Blog, Travel Tips, & News

Don’t push the button on that Basic Economy Airfare

Interior of airplane with passengers on seats waiting to taik off.

Don’t Push the Button on that Cheap Airfare

The beginning of the year is a busy time in the travel industry as folks realize they haven’t made vacation plans, are inspired by the cold to plan a warm trip or want to schedule time to visit family. As folks start searching online for flights, which can be a big part of the cost of a trip, there is a new hidden danger that can cause a lot of unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Looking for that ‘cheap airfare’ is a different game as of late.

The name of this evil monster is…basic economy. As the mainstream airlines – Delta, United, and American – have tried to restructure their offerings to compete with low-cost carriers such as Spirit and Frontier, the new ‘cheap’ fares have been causing great confusion. Customers who would not book Spirit or Frontier because of the restrictions of their products are now accidentally booking such tickets on their trusted full-service carriers.

Basic Economy is a different fare category than the traditional main cabin or coach fare. While the seats are the same with the same food and drink offerings, other check-in and on-board amenities are different – namely, no pre-selected seats prior to check-in, luggage restrictions, last boarding priority and restrictions on upgrade and change options.

Basic Economy is now available on international flights, which means you need to be extra careful when you find a great cheap fare, as you could end up on a very long flight with no seat assignment prior to boarding, no carry-on luggage and payment for a checked bag (no free first bag for long haul flights like you would get on a regular fare seat).

If you are looking online for the cheapest ticket, it most likely will be a basic economy fare. Even within the travel professional community, many of our tools have started presenting these cheap fares that don’t meet the needs of many of our clients, and we’ve had to adapt our procedures to ensure we provide the best available coach fare that includes the amenities our clients expect.

To avoid the grief of dealing with the inconveniences at check-in and onboard, be very aware of the fare class that you are booking. Check out this summary of the key airline offerings and associated restrictions:

Delta Basic Economy [Booking class E]

  • No seat assignment until after check-in or at the gate. Passengers traveling together, including families, may not be seated together.
  • Not eligible for same-day changes or any other ticket changes or refunds after the Risk Free Cancellation Period.
  • Board in the last zone
  • Checked baggage fees will apply, even when traveling internationally.
  • No miles earned; no credit toward SkyMiles Medallion Status***
  • Cancellation charges apply
  • No miles earned; no credit toward SkyMiles Medallion Status

In Basic Economy, you are not eligible for

  • Paid or complimentary upgrades
  • Paid, complimentary or discounted Delta Comfort+®
  • Paid or complimentary Preferred Seats
  • Same-day confirmed or same-day standby travel changes, regardless of status.

https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/onboard-experience/basic-economy.html

United Basic Economy [Booking class N]

  • Seat selection is not available. Your seat will be automatically assigned prior to boarding, and you won’t be able to change your seat once it’s been assigned.
  • Upgrades are not available. You will not be eligible to purchase Economy Plus® seating or receive Economy Plus subscription benefits. MileagePlus members, including Premier® members, cannot use complimentary, earned or mileage upgrades.
  • Refunds are not allowed
  • Group and family seating is not available
  • No full-sized carry-on bags permitted for domestic flights {some exceptions for MileagePlus Premier members and Star Alliance Gold member}
  • One personal item is allowed that fits under the seat in front of you.

These last two points are code for… you can’t use the overhead bins on domestic flights. Which is easy for them to restrict because…

  • Must board in last boarding group
  • Ticket changes are not allowed with Basic Economy, including advance and same-day changes.

MileagePlus members will earn award miles but will not earn Premier qualifying credit or lifetime miles or toward the four-segment minimum, and they won’t receive some benefits.

https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/inflight/basic-economy.aspx

American Basic Economy [Booking class B]

  • Your seat will be automatically assigned at check-in and you won’t be able to change your seat once it’s been assigned.
  • Option to select seat for a fee.
  • One personal item is allowed that fits under the seat in front of you.
  • Group and family seating is not available
  • Must board in last boarding group
  • Ticket changes are not allowed with Basic Economy, including advance and same-day change

AAdvantage elite status members are exempt from certain restrictions which make Basic Economy a more acceptable option than the other airlines have for their frequent flyers:

  • Keep upgrade privileges
  • Keep priority boarding privileges
  • Keep checked bag benefits

https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/basic-economy.jsp