In the latest move by airlines to make travel even more confusing and uncomfortable, we now have "Basic Economy" air fares. These fares are stripped down versions of air fares and are designed for the traveler who just wants to get from point A to point B and doesn't care about leg room, amenities or space in the overhead bin.These new low fares will save you money, but you will have to be willing to do without some things that you may now take for granted, such as being able to stow a carry-on in an overhead bin. Here's a summary of what the fares include/exclude for each of the three major airlines.
|
Basic Economy |
AMERICAN |
UNITED |
DELTA |
|
Product |
Basic Economy |
Basic Economy |
Basic Economy |
|
Routes |
Select US Domestic |
Select US Domestic |
Select US Domestic & Latin Markets |
|
Seating |
Auto-assigned at checkin, for sale 48 hrs prior. Main Cabin Extra & Preferred for purchase within 48 hours. |
Auto-assigned at checkin. EconomyPlus not available. |
Seat choice at check-in / gate. Comfort+ not available. |
|
Boarding |
Last Group. Exception: Elite status and eligible AAdvantage® credit cardmembers |
Last Group. Exception: MileagePlus Premier member or companion traveling on the same reservation, the primary cardmember of a qualifying MileagePlus credit card or a Star Alliance Gold member. |
Last Group. Exception: Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card and the Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express |
|
Changes / Refunds |
No / No |
No / No |
No / No |
|
Carry-On Baggage |
1 Item that fits under seat |
1 item that fits under seat |
Yes, 1 item |
|
Overhead Bin |
No |
No |
Yes, 1 item |
|
FFQ Mileage |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Elite Qualifying |
Award miles and Elite Qualifying Dollars based on fare paid. Half Elite Qualifying Miles/Elite Qualifying Segments earned. |
No. MileagePlus members will not earn Premier qualifying credit or lifetime miles. |
Yes, including Medallion Qualification Miles, Medallion Qualification Dollars and Medallion Qualification Segments. |
|
Upgrades |
No |
No |
No |
|
Exceptions |
Elite status customers and eligible AAdvantage® credit cardmembers are not subject to carry-on, checked bag, or last group boarding restrictions |
Priority boarding and a free checked bag with the United MileagePlus Explorer Card. 2 free checked bags, priority check-in and security with the United MileagePlus Club Card. |
Priority boarding and a free checked bag with the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card and the Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express. |
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Topics: travel tips