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Basic Economy

Our lowest Main Cabin fare around the world

Book a Basic Economy fare to get our lowest price. There are some restrictions, but you'll still enjoy a comfortable seat in the Main Cabin, free snacks, soft drinks and inflight entertainment.

Basic Economy fares cannot be combined with other fare types.

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The basics about Basic Economy fares

Changes and cancellations.

Basic Economy fare tickets cannot be changed*. However, you have up to 24 hours from the time you first buy your ticket to cancel and get a refund if you booked at least 2 days before departure. After 24 hours, refunds are not allowed.

Read about 24-hour cancellations

AAdvantage ® members can cancel Basic Economy fare tickets on or after January 17, 2024 and receive travel credit for a fee. To qualify, your AAdvantage ® number must be in your reservation before canceling. Your trip must also be on American marketed and operated flights within the 50 U.S. states and canceled on aa.com or the American app before the first flight departs. If the fee is more than the ticket price, travel credit will not be issued.

• Read about Basic Economy cancellations
• Ticketing and other fees

*If your trip originates in Europe (except Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), you can change your Basic Economy ticket for a fee.

You can bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item on board the plane. Carry-on requirements apply to all customers, including AAdvantage ® status members.

• Carry-on bag: This bag must fit in the overhead bin above your seat
• Personal item: This item must fit under the seat in front of you
• Basic Economy fares do not include free checked bags**

In addition to your 1 personal item, you can also bring instruments, pets and special items that meet our guidelines, but you will be charged a standard fee for these items.

No other items can be carried on; they must be checked at the ticket counter.

Need more information about bag policies?

• Carry-on bags
• Checked bag policy
• Traveling with pets
• Special items and sports equipment

**Doesn’t apply to AAdvantage ® status members. Eligible AAdvantage ® credit cardmembers are exempt only when flying within the U.S. and Canada on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines. For travel to / from Asia, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel for tickets issued on / after June 7, 2023 there are no free checked bags and for tickets issued on / before June 6, 2023 Basic Economy has 1 free checked bag.

You can choose a specific seat at any time for a fee. AAdvantage ® members can choose complimentary seats based on their status. Otherwise, seats will be automatically assigned for free at check-in. We cannot guarantee that companions on the same ticket will be seated together.

Families traveling

If you’re a family traveling with children under 15, and do not already have seats assigned, our system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. We’ll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we’ll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.

Traveling with children and infants

When you’ll board

Basic Economy passengers board last, typically in Group 9. Overhead bin space is usually full by then, so plan to check your carry-on bag and bring only 1 personal item on board. Customers who need special assistance and families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.

AAdvantage ® status members, AAdvantage ® members who reach 15,000 Loyalty Points during the qualification year or eligible AAdvantage ® credit cardmembers may board in the group shown on their boarding pass.

Boarding process

Same-day travel

If you have a change of plans, you can make same-day confirmed changes on select flights for a fee, with some exceptions. You can also stand by for a flight at no charge.

AAdvantage® members

AAdvantage ® status benefits may vary for flights marketed and / or operated by our partners.

AAdvantage ® status members can upgrade from Basic Economy fares for themselves plus 1 companion traveling on the same flight, if they bought their ticket at least 24 hours before departure. Upgrades are only available on flights marketed and operated by American within / between the U.S. (including Hawaii), Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Central America.

Complimentary upgrades

AAdvantage ® status members and eligible Citi ® / AAdvantage ® or AAdvantage ® Aviator ® Mastercard ® cardmembers are exempt from certain restrictions.

• Upgrade privileges
• Complimentary Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seat benefits based on AAdvantage ® status
• Complimentary confirmed same-day flight changes for AAdvantage Executive Platinum ® and AAdvantage Platinum Pro ® members
• Priority or preferred boarding privileges
• Checked bag benefits*

*Eligible AAdvantage ® credit cardmembers may check 1 free bag when traveling to domestic destinations on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines.

Eligible cards

• Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard ®
• Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select World Elite™ Mastercard ®
• CitiBusiness / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select World Elite™ Mastercard ®
• Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select ® American Express ® Card
• Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select ® Visa Signature
• AAdvantage ® Aviator™ Silver Mastercard ®
• AAdvantage ® Aviator™ Red Mastercard ®
• AAdvantage ® Aviator™ Business Mastercard ®

Award miles earn based on ticket price (includes base fare plus carrier-imposed fees; excludes government-imposed taxes and fees) on flights marketed and operated by American.

Basic Economy tickets issued on or after January 1, 2023, for travel starting March 1, 2023 will earn award miles at a rate of 2 miles per dollar in addition to Loyalty Points. Status members bonus percentages will apply to the base mileage rate of 2 miles per dollar on American and other select partner airlines.

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Low Fare with Restrictions

Save with Basic Economy, but please remember refunds and upgrades are not available at any time. Basic Economy is best for those traveling by themselves with firm travel plans. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the restrictions so you know if Basic Economy is right for you.

Keep in Mind, Basic Economy is Just the Basics

Basic Economy provides a value for solo travelers and light packers who don't anticipate changes to their travel plans, since trip flexibility is limited.

With Basic Economy, you'll enjoy:

• A Main Cabin seat
• Delta’s signature service
• Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages like Starbucks® coffee, tea, juice, sodas or water
• Connect to Delta Wi-Fi to book, change, or check the status of your flight on delta.com
• Complimentary access to in-flight messaging as well as hours of movies, shows and more on Delta Studio®

With Basic Economy, you’ll experience:

• No seat(s) assigned until after check-in, not together 
• No changes allowed for flights originating in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean*
• Cancelable for partial eCredit (cancellation charge applies)**
• Last to board & not eligible for upgrades 
• No miles earned; no credit toward SkyMiles Medallion Status †
• No entry into a Delta Sky Club is permitted, regardless of access method

Know the Details on Basic Economy

Other limitations, seat assignment ††.

*Ticket changes not allowed after the Risk-Free Cancellation period for flights originating in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean.

**For tickets issued for travel originating in Korea, tickets will be refunded to original form of payment after deducting the cancellation fee. For tickets issued for travel originating in  Europe , no change or cancel is permitted for tickets issued on or after March 21, 2024 (€200 for tickets issued prior to that date, and €150 for tickets issued on or after February 23, 2023). For tickets issued for travel originating in the  United Kingdom , the cancellation fee and change fee is £200 for tickets issued on or after February 23, 2023 (£150 for tickets issued prior to that date). For tickets issued for travel originating in  Africa ,  the Middle East and India , no change or cancel is permitted for tickets issued on or after March 21, 2024 ($200 for tickets issued prior to that date, and $180 for tickets issued on or after February 23, 2023). Excludes tickets issued for travel originating from Israel, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal issued on or after March 21, 2024 where the change or cancel fee is $200. For tickets issued for travel originating in Mexico where the destination is Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, India or Africa (excluding travel to Israel, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal where no change or cancel is permitted), the cancellation fee is $199 for tickets issued on or after March 21, 2024 (no change or cancel allowed for tickets issued prior to that date). Excludes tickets issued for travel originating in Mexico for travel to North America, South America, the Caribbean, and the Asia Pacific region, which cannot be canceled or changed. Check your ticket along with the  Baggage & Travel Fees  page to view any fees that apply to Basic Economy tickets. 

