WHY WE FEEL YOU SHOULD NEVER BOOK A BASIC ECONOMY AIRLINE TICKET
Chances are you have seen the “new” basic economy airfare being offered by most airlines but do you know why it is cheaper than other types of tickets? If not, read on!
Basic Economy is the relatively new cheapest airline ticket you can buy, coming with a new set of restrictions that some flyers may not be used to. While Basic Economy seats are located in the same section of the plane as those who purchase traditional, full-fare seats, it’s important to understand the differences behind Main Cabin and Basic Economy tickets.
Let’s compare Basic Economy and Main Cabin when flying on Delta Air Lines, review the benefits of each, and offer things to keep in mind while you go through the ticket purchase process. In many cases, you may want to purchase one ticket type over the other based on how you’d like to travel.
Basic Economy
Basic Economy is a ticket type that allows travelers to sit in the Main Cabin, with limited amenities and seat allocation. Basic Economy ticket holders will be assigned seats in the Main Cabin at check-in and users will not be able to designate which seat they sit in. Basic Economy tickets are the most restrictive ticket option airlines have — there are no changes allowed on these trips under any circumstance. Due to COVID, main Cabin tickets now have no change fee where you can change your ticket's destination, routing, or more for the cost of any fare difference — that alone is worth the extra cost from a Basic to a Main economy ticket! On a Basic Economy ticket there’s no amount of money you can pay to change your ticket — if you must make a change, you’ll lose the full fare value of your ticket and will essentially start over from scratch. Basic Economy tickets are also not eligible for same-day standby or same-day changes, even for elite passengers. Basic Economy passengers are also the very last passengers to board the aircraft.
When you book a Basic Economy ticket, you’re among the last on your aircraft to be accommodated on other flights, as passengers who are on traditional Main Cabin tickets will get protected on alternative arrangements first. Generally, elite status members will receive help no matter what ticket type they are on, but if you’re on a Basic Economy ticket without status, it may be difficult to get rebooked since other options may be full.
Also, if you’re on a Basic Economy fare, you’re technically allowed to bring on the same amount of baggage as a Main Cabin traveler — a bag that fits under the seat in front of you and then a larger carry-on bag to fit in the overhead bin above your seat. That said, Basic Economy passengers board last, so there may be limited overhead bin space to store bags — plan ahead and pack light if you’re on a Basic Economy fare because you probably won’t be able to bring a carry on bag onboard!
Main Cabin
Main Cabin features the traditional economy seats and is located in the rear of the aircraft. These seats usually feature inflight entertainment (except on regional jets) and are where the majority of customers sit.
For explanatory purposes, Delta uses the same term as American Airlines for its economy class product, so be sure to know which airline you’re looking at when purchasing tickets.
Delta Comfort+
Delta Comfort+ is Delta’s extra legroom seating, located in prime areas of the Main Cabin. These could be exit rows or bulkheads or other areas where there is additional room.
These seats come with complimentary alcoholic beverages and light snacks, though continue to be part of the Main Cabin. Elite members can generally select these seats for free or be upgraded to them shortly after booking.
First Class
First class is offered on all narrow-body jets on routes in the U.S. and to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. On regional jets, these seats are usually laid out in a 1×2 layout and on mainline planes they are set in a 2×2 fashion.
First class comes with priority boarding, dedicated bins to stow bags, complimentary beverages, and on some flights, full meals depending on the route and time of day.
The bottom line is this; the lower the cost of the airline ticket, the more restrictions there are and the bigger the risk for loss! If you don’t want any hassles while traveling, skip Basic and pick Main or above!
