew on both Swissair and SAS Airbus 319s in Europe, and they were basically Southwest. All economy seating. Both sucked, but the price was incredibly cheap. The Europeans seemed to be used to it. The funny thing is that on each airline, the passengers rushed to get out of their seats and run up the aisle to be first, something you don't normally see on US airlines. I've always considered that to be rude.
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jeb_brooks
I fly basic economy and very couple months for business. Tip I’d give is make sure your carry on can fit most smaller regional jets overhead storage bins. Because you’re in the last boarding group ask the agent at the gate if they’re taking volunteers to check bags complimentary. This allows you to not worry if there’s room for your bag plus quicker times getting on and off the plane.
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I fly basic economy and very couple months for business. Tip I’d give is make sure your carry on can fit most smaller regional jets overhead storage bins. Because you’re in the last boarding group ask the agent at the gate if they’re taking volunteers to check bags complimentary. This allows you to not worry if there’s room for your bag plus quicker times getting on and off the plane.
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jeb_brooks
I pay everything it has to be paid to not travel on the basic economy! I hate being the last one to board, and if I have a carry on beg, it means that I don't want those things to be checked to the bottom of the plane. It is not worthy all the stress about not being able to board with ur carry on, not knowing where ur going to seat and having to wait 20 min to board after everyone.
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I pay everything it has to be paid to not travel on the basic economy! I hate being the last one to board, and if I have a carry on beg, it means that I don't want those things to be checked to the bottom of the plane. It is not worthy all the stress about not being able to board with ur carry on, not knowing where ur going to seat and having to wait 20 min to board after everyone.
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barbarasafford216
Just flew Delta regional from Chattanooga to LaGuardia. A little anxiety about not having assigned seat until check in, but ended up with better seats than usual. Two by two, so can't lose and was third row front in main cabin. Only one item allowed, but my backpack fit easily under the seat. Same on flight back to Chattanooga. Would do again without hesitation.
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Just flew Delta regional from Chattanooga to LaGuardia. A little anxiety about not having assigned seat until check in, but ended up with better seats than usual. Two by two, so can't lose and was third row front in main cabin. Only one item allowed, but my backpack fit easily under the seat. Same on flight back to Chattanooga. Would do again without hesitation.
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