†Not eligible for MQD earn, paid or complimentary access or upgrades to premium seats, including to Delta Comfort+® or Preferred Seats; and no paid access to Priority Boarding.

†† Seat assignments can be purchased in advance for a fee or will be assigned for free at the airport after check in or at the gate. At this time, seat assignments can be purchased via Reservations, Airport Customer Service, Delta.com and the FlyDelta App.

The seat selection fee is per seat, per flight segment and is subject to availability. At this time, seat assignment purchase is only available for wholly domestic flights. Aircraft and seat features differ according to flight type/destination/aircraft. Please note that any fees paid for a seat assignment are non-refundable, non-transferable, and are limited to “select seats” – preferred seats cannot be purchased.

With the Basic Economy fare, you are not guaranteed a seat next to traveling companions, including family members or groups. We reserve the right to assign or reassign a Basic Economy seat at any time, even after boarding the aircraft, for operational, safety or security reasons. The final decision resides with the ground staff and operating crew on the day of the flight. Refunds will be issued to any reassigned customer if the customer is not moved to a comparable or better seat and no MQDs will be awarded.

You will not be able to change or refund your ticket after the Risk-Free Cancellation period. Passengers are not eligible for earning miles in the SkyMiles® Program, earning credit towards Medallion Status; paid or complimentary access or upgrades to premium seats or products from Basic Economy, including to Delta Comfort+ or Preferred Seats; and no paid access to Priority Boarding. Exceptions may apply when flying Light or Economy Light on non-Delta operated flights. Miles and MQDs will not be awarded for seat fees.

We have answers. Explore our frequently asked questions and learn more about seats.

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Been a while since you traveled? Here's a refresher on those basic economy plane tickets

• Basic economy tickets – airlines' cheapest fare option – are rife with restrictions
• Some airlines have other labels for these tickets, like "Blue Basic" or "saver" fares.

With airline ticket prices on the rise , as vacation and business travel take off again, travelers on a budget will be searching for the lowest airfare they can find.

That search often leads to major airlines' basic economy fares.

The no-frills tickets created several years ago  – in response to those bare-bones fares offered by budget airlines including Spirit and Frontier – are airlines' cheapest ticket option and often show up first in online searches.

The tickets are rife with restrictions, fine print airlines have long been upfront about during booking in a bid to get passengers to pay more for a regular economy ticket.

BUYER BEWARE : Airlines offer free changes on many plane tickets. Except these.

SOUTHWEST'S NEW FARE: Cancel a flight and wish you could transfer the credit to someone? Southwest will soon let you – for a price

But a post-COVID-19 refresher may be in order, if my recent experience shopping for plane tickets to Europe for my son's college graduation trip is any indication.

I flew throughout the pandemic but not to Europe and was caught off guard by the hefty checked bag fees for basic economy tickets. American and Delta each charge $75 each way for the first checked bag, United $70 and JetBlue $65. Passengers buying regular economy tickets to Europe on those airlines get one free checked bag.

These fees aren't new, I just forgot about them. (And I write about airlines for a living.) 

What is the difference between basic economy and economy

Ahead of the busy summer travel season, here's a reminder about the fine print on those basic economy tickets. Keep in mind that some airlines have other labels for these tickets. JetBlue calls them "Blue Basic" fares, Alaska Airlines calls them "saver" fares and Hawaiian Airlines calls them "Main Cabin Basic." 

The bottom line for travelers: Figure out whether the restrictions are worth the fare difference between basic economy and economy. 

► Ticket changes : Ticket types didn't matter much during the height of the pandemic when airlines offered broad flexibility to change or cancel tickets.

Those days are over for basic economy ticket holders.

Travelers buying basic economy tickets face the return of one of two issues/restrictions when it comes to ticket changes: no changes or cancellation allowed, or changes allowed but with a cancellation fee.

On some airlines, including United, American, Alaska and Hawaiian, basic economy tickets cannot be changed or canceled even by paying a fee. That means travelers lose their money if plans change. No travel credits are issued.

On other airlines, including Delta and JetBlue, basic economy tickets can be changed or canceled for future flight credit but only if you pay a change fee. Delta's is $99 for domestic flights and flights to Mexico and the Caribbean and $199 for other international flights. JetBlue, similarly, charges $100 for domestic flights and short international flights, and $200 for others. On cheap tickets, the fees can wipe out all or part of a ticket. 

Story continues below. 

► Seat assignments : Basic economy tickets don't come with a free seat assignment in advance. They are automatically assigned at flight check-in. Some airlines will let you pay a fee to pick seats in advance but the purchase window varies. American Airlines allows seat purchases at booking, for example, while Delta says seats can't be purchased until a week before travel, if available. JetBlue doesn't allow seat purchase until 24 hours before departure.

This restriction is a deal-breaker for many families and airlines do everything but prohibit families from buying them.

A warning on United's website: "Please note that customers traveling in a group, including families, will not be able to sit together unless advance seat assignments are purchased and seats are available."

In its online comparison between basic economy and regular economy, Delta warns: "No seat(s) assigned until after check-in, not together."

Hawaiian Airlines' website steers families away from it: "Because seats are assigned at check-in, starting 24 hours prior to departure, we cannot guarantee that your family will be able to sit together. If it's important for you to have all family members sit together, we recommend that you select another fare option with less restrictions."

Because of outcry from consumer advocates, airlines say they do their best to sit families together but complaints continue.

Story continues below.

Is a carry-on free in basic economy?

► Carry-on bag restrictions : United and JetBlue ban basic economy passengers from bringing on a traditional carry-on bag on all but select international flights. A personal item that fits under the seat is allowed but any other bags must be checked for the applicable fees.

Don't take a chance and bring one to the gate in hopes you can get it on the flight when they make those announcements about free gate checks for bags as the overhead bins fill up, at least on United. The airline charges a $25 "gate handling charge" surcharge on top of the checked bag fee for that carry-on. And the bag still doesn't come with you on the plane.

Do you have to pay for checked bags on international flights?

► Checked baggage fees : Book a basic economy ticket for flights within the United States or to nearby international destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean, and you'll pay the same for checked bags as the passengers who bought regular economy tickets.

It's a different story on flights to Europe and other far-flung international destinations. Economy passengers on those flights generally get one free checked bag but basic economy passengers face big fees as I discovered when shopping for tickets for my son.

I opted for a regular economy on his flight from Phoenix to Zurich so he wasn't stuck shelling out $75 at the airport.

Airlines generally don't include the baggage fee details during flight searches or booking so check their baggage fee charts or online calculators when weighing basic economy over regular economy.

For my son's return flight from Rome to Phoenix, on Canadian carrier WestJet, I discovered another wrinkle. The airline charges all economy passengers a checked bag fee on flights to and from Europe, but the fee is twice as high for basic economy ticket buyers.

