Back in 2012, Delta Air Lines became the first major US airline to introduce basic economy fares. In this post, I’d like to go over the details of the SkyTeam carrier’s most restrictive ticket types. What restrictions are there when booking basic economy fares, and are these tickets worth it? Let’s go over all the…
Continue reading: Delta Basic Economy: What Are The Restrictions, And Is It Worth It?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Delta's Basic Economy option is more valuable now than before, especially if one is a holder of an AMEX co-brand Delta credit card. With the Delta Gold card, there is no worry about being last to board. Upgrades are getting rare, so that restriction doesn't make me lose sleep. Seat assignments? Not being to select a seat in advance is a concession, but on a short domestic flight, the overall experience might be negligible. No lounge access? That too is a concession. I like Sky Club lounge access via the AMEX Platinum card. On early morning flights, I don't value lounge access as much as I would rather sleep a little later and don't consume adult beverages early. I would sacrifice lounge access on early morning flights for Basic Economy. Earning miles? Delta Skymiles are nearly worthless and aren't worth accumulating.
There are times I prefer economy without the basic economy restrictions, but there are flight segments on shorter domestic flights and early morning flights where Basic economy is an option worth choosing. When I have chosen Basic Economy on early morning or shorter flights, I haven't had any regrets.
My belief is that when Spirit and Frontier finally are gone the legacies will rebrand "basic economy" but have equal if not more restrictions.
Can we get a Basic Tim Dunn with more restrictions?
Unbundle and limit how many times he can say Delta or premium or DOT profitable.
Restrict him entry to some posts and ability to post first.
I was booked on a basic economy ticket by my sibling through their credit card portal - and factoring in the cost to check my bag ($35), picking an aisle seat (I think $40), no lounge access, and boarding in group 9, honestly I am probably the use case against it. Had I done the booking, we could have gone to the Sky Club, and seat in Comfort+ for the price of 2 main cabin tickets.
I think it's a good option for the occasional flyer who doesn't have a checked bag, doesn't care about accruing MQDs or Sky Miles, and doesn't mind sitting in a middle seat, especially on shorter routes.
You can actually select your seat for free with Delta at check in. Not everyone knows this. At check in, if there are any seats available, you are allowed to take one for free. I wonder will they stop this. I have gotten rows to myself because of this. Of course, if the flight is full, they will select your seat, & more than likely put you in a middle seat.
You can always book a basic economy ticket 6 months in advance,.and then the inevitable schedule change makes the ticket nonbasic (refundable/changeable).
Note they do not allow to earn miles on this fare. Those complaining about AA's recent change. As I said they are just matching others.
It’s decent for people like me who doesn’t fly regularly with delta but enough that I have it’s cobranded cards. When traveling with a little one on basic fares, I usually have no issues at all selecting seats by just messaging them.
The only bad thing is that you don’t earn eqd… but I don’t fly enough on delta to earn more than silver anyway.