Basic Economy Air | Colesville Travel

4 Things to Consider Before Purchasing A “Basic Economy” Airline Ticket

Cynthia Amin • June 1, 2021

When the pandemic stopped travel in early 2020, the airlines adapted by allowing free changes to be made on all tickets — including the most restrictive Basic Economy fares. Now that travel demand has started to improve, the ability to make changes on airline tickets will, once again, depend on the type of ticket you have purchased.

Delta, United, and American have all introduced low, no-frills airfares. These no-frill airline tickets come with so many fees and restrictions, that when you purchase these tickets, you should be aware of what you are purchasing.

All three of the biggest U.S. airlines—Delta, United, and American are offering what they call “basic economy” fares. This blog will explain what a basic economy fare is and if it is good for you.

1. What are Basic Economy Fares?

Simply put, that’s the term being used by Delta, United, and American for the cheapest seats available in the main cabin on flights. Usually, basic economy tickets will be up to $25 less than those for regular economy seats. However, during busy travel times like the summer months and holidays, you might only see savings of about $10. U.S. carriers JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Virgin America, and Southwest have not announced plans to join this trend.

The word “basic” here is meant to connote no-frills, bare-bones tickets. Presumably, all you get is a seat on the plane and your boarding pass.

Keep in mind that a basic economy fare might look like a bargain, but the airlines have structured the system so that your ticket will come attached to strings and restrictions. These basic economy seats come with restrictions and fees that used to be considered standard with every flight, like the ability to pick your own seat and, believe it or not, the ability to use the overhead bin.

I am not saying that budget-conscious travelers should avoid these types of fares while shopping for flights, but you should realize that you are not getting much, and you should know what you are purchasing so that you can make an informed decision.

2. Why are Basic Economy Fares Are Being Introduced?

Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant, have always had bare-bones fares. These airlines also show up first when you are searching for airfares. When this happens, the major airlines get bumped down to the bottom of the list which takes business away from the legacy competitors. Because of that, the major airlines have come up with “basic economy fares” trying to compete and beat the budget airlines at their own game.

3. What do Basic Economy Fares Include?

On all three airlines, each basic economy ticket includes a seat in the main economy cabin, complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, and access to in-flight entertainment. That’s it. No more, no less—but especially no more.

Keep reading to learn about the things you used to get for free that basic economy will now charge you for.

4. What are the Basic Economy Restrictions and Fees?

The basic economy structures for Delta, United, and American differ slightly. We’ll start with the most controversial.

Overhead bins: With United and American basic economy fares, passengers can carry on only one personal item, and it must fit beneath the seats. Think purses and laptop bags, but not rolling suitcases.

In other words, if you buy a basic economy seat, you will not be allowed to use the overhead bins. If you try to board the flight with a full-size carry-on, you’ll have to check it at the gate for a $25 fee—which will wipe out completely the average basic economy savings of $25.

You might as well have bought the regular economy seat if you're going to do that. Please note that all the usual checked baggage fees also apply. Delta has not added this draconian rule to its basic economy structure yet.

Seat selection: Do you like sitting in the middle seat? Because this is what you will probably get. On all three carriers, your seat will not be assigned until after you check in for your flight, and you will not be able to change it. If you’re traveling in a group, you probably won't be able to sit together and that applies even to families flying with small children. So, I would avoid basic economy when traveling with families and children because you cannot guarantee your seats will be together.

What might seem like a bonus in purchasing a low-cost seat may end with a stranger having to sit next to and handle your squalling 4-year-old child. More realistically, basic economy fares will probably mean that strangers are more likely to approach you and beg you to switch seats in those frenzied pre-flight moments, which will make boarding even more stressful for passengers.

Changes and refunds: Under federal law, everybody has 24 hours after booking a flight to get a refund. But after that period ends, basic economy customers have zero chance of getting their money back and they cannot make any changes to their reservations.

Upgrades: Do not even think about it. You won’t be eligible for any elevation in your station, regardless of your status in the companies’ loyalty programs.

Boarding: And finally, basic economy customers will be the last group allowed to board the plane. If you were planning to try to sneak something into the overhead bin, this will not work.

Final thoughts

Airlines do not want you to buy their basic economy seats. They want to lure you in with lower fares, then upsell higher-priced main cabin alternatives. In many cases, this upsell is compelling, especially for those looking for flexibility.

That being said, there are some conditions where choosing basic economy is the smarter approach. If you’re confident in your travel dates, unconcerned with the middle seat and uninterested in elite status rewards, you should strongly consider opting for these cheaper fares.

Are you ready to travel again? If so, contact Colesville Travel for a quote on your next trip. We can be reached at 301-989-1654 or email us at cindy@colesvilletravel.com

We have also rescheduled some group trips to 2022, so please visit our website http://www.colesvilletravel.com for the new dates.

Until then, stay inspired,

Cindy

< Older Post

Newer Post >