More questions? Check out airlines' basic economy FAQs

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Basic Economy    Updated December 10, 2021

The following information and guidelines are provided to help our travel partners understand and identify Basic Economy fares.   Topics include:

Basic Economy - Overview

How to identify basic economy fares, fare shopping, low fare finders, and gds or self- booking tools, voluntary changes and refunds, seat selection, basic economy overview chart, additional key points.

• Basic Economy Market List

Basic Economy (E booking class) is Delta’s value-fare product for price-driven customers offering limited flexibility. Customers who purchase a Basic Economy fare enjoy the same flight experience as Main Cabin customers, including Delta’s world-class service, a Main Cabin seat, complimentary snacks, meals, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (depending on flight distance), Wi-Fi for purchase and free access to hours of movies, shows and more on Delta studio, but with restrictions related to the ticket transaction.

Basic Economy Restrictions:

• Seat assignments are available for purchase starting seven days from departure until 24 hours prior to departure; pricing will vary per trip and may be purchased segment by segment. Otherwise, seat assignments are only available after check-in or at the gate for no fee. 
• Passengers traveling together, including families, may not be seated together
• Not being eligible for same-day changes or ticket refunds
• Boarding in the last zone
• Overhead bin space may be limited (checked luggage fees do not apply for gate-checked carry-ons)
• Not changeable unless noted in the fare rule
• For tickets issued on/after Dec. 9, 2021, for travel on/after Jan. 1, 2022, customers may cancel their reservation for a cancellation charge and apply the remaining value toward the purchase of a new ticket. The reservation associated with the original Basic Economy ticket must be canceled prior to departure or the full value of the ticket is forfeited. Check the fare rules to confirm cancellation charge and eligibility. 
• Not eligible for paid or complimentary upgrades or preferred seats, even with SkyMiles® Medallion® Status. 
• For tickets issued prior to Dec. 9, 2021, or for tickets issued on/after Dec. 9, 2021, for travel through Dec. 31, 2021, Medallion Members earn miles, Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) and Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs – U.S.-based Members only).
• For tickets issued on/after Dec. 9, 2021, for travel on/after Jan. 1, 2022, no mileage or Medallion status is earned.
• Not eligible to combine with other Delta fares.

Additional information can also be found here  on delta.com.

BACK TO TOP

The below information outlines how you can identify Basic Economy fares:

• The booking code for Basic Economy fares will be “E” class; however, the fare basis code may indicate X, V or other classes.
• Fares identified via a "B" in the 2 nd to last position of the Fare Basis Code for all markets, except Europe, but including UK point of origin fares
• Europe point of origin fares will have “LR” in position 5&6 of the fare basis code, for tickets issued for travel before April 1, 2020
• Effective for travel on/after April 1, 2020, Europe point of origin fares will have “L” in position 7 of the fare basis code
• Effective for travel on/after April 1, 2020, Africa/Middle East point of origin will have “R” in position 7 of the fare basis code  
• The Basic Economy fare will require both ‘E’ Class and the class of service of the fare basis code to be available (dual inventory check).
• Fare type codes EOU, ERU and PFD are used to identify Basic Economy.
• Fare type code PRU is used to identify Basic Economy for exit Europe to the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

View complete information regarding   Delta’s Fare Basis Code structure  used to identify Basic Economy fares.

Additional Information 

Agencies or corporate accounts may elect to suppress or inhibit Basic Economy fares from their customer booking tools. Corporate customers desiring to suppress or inhibit Basic Economy Fares should contact their agency.  Agencies with questions on the latest suppression capabilities provided by a GDS should contact their GDS provider.

Important:  If a travel agent makes a reservation using a Basic Economy fare and ends the PNR, then decides they want to use a higher fare (not a Basic Economy fare) so that their customer can get an advance seat assignment, they must cancel the original reservation and rebook the new itinerary for the higher fare in a new PNR, prior to ticketing the original reservation.

If Basic Economy is not suppressed, when using certain self-booking tools or low-fare finder functionality that search for the lowest fares, it is important to note the following:

• Basic Economy will likely be returned in markets with availability, as it is typically the lowest fare.
• To shop for Delta products beyond Basic Economy that are eligible for advanced seat assignments and full Medallion benefits, travel agents should consult the GDS or self-booking tool provider to determine the most effective entries and processes.
• Basic Economy fare rules are published and available via the GDS.
• Interline combinations are only permitted with partner basic fare products.  Additionally, combining Basic and non-Basic Economy segments is not permitted.
• Like other fares and based on competitive needs, Basic Economy fare rules may include advance purchase requirements, minimum or maximum stays, and in some cases, Saturday night stays.
• Markets with a Basic Economy fare offering are subject to change without notice.
• Basic Economy fares are not eligible to make same-day confirmed or same-day standby travel changes, regardless of Medallion or other elite status.
• Non-refundable, except due to involuntary cases such as Irregular Operations (IROPS).
• Not changeable unless noted in the fare rule.
• ​Customers may cancel their reservation for a charge and apply the remaining value toward the purchase of a new ticket.
• The remaining value must be used within the validity of the original ticket
• For travel within the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands or for travel between the United States or Canada and Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico there is a $99 cancellation charge. Check the fare rules to confirm cancellation charge and eligibility.
• For most long haul international travel there is a $199 cancellation charge; however, cancellation charge amount may vary internationally, and some exceptions apply for international points of sale. Check the fare rules to confirm cancellation charge and eligibility .
• Or the equivalent in miles if ticket was purchased with miles.
• To qualify, the reservation associated with the original Basic Economy ticket must be canceled prior to departure. Cancellations are available anytime post-purchase up to departure. No Show forfeiture policy is in effect, resulting in no remaining value if the reservation is not canceled prior to departure.
• If the cancellation charge exceeds the ticket price, no value remains on the ticket; the customer will not be asked to pay the remaining amount of the cancellation charge.
• Customers can work with their Travel Agency to apply the value towards new travel. Full details can be found in the Policy Library under Self-Service Exceptions . 
• The fee is nonrefundable; however, seat assignments may be changed after purchase (i.e. from 30A to 25C).
• Seat assignment purchases may be made on delta.com or via Global Sales Support or through Delta Reservations. 
• Basic Economy seat assignment purchases are also available via Travelport (Worldspan, Apollo, Galileo) and Amadeus GDS
• All other Basic Economy fare restrictions still apply.
• Fee is subject to change without notice.  
• For customers who do not wish to purchase a seat assignment, a seat will be assigned in the Main Cabin after check-in.
• Delta Comfort+®and Preferred Seat purchase will not be made available to Basic Economy fares, for purchase or assignment.

Basic Economy fares are not eligible for paid, complimentary or discounted upgrades Delta Comfort+® or paid or complimentary upgrade to Preferred Seats, regardless of Medallion or other elite status. However, Medallion Members can still receive these benefits when traveling on a Main Cabin fare.

