Basic economy
Basic economy, introduced by Delta Airlines in 2012, is the lowest fare class offered by many air carriers. It is designed to compete with low-cost carriers (LCCs) by providing cheaper ticket options with fewer benefits. These are restrictions associated with basic economy.
- No ticket changes or refunds
- No advance seat selection
- Limited or no access to overhead bin space for carry-on baggage
- No complimentary upgrades
- Lower boarding priority
- Reduced or no frequent flyer program points
These restrictions vary among airlines but are clearly outlined in each carrier’s fare rules and baggage policy.
Although basic economy fares offer fewer benefits, passengers travel in the same cabin as those with regular economy tickets. They receive the same basic in-flight amenities, such as snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
From a business standpoint, basic economy is a revenue management strategy that allows airlines to target price-sensitive travelers while creating upselling opportunities.
When customers begin the booking process, airlines often display alerts or warnings about the limitations of basic economy. This encourages passengers to upgrade to higher fare classes with more flexibility and benefits. The approach helps airlines segment their customers, maximize revenue per seat, and balance load factors across different classes of service.