Baggage fees are assessed in U.S. domestic markets, U.S.-Europe markets and U.S.-Latin America and the Caribbean markets for Basic Economy fares. Exceptions apply, click here for details.

Please note:

• The Basic Economy fare for travel between the U.S., Canada or Mexico and Africa (excluding North Africa*) and the Middle East will offer a first checked bag for free and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00.
• The Basic Economy fare for travel between the U.S., Canada or Mexico and Europe (including Turkey and certain Eastern Europe (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia and Ukraine) will offer a first checked bag for a fee of USD $75.00 and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00 
• The Basic Economy fare for travel between the U.S., Canada or Mexico and Australia will offer a first checked bag for free and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00

*For the North Africa markets of Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco:

• The Basic Economy fare for originating from the U.S. to North Africa will offer a first checked bag for a fee of USD $75.00 and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00
• The Basic Economy fare for originating in North Africa to the U.S. will offer a first checked bag for free and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00
• The Basic Economy fare for travel between CA/MX  and North Africa will offer a first checked bag for free and a second checked bag for a fee of USD $100.00
• Basic Economy customers will board last; access to overhead bins may be limited.
• Priority Boarding for purchase as a Trip Extra/Travel Extra will not be offered for Basic Economy fares.
• Medallion Members, others with elite status, and Delta SkyMiles American Express credit card holders continue to enjoy their boarding benefits.

Basic Economy FAQs

For additional details, or to compare seat options, please visit delta.com.

Medallion Members

When flying on a Basic Economy fare, Medallion Members will continue to enjoy waived checked baggage fees, Priority Check-in, and Priority Boarding. However, please note Medallion Members will not receive paid or Complimentary Upgrades when flying on a Basic Economy fare.

For more details, please visit  delta.com. 

• If a GDS, agency or corporate account has elected to suppress or inhibit the Basic Economy fare from their customer booking tool, our updated Basic Economy product will be suppressed.
• Customers that purchase a Basic Economy fare will travel in Delta’s Main Cabin and experience the same superior on-board experience as customers that purchase a Main Cabin fare. To view complete details, terms and conditions of Delta’s Basic Economy product, visit delta.com .

Basic Economy Markets                     

Basic Economy fares are broadly available in U.S. Domestic markets, markets between the U.S. and Latin America,  between the U.S. and Europe, from Australia to North America (US/CA/MX) for Australia Point of Sale and from certain countries in Africa, the Middle East, Turkey and certain Eastern Eropean markets to the U.S. for Africa, the Middle East , Turkey and Eastern Eropean Points of Sale. Basic Economy is also selectively available in other markets. All Delta fares are available real-time with the Airline Tariff Publishing Company (ATPCO) and visible in the GDS.

Partner Basic Fare Products

Delta's partner airlines may offer their own basic fare products similar to Delta’s Basic Economy fares. For additional details, please visit their respective websites. 

Air France and KLM - Business Solutions

Aeromexico - Aeromexico Business

Korean Air - KALMATE

Virgin Atlantic - Virgin Atlantic Partner Hub

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The Complete Guide to Basic Economy on International Flights from the US

Scott Keyes

July 18, 2023

12 min read

With a growing number of fare options available on international flights, it can be hard to determine what’s the best deal—and which option, ultimately, is best for you. If you’re a frugal traveler who doesn’t need perks, basic economy might be all you need on your international flight. You’ll sacrifice some basic amenities, though, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you pull the trigger.

Here, we break down everything you need to know about basic economy on international flights from the US.

What is basic economy?

Basic economy , also called light or saver economy, is a restrictive class of fares that offers maximum savings to customers in exchange for a no-frills travel experience. You’ll sit in the same economy section of the plane as travelers who’ve purchased “main” economy seats, but you’ll miss out on a few benefits (or pay extra for them).

For example, most regular economy fares include early seat selection and allow for flight changes (for a fee), but basic economy fares typically don’t follow those rules. Basic economy often doesn’t allow for upgrades or frequent flyer mile accrual, either.

While it’s always important to read the fine print before you book a ticket, it’s even more so with basic economy as what’s included—and not—can vary widely by airline and route.  

Basic economy first began as a pushback by major airlines against the eye-catching ticket prices of ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines, Allegiant, Norwegian, Frontier and the now-defunct WOW Air. In 2012, Delta became the first major US carrier to introduce basic economy to travelers looking to save money on its North American flights, then it expanded that fare class in 2018 to include transatlantic flights, as well. American and United both followed suit, adding their own version of basic economy to international flights in 2018, too.

Basic economy, in some form or another, can now be found on almost every major US carrier and shows no signs of going away.

Crucial to note is that basic economy is not the same on every airline—in other words, they don’t all refer to this fare class by the same name—so check the airline’s website to figure out which is which. TAP Air Portugal, for example, has a basic economy fare that includes carry-on and checked bag but also offers a discount basic economy fare that only includes a lighter, smaller carry-on.

Which international flights have basic economy as an option?

Basic economy is usually found on longer-haul flights: it’s generally offered on flights to Europe and the Caribbean and Central America. On flights to some destinations, however, like South America, Asia, and Africa, only main (regular economy), premium or comfort , and business and/or first class are offered. Basic economy is also available on a majority of flights within the US.

Are carry-ons allowed with basic economy?

Most basic economy tickets include a carry-on bag ; however, some routes on United only include a personal item and no full-size carry-on unless you’re a MileagePlus Premier member or companion on the same reservation. These routes tend to be within North America (including flights to Hawaii or Alaska from other states), the Caribbean and Central America. Transatlantic basic economy fares are the same as regular economy on United and include a carry-on bag.

What should I know before I book basic economy?

Advance seat assignments are not included in basic economy, though many (but not all) airlines allow basic economy passengers to choose a seat at check-in. Ticket changes or refunds are not allowed, and basic economy travelers will not be allowed paid or complimentary upgrades to premium seats.

Pay attention to the details of what's included, especially the size and weight of carry-on bags. Some only include a small personal item or have lower weight limits on your carry-on than main economy. You’ll want to compare the cost of adding the bag to the cost of upgrading to main economy before booking. Sometimes the difference is minimal, or it might even be cheaper to upgrade than to pay for your bags a la carte.

I booked basic economy, but I would love to pre-select my seats...

This part can be tricky. In general, the answer is that you can't. Some carriers allow basic economy passengers to pre-select seats for an additional fee while others, such as Alaska’s new “saver” fare, have a limited number of seats at the back of the plane you are able to reserve ahead of time on most routes. For most airlines, you won’t be able to select your seats until check-in, and often, they are assigned to you.

I booked basic economy but still have a checked bag, what do I do?

You can still check a bag with a basic economy ticket; however, it will cost you, and the total depends on your destination and airline. The checked-bag cost associated with basic economy is typically the same as the cost to check a bag in main economy: around $60 USD to Europe for a first bag and $100 for a second, and $30 for a first bag and $40 for a second for most of the Caribbean and Central America.

Once you have booked your flight, you sometimes can use your airline confirmation code to pre-pay for a bag on the airline’s website for a small savings. If the airline does not let you pre-pay online, you will be able to pay for your bags during online check-in or at the airport.

Pro tip: If you have a credit card with an airline, you are often entitled to one free checked bag. On some airlines, you’ll have to use the airline credit card to buy the tickets to get the perk, while on others the perk is tied to your frequent flyer number and you can pay for the ticket however you like and still get the free checked bag.

What is included in basic economy?

Most airlines have similar offerings when it comes to basic economy, but there are some differences so here’s a rundown of the major carries so you know exactly what to expect. We still recommend checking the airline’s fare class restrictions before booking or traveling.

• Carry-on bags: Basic economy (or “Saver Fare”) on Aer Lingus includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on that must be 10 kilograms (22 pounds) or less.
• Seats: Basic economy does not include a seat assignment.
• Food: Snacks, beverages and an on-board meal are included in the flight.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on Aer Lingus is $45-$60 each way.
• Carry-on bags: Basic economy on Air Canada is called "Economy Basic" and includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on with no maximum weight.
• Seats: Economy Basic does not include early seat assignment.
• Food: When you travel on a direct international flight that includes a stop in a Canadian city, you will be offered a complimentary snack and a complimentary meal item on the domestic portion of your flight. On flights to Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America, an onboard meal, snacks and drinks are available for purchase
• Checked bags: On flights to Europe, a checked bag costs $70 each way.  On flights to Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, a checked bag costs $30 each way.
• Carry-on bags: Basic economy on Air France is called “Light Fare” and includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on that must be 12 kilograms (26.5 pounds) or less.
• Seats: Light Fare allows you to select your seat at check-in.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on Air France is $60 each way.
• Carry-on bags: Basic economy on Air Italy is called "Economy Light" and includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on that must be 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) or less.
• Seats: Economy Light does not include a seat assignment.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on Air Italy is $50 each way.

Alaska Airlines

• Carry-on bags: Basic economy on Alaska Airlines is called “Saver” and includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on with no maximum weight.
• Seats: Saver does include a seat assignment, though your seat will always be in the back of the plane with this fare class.
• Food: Meals are available for purchase depending on the trip length.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on all Alaska Airlines flights is $30 each way.

American Airlines

• Carry-on bags: Basic economy on American Airlines includes a personal item and a full-size carry on with no maximum weight.
• Seats: Basic economy does not include early seat assignment.
• Food: On flights to Europe, an on-board meal and drinks are included. On flights to Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, there is no meal, but drinks are served.
• Checked bags: On flights to Europe, a checked bag is $60 each way. On flights to Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, a checked bag costs $30 each way.

British Airways

• Carry-on bags: Basic economy on British Airways includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on that must be 23 kilograms (50.7 pounds) or less.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on British Airways is $55 each way.

Delta Air Lines

• Carry-on bags: Basic economy on Delta includes a personal item and a full-size carry on with no maximum weight.
• Food: On flights to Europe and North Africa, an on-board meal and drinks are included. On flights to Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Colombia, and Central America, there is no meal, but drinks are served.
• Checked bags: On flights to Europe and North Africa, a checked bag is $60 each way. On flights to Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, a checked bag costs $30 each way.
• Carry-on bags: Basic economy (or "Economy Light") on Finnair includes a personal item and a carry-on that combined must be 8 kilograms (17.5 pounds) or less.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on Finnair is $55 each way.

Hawaiian Airlines

• Carry-on bags: Basic economy on Hawaiian Airlines is called "Main Cabin Basic" and includes a personal item and a full-size carry on with no maximum weight.
• Seats: Main Cabin Basic does not include early seat assignment.
• Food: Snacks, beverages and an on-board meal are included in the flight.
• Checked bags: On flights to and from Hawaii, a checked bag costs $30 each way.
• Carry-on bags: Basic economy (or “Economy Light”) on Icelandair includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on that must be 10 kilograms (22 pounds) or less.
• Seats: Basic economy does include the ability to pre-select seats.
• Food: Beverages are included in the flight, and meals are available for purchase.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on Icelandair is $69 each way.
• Carry-on bags: Basic economy (or “Basic Fare”) on Iberia includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on with no weight restrictions.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on Iberia is $55 each way.
• Carry-on bags: Basic economy (or “Light Fare”) on KLM includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on that together must be 12 kilograms (26 pounds) or less.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on KLM is $60 each way.
• Carry-on bags: Basic economy (or “Economy Light”) on Lufthansa includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on bag that must be 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) or less.
• Seats: Basic economy does not include a seat assignment, though a preferred seat can be booked up to 48 hours before departure.
• Food: Snacks and beverages are included in the flight.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on Lufthansa is $60 each way.
• Carry-on bags: Basic economy (or “SAS Go Light”) on SAS includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on bag that must be 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) or less.
• Seats: Basic economy does include the ability to choose a seat for $10-$14 each way when you book, depending on the leg.
• Food: Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the flight.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on SAS is $40-$60 each way. You’ll save money if you pay for your bags more than 22 hours before departure.
• Carry-on bags: Basic economy (or “Economy Light”) on Swiss includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on bag that must be 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) or less.
• Seats: Basic economy does not include a seat assignment, though a preferred seat can be booked up to 48 hours before departure for a fee of $12 to $40, depending on the leg.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on Swiss is $16-$60 each way; you’ll save money if you pay for your bag online before arriving at the airport.

TAP Air Portugal

• Carry-on bags: Basic economy (or “Discount”) on TAP includes a personal item and a carry-on bag that must be 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) or less.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on TAP is $92 each way.

United Airlines

• Carry-on bags: Basic economy on United Airlines includes a personal item and a full-size carry on with no maximum weight on flights to Europe; on flights to Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America, basic economy includes only a personal item.
• Seats: Basic economy does not include early seat assignment, though you can pay $5 to $10 within 48 hours of departure to select your seat.
• Food: On flights to Europe, on-board meals and drinks are included.  On flights to Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, there is no meal, but drinks are served.
• Checked bags: On flights to Europe, a checked bag is $60 each way.  On flights to Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, a checked bag costs $30 each way.

Virgin Atlantic

• Carry-on bags: Basic economy (or “Economy Light”) on Virgin Atlantic includes a personal item and a full-size carry-on bag.
• Seats: Basic economy allows you to select your standard seat at check-in.
• Food: Snacks, an on-board meal and beverages are included in the flight.
• Checked bags: A checked bag on Virgin Atlantic is $60 each way.

What about full or regular economy flights—does Going still send those?

Yes, Going still searches and sends out full economy flights. For deals where basic economy is the lowest price, regular economy is always still available for a little bit more—and we’re always explicit about what fees you’ll pay for seats and luggage if you do opt to go with the basic economy fare. If basic economy is not right for you, you can simply choose main economy when selecting your flight on Google Flights or your preferred flight search engine or OTA.

Additionally, most flights to Asia, the South Pacific, South America, Africa and occasionally Eastern Europe remain regular economy.

Can I upgrade from basic economy to main economy. If so, how?

In most cases, yes, but you need to do it at the time of booking; most airlines won't let you upgrade from basic economy after the flight is ticketed. For many routes, Google Flights offers an easy way to do so. After selecting your flights, you may see this “Basic Economy” drop-down box, which will then show you how much it costs extra for round-trip in regular economy.

After clicking the drop-down bar, you can select the economy fare and the Google Flights checkout page will update accordingly.

Oftentimes, the airline’s website will also have a pop-up or ad prompting you to upgrade to regular economy. It's always a good idea to check how much the upgrade is if you know that you will be traveling with checked bags. In some cases, an upgrade to main cabin can be equal to or less than the cost of a single checked bag.

I bought a basic economy ticket, but need to cancel or change my plans…

Unfortunately, most basic economy fares are not eligible for refunds in the event of cancellation, though a federally-mandated rule does allow you to cancel all tickets within 24 hours of booking, no matter the airline, as long as you booked directly with the airline and at least a week out from travel. Some airlines like Avianca allow changes, but for significant fees. The cancellation or change policy for your ticket can typically be found under the fare rules and varies per airline.

I booked basic economy, and now I'm dreading my flight. What can I do to prepare?

• Pay to pick your seat in advance or check in early. Airlines such as American will allow you to pay between $10 and $40 to choose your own seat 48 hours before your flight.
• Bring your own entertainment, like a book and a laptop or phone loaded with music, TV shows and movies. Be sure and pack your own headphones, as some airlines charge for those, too.
• Stock up on snacks. Most airlines will provide you with water and soft drinks, but you can bring an empty insulated water bottle through security then fill it up on the other side. Packing enough snacks to get you through the flight will keep you from having to spend unnecessary money if the airline does charge for food.
• Pack light. The less you are traveling with, the less burdensome the experience will be in more ways than one. On airlines like United, if you didn’t pay for your carry-on in advance on a non-transatlantic, international flight, they’ll gate-check it and require you pay the checked bag fee plus a $25 handling fee on-site .
• Ask a ticketing or gate agent for help. Airline employees are people, too, and many will go out of their way to help you if it’s within their means. Didn’t get the seat you want? Ask the gate agent if there’s anything he/she can do to change your seat.

>> Read our guide to preparing for and enjoying a flight in basic economy .

Is basic economy right for me.

Yes, you may be happy to save with a basic economy ticket if you:

• travel light
• have travel plans that are set in stone
• have no strong preference on seats
• love saving money and will give up some benefits to do so

No, you may want to upgrade to main economy and avoid basic economy if you:

• travel with checked bags
• may cancel or have to change plans
• are traveling with a family or group and must sit together
• don’t mind higher price tag for more amenities

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Founder & Chief Flight Expert

Published July 18, 2023

Last updated December 21, 2023

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Frequently asked questions about our seating options

For all fare classes except Basic Economy, you’ll be able to pick your seat or change your seat assignment. If you have a Basic Economy ticket, you’re able to purchase a seat assignment during booking and up until check-in opens. Learn more about Basic Economy restrictions.

You can choose a seat or change your seat assignment for most United- and United Express®-operated flights on united.com , on the United app or through your travel agent. If no seat assignments are available, you can check back closer to departure to see whether seats have become available. Learn more about seating options .

Seat assignments, no matter the fare class you purchase, aren’t guaranteed and could change without notice because of schedule changes, equipment swaps or other unforeseen circumstances.

We’ll always try to assign you the same or similar seat type and location and keep you with your traveling companions when you’re booked in the same reservation, unless you’ve purchased a Basic Economy ticket without purchasing advance seat assignments. We know that your seat assignment is important, so we’ll do our best to keep your original seat preference.

We may briefly hold some seats for operational reasons, and don’t allow seat selection or changes for Basic Economy tickets. If you’re unable to choose a seat, we’ll assign you one at check-in or at the departure gate.

All customers with Basic Economy tickets, including United MileagePlus® Premier® members, are eligible to purchase Economy Plus seating at check-in only.

Main Cabin vs. Basic Economy: How to Pick the Best Fare for Your Trip

Is flying basic economy worth the lower ticket price? Here’s what you should know before you book.

Frequent fliers know that buying a plane ticket is much more than deciding between economy and first class. Within economy, there are different fares – basic economy, main cabin, premium economy, and sometimes even classes like Delta Comfort+, which falls somewhere in the middle. I spoke with a representative at United Airlines to uncover the major differences between main cabin and basic economy to figure out which one you should purchase and why. 

What is main cabin? 

Main cabin is exactly what you think of when you hear “economy.” This is a standard economy ticket that generally allows you to put a carry-on in an overhead bin, select your seat, and change your reservation in advance of your flight. You don’t get any premium benefits with this ticket, but you get the standard benefits you expect when flying. Typically, there will be more main cabin seats on any given aircraft than any other seat, as most fliers choose this option for its convenience and affordability. 

What is basic economy? 

Basic economy fares were introduced to compete with low-cost airlines like Spirit and Frontier. These airlines allow travelers to fly for a very low price, but they’ll have to sacrifice a lot of comforts that they are used to. Basic economy tickets are a way travelers can save money but fly on an airline they might have loyalty to. However, there are strict limitations on most things – the bags you can bring on board, whether you can change your fare, select your seat, or even earn miles on your trip. The primary benefit is that the ticket is cheaper, but basic economy only makes sense for specific travelers in certain situations. 

“Basic economy allows customers to save on their ticket price and get most of the same inflight services as standard economy, like drinks, snacks, and inflight entertainment,” says United. 

On three of the biggest airlines in the U.S. — Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines — basic economy tickets are called “basic economy.” However, there are a few companies that call them by a different name. On JetBlue, these fares are called Blue Basic, while on Alaska Airlines, they are called Saver. 

Main Cabin vs. Basic Economy

There is no difference between the actual seats in main cabin and basic economy on almost any airline. The difference between these fares is noticed outside of the seat – when you board, what you’re allowed to bring on board, and what you can change before your flight. 

“The main difference between basic economy and standard economy is that when flying basic economy, your seat selection is automatically assigned for you, and carry-on bags are not included unless you’re flying to South America, across the Atlantic, or on an international flight across the Pacific,” says United. This is an important thing to point out – not only will basic economy fares differ between airlines, but they will differ depending on the route you take.  

Price Comparison

One of the most significant differences between main cabin and basic economy is the ticket cost. On average, you can expect to pay around $50 to $60 less for a round-trip basic economy ticket compared to a main cabin ticket, but you do sacrifice a lot to compensate for these savings. For example, some airlines won’t let you earn points or miles with their loyalty program if you purchase a basic economy ticket. Many points and miles enthusiasts, myself included, don’t consider this a fair trade-off. You’re flying, so you want to earn miles and earn toward elite airline status . 

It’s also important to note that if you aren’t loyal to one airline, you can shop around for the cheapest main cabin fare, making a basic economy ticket less enticing. 

Seat Selection

Most airlines, apart from American, will not let you select your seat in advance if you have a basic economy ticket. This means your seat will be assigned at check-in, and you can either see your seat assignment in the app or on the monitors at your gate. You are much more likely to get a middle seat if you go this route, likely near the back of the plane. If you’re traveling with friends or family, there’s no guarantee you’ll be near each other, even if you’re on the same reservation. American lets you select your seat in advance on basic economy fares for a fee. Once you pay that fee, the price difference between main cabin and basic economy might not be great enough to justify the cheaper ticket in the first place. 

Boarding Priority

If you book a basic economy ticket, you should expect to be the last on board. The only times this can change is if you are a cardholder of the airline's co-branded credit card or if you’ve earned elite status with that airline. If you want to get on the plane quickly, you should book a main cabin ticket. 

Upgrade Availability

Apart from American, you cannot get a paid or complimentary upgrade with a basic economy ticket, including seats with extra legroom. It seems like airline seats are getting closer together every year, so if you want to get an exit row or bulkhead seat, you’ll typically need to purchase a main cabin ticket. 

In-flight Experience

You won’t notice much difference between main cabin and basic economy during your flight. The most notable difference is that, since you can’t select your seat in advance when purchasing a basic economy fare, you might have to endure the dreaded middle seat throughout your flight. If you’re lucky enough to get a window, your in-flight experience will be the same as if you purchased a main cabin fare. 

The baggage you can bring on board will vary between airlines. If you’re flying basic economy on Delta or American, you can have a carry-on bag in the overhead bin space above your seat. However, since you’ll be one of the last to board, there’s no guarantee of any space left. If the overhead bins are full, you’ll be required to gate-check your bag and pick it up when you land. On JetBlue and United, basic economy fares are even more restrictive. You aren’t allowed to have a carry-on at all – only a personal item that can fit under the seat in front of you. If you’re going away for a night or two and don’t need to bring much, a basic economy ticket could work just fine. But, if you want to ensure you have a larger bag to pack your essentials, you’re better off booking a main cabin ticket. 

Flight Modifications

On almost every major airline in the U.S., apart from JetBlue, you cannot change or modify your basic economy fare. This means that if you need to make any changes, you have to buy an entirely new ticket. If you are 100 percent confident you won’t need to change your ticket, then a basic economy fare could be an option. However, if there’s any doubt in your mind about your trip, you are better off paying a little extra for the main cabin fare. Even though JetBlue allows you to make changes to its Blue Basic fares, it can cost up to $200, which might be the same price you paid for your ticket to begin with. 

Keep in mind that most major airlines got rid of change fees during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you need to change your main cabin ticket, you only have to pay a possible fare difference. This makes main cabin even more worthwhile if you’re nervous your travel plans could change. 

Choosing Your Fare

When you use a flight search engine like Google Flights, you might get excited by the affordable fares you see for trips worldwide. Once you click on the ticket, you will see the advertised fare is likely a basic economy ticket. Then, airlines will do everything in their power to persuade you to upgrade to main cabin. For example, Delta makes you check a small box saying you accept the restrictions that come with basic economy. This box is located below a much larger red button that says “move to main.” And, even though the seats are the same, airlines only sell a limited number of basic economy tickets per flight.

In general, travelers who know their trip won’t change and are fine sitting wherever they end up on the plane can book a basic economy ticket without worrying about it. When I was in college, I flew basic economy on Delta all the time. I had the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card, which let me check a bag for free, so I was happy to purchase the cheapest ticket possible to travel around. Now that I’m an adult, I would much rather have the flexibility and comfort that come with higher-fare classes.

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

How to survive basic economy on Delta Air Lines

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

If you're preparing for a trip and notice you've booked a basic economy fare on Delta Air Lines, you may have a lot of questions about what this fare allows and how your experience may be different from any previous trips you've taken with Delta. This guide aims to answer all of your questions.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

What's Delta basic economy?

Delta has three types of economy fares: Comfort+ , Main Cabin and basic economy . Basic economy provides a lower-priced fare but places restrictions or fees on seat assignment, upgrades, changes and — for some destinations — checked baggage. Also, since early 2022, basic economy flights no longer earn Delta miles. This guide will answer common questions about these restrictions and the basic economy experience on Delta, but be sure to also check out TPG's review of Delta's basic economy .

Note that some basic economy restrictions are waived for elites and cardholders of Delta cobranded credit cards. So, if you fall into either of these groups, see the specific section related to your group to see which restrictions are waived for you.

Related reading: Comparing basic economy fares across U.S. airlines

Can I check a bag?

Yes, but it's going to cost you ( see the price chart here ). Baggage fees are generally the same for basic economy, economy and Comfort+ passengers on most routes that currently sell basic economy fares. Some notable exceptions are below:

• U.S. and El Salvador, Ecuador, Panama ($30 for basic economy)
• U.S. and South America, excluding Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana ($60 for basic economy)
• U.S. and Canada and Tahiti ($60 for basic economy)
• U.S. and Colombia ($30 for basic economy)
• U.S. and Israel ($60 for basic economy)
• U.S. and Canada and Europe and North Africa ($60 for basic economy)
• Mexico and Europe ($60 for basic economy)

Basic economy flights to the following countries and regions do allow one free checked bag:

• Australia and New Zealand
• Southern and West Africa

Related: How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines

Can I bring a carry-on?

Yes, you're always allowed one carry-on bag that's no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, camera bag or diaper bag. Delta will not count items like jackets, umbrellas, or medical devices as your permitted personal item. Note that because you'll probably board last (more on that below), overhead bin space may be limited.

Also bear in mind that with new efforts to reduce touchpoints on board, flight attendants can no longer help passengers stow their bags overhead. If overhead space is unavailable, your carry-on bag may be gate-checked. Don't worry, though—you won't have to pay if your bag is gate-checked.

Can I select a seat?

Yes, but it might cost you. From seven days to 24 hours before departure, it's possible to pay to select seats on itineraries that are fully domestic. Pricing varies by trip and may be purchased leg by leg. If you don't purchase a seat assignment, Delta will assign you one after check-in.

Flying internationally, or don't want to pay? If non-preferred seats remain at check-in, you'll get a seat assignment for free. Reports show that you may be able to choose your seat for free at this time . However, if no non-preferred seats remain, you'll be assigned a seat shortly before boarding.

Travelers on the same reservation — including families with young children — aren't guaranteed to be seated together unless they pay to select seats together. You might luck out by checking in exactly 24 hours before departure, but there's a risk you won't sit together.

When can I board?

You'll board in the last group. Basic economy passengers can't purchase Priority Boarding.

Can I change my flight?

Within the 24-hour risk-free cancellation period, you can change your flight; however, you will still have to pay any price difference. After 24 hours of purchasing the ticket, you cannot change your flight.

Can I cancel my flight?

You can cancel a basic economy ticket within 24 hours of purchase or if the cancellation is involuntary for a full refund.

For voluntary cancellations, you'll receive a partial travel credit. Basic economy fares for domestic flights or flights to the Caribbean, Central America or Mexico will be subject to a $99 fee deducted from the value of your ticket. Meanwhile, basic economy travel originating in the U.S. or Canada to any other international destination will be subject to a $199 fee.

On basic economy award tickets, the cancellation charge is 9,900 miles for domestic travel (within the United States and Canada) and 19,900 miles for international travel.

Do I still earn miles?

No. In January 2022, Delta changed its policy to exclude basic economy travelers from earning miles on its Skymiles program. Customers who want to earn Delta miles will have to buy a Main Cabin ticket.

Related: What is Delta elite status worth ?

Does having a cobranded credit card help?

Yes, having a cobranded Delta credit card can help you defeat basic economy . As a cardholder you'll get the following benefits even when flying on a basic economy fare:

• First checked bag free (for you and up to eight other passengers traveling with you on the same reservation)
• Priority boarding

Note that you only need to have the card — you don't have to purchase your ticket with the card. If you're looking for a card that provides these benefits, consider getting one of the following cards (eligible when flying with Delta):

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 ) (see rates and fees)
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($350 annual fee) (see rates and fees)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($650 annual fee) (see rates and fees)
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150) (see rates and fees)
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card ($350 annual fee) (see rates and fees)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card ($650 annual fee) (see rates and fees)

Does having elite status help?

Yes. When flying on a basic economy fare, Delta Medallion elites and SkyTeam elites receive many of the same benefits they'd get on normal Main Cabin fares:

• Waived checked baggage fees: always at least one free checked bag, more for some itineraries and for some elite levels
• Priority check-in

However, Medallion Members will not receive paid or complimentary upgrades (such as Comfort+ or Preferred Seats) when flying on basic economy fares.

Related reading: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Delta

Bottom line

Delta Air Lines' basic economy fares come with restrictions on seat selection and boarding zone, and this type of ticket doesn't allow for upgrades or a free checked bag. Moreover, with recent policy changes, basic economy flights no longer earn miles.

On the positive side, basic economy passengers can always bring a personal item and carry-on bag, and Delta has made it slightly easier to change or cancel basic economy flights. In other words, if you're traveling light and willing to sacrifice some comfort to save money, Delta basic economy might make sense.

The Delta basic economy experience can be made better with elite status or an eligible cobranded Delta Air Lines credit card . Elite members and cardholders maintain the baggage allowance and boarding zone provided by their elite status or eligible credit card. In particular, having a credit card like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card provides priority boarding and the first bag checked free for up to nine passengers traveling on the same reservation. This means your introductory annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card will be $0 for your first year of Card Membership. After the first year, your annual fee will be $150, and could quickly pay for itself if you or your travel companions travel frequently with checked baggage.

You can also check out our guides to basic economy on American Airlines and United Airlines .

If you're new to The Points Guy, check out our points and miles guide for beginners .

Additional reporting by Benét J.Wilson

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex Card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card, please click here.

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The Guide to British Airways Fees

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British Airways baggage fees

British airways change fees, ba seat selection, how to avoid british airways fees.

If you’re not careful, airline fees can really add up. If you’re planning on traveling British Airways anytime soon, know before you book what the fees are for checked bags, ticket changes, redepositing miles and selecting seats. Here is your guide to fees when flying on British Airways.

The number and size of bags you can bring on a British Airways flight without incurring a charge depends on the flying class and your status level.

By ticket type

Basic economy: No free checked bag.

Standard economy: One free checked bag.

Premium economy: Two free checked bags.

Business class: Two heavier checked bags up to 70.5 pounds (32 kilograms) each.

First class: Three heavier checked bags up to 70.5 pounds (32 kilograms) each.

Size and weight limits for bags

Here are the size and weight restrictions for your bags when you fly British Airways:

Hand or laptop bags can weigh up to 51 pounds (23 kilograms) and can measure up to 16 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches (40 centimeters x 30 centimeters x 15 centimeters).

Cabin bags (carry-on luggage) can weigh up to 51 pounds (23 kilograms) and measure up to 22 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches (56 centimeters x 45 centimeters x 25 centimeters).

Checked luggage can be up to 51 pounds (23 kilograms) and measure 35 inches by 30 inches by 17 inches (90 centimeters x 75 centimeters x 43 centimeters).

Baggage above the weight limit could be subject to a charge of $100. Bags over 70.5 pounds (32 kilograms) cannot be checked.

» Learn more: The guide to earning British Airways Avios

Elites get more bags free

British Airways’ frequent flyer program, Executive Club , offers four different levels of status: Blue, Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Silver members can check two bags for free, up to 70.5 pounds each (32 kilograms), in economy, excluding basic economy, for every person in your booking.

Gold members get an additional free checked bag when booking any class, except basic economy, for bags up to 70.5 pounds (32 kilograms). This applies to everyone on your booking.

How much you’ll pay for extra bags

If you need to check more luggage than is allowed by your cabin fare class, you can pay a fee online or you can pay at the airport, which costs more.

Online, you’ll pay $90 for a second checked bag and $170 each for your third and fourth bags. At the airport, you’ll pay $100 for your second bag and $200 for your third and fourth bags.

If you need to travel with extra bags, check fares for the next-higher cabin of service. It’s possible that you could move up and use that bag allowance for less than you would pay in extra bag fees.

Traveling with strollers, medical equipment and other items

If you are flying with children, you can check two of the following items:

Fully collapsible stroller.

Car seat or booster seat.

Travel cot.

Baby back carrier.

British Airways doesn’t have weight requirements or charge fees for heavy medical equipment that is above standard allowances. This includes wheelchairs and equipment to help mobility. But bring a letter from your doctor if you need to travel with medical supplies like heavy equipment, liquids or syringes.

If you’ve already booked your flight but need to change your itinerary, the fees you’ll pay depend on whether you bought your ticket using cash or Avios, the currency of British Airways’ frequent flyer program.

Change and booking fees for flights booked with Avios

If you want to redeem Avios for a flight over the phone instead of online, you’ll pay a $25 service fee. If you need to change your award flight or cancel and have your Avios redeposited into your account, the fee is $55 plus a $25 service fee. These fees apply to flights originating in the U.S.

If you have Gold status or higher with British Airways, you won’t have to pay a fee to change award flights.

» Learn more: Your guide to British Airways’ award chart

Change fees for cash tickets

If you need to make a change to your booking, cancel your flight or buy new tickets then you may have to pay a service fee. Service fees vary by cabin class, fare price and/or local laws and can range significantly.

Unless you booked a basic economy, you can choose your seat for free when you check in for your flight. If you want to select your seats sooner, you’ll have to pay a fee that varies by ticket type and your travel class.

Basic economy holders normally have their seat assigned by the airline at check-in, but they can pay either at time of booking or at check-in to select a seat, with fees varying by itinerary.

» Learn more: Award sweet spots using British Airways Avios

Each airline has its own fees for checked bags and ticket changes. Knowing these fees before you book can help you avoid unexpected costs or budget for expenses you know you'll need to incur.

As always, plan ahead and research the airline's website for specifics related to your flight and situation.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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