If you’re looking to save money on your next Delta flight, you might consider booking a Delta Basic Economy ticket. This fare class offers a lower price point, but it comes with some restrictions that you should be aware of before booking.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of Delta Basic Economy, including what you’ll gain and lose by booking this fare class. We’ll also compare Delta Basic Economy to similar fare classes on other airlines, so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s worth it for your next trip.
Table of contents
What Are Delta Basic Economy Fares?
Delta Basic Economy fares are the airline’s lowest-priced tickets. They come with a few restrictions compared to other fare classes. Here are the main restrictions you’ll encounter with Delta Basic Economy:
- Seat assignment: You won’t be able to choose your seat in advance. Instead, Delta will assign you a seat at check-in.
- Boarding: You’ll board last, after all other passengers have boarded.
- Changes and refunds: You won’t be able to make any changes to your ticket once it’s booked, and you won’t be eligible for a refund if you need to cancel.
- Mileage earning: You’ll earn SkyMiles at a reduced rate, and you won’t be able to earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).
What You’ll Lose by Booking Delta Basic Economy?
While Delta Basic Economy fares are often priced lower than other Delta fare classes, several key features are not included in the ticket price. Here’s what you’ll lose when you book Delta Basic Economy:
- Price: While the lower price point may be enticing, it comes at a cost. Delta Basic Economy tickets do not include many of the amenities that passengers have come to expect when flying, such as seat selection, boarding preferences, and checked baggage.
- Boarding: Delta Basic Economy passengers board last, after all, other passengers have boarded the plane. This means there is a higher likelihood that overhead bin space will be filled by the time you board, potentially leading to the need to check a bag.
- Seat Selection: Delta Basic Economy passengers do not have the option to select their seats in advance. Instead, seats are assigned at check-in, meaning that travelling companions may not be seated together. If you prefer a specific seat, it may be worth paying extra for a Main Cabin fare.
- Economy Plus Seat: Delta Basic Economy passengers are not eligible for upgrades to Economy Plus seats, which offer extra legroom and amenities.
- Personal Item: Delta Basic Economy passengers are allowed one individual item on board, such as a purse or a laptop bag, but it must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Carry-On Bag Fee: Delta Basic Economy passengers cannot bring a carry-on bag on board unless they are a Delta Medallion or SkyTeam Elite member. Otherwise, they must pay a fee to check their bag.
- Checked Bag Fee: Delta Basic Economy passengers must pay a fee to check a bag, which is higher than for Main Cabin fares.
- Ticket Changes: Delta Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed or cancelled after purchase unless you purchase Trip Protection.
- Refund: Delta Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable, except in certain cases such as the death of a passenger or a family member.
- Mileage Earning: Delta Basic Economy passengers earn fewer SkyMiles than Main Cabin passengers. However, they do earn miles based on the distance flown.
- Status Earning: Delta Basic Economy passengers earn fewer Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) than Main Cabin passengers, which can impact their ability to make elite status with Delta.
What You’ll Gain by Booking Delta Basic Economy?
While several features are not included in the Delta Basic Economy fare, some benefits may make it worth booking for certain travellers. Here’s what you’ll gain when you book Delta Basic Economy:
- Price: Delta Basic Economy fares are often priced lower than Main Cabin fares, which can be significant cost savings for budget-conscious travellers.
- Personal Item: Delta Basic Economy passengers are allowed one individual item on board, which can be a purse or a laptop bag. This can be a convenient way to travel light and avoid checking a bag.
- Loyalty Programs: Delta Basic Economy passengers are still eligible to earn SkyMiles and Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) towards elite status, which can benefit frequent Delta travellers.
- Flight Experience: Delta Basic Economy passengers still receive the same flight experience as Main Cabin passengers, including snacks, soft drinks, and entertainment. This means you can still enjoy the flight even if you opt for a lower-fare class.
What is the impact on Award Miles?
When it comes to award miles, Basic Economy fares can have a significant impact on earning rates. Delta’s Basic Economy fares earn SkyMiles, the airline’s frequent flyer miles, at a reduced rate compared to other fare classes.
Before October 2021, Delta’s Basic Economy fares earned 50% of the distance flown as SkyMiles, while other fare classes earned 100% of the distance flown. However, as of October 2021, Delta has updated its mileage earning structure for Basic Economy fares. Now, Basic Economy fares earn only 25% of the distance flown as SkyMiles. This means that a passenger flying from New York to Los Angeles on a Basic Economy fare, which covers a distance of approximately 2,475 miles, would only earn 619 SkyMiles, rather than the 1,238 SkyMiles they would earn with a standard Economy fare.
It’s also important to note that Basic Economy fares do not earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), which are used to determine a passenger’s elite status with Delta. MQMs are earned based on distance flown, and without them, a passenger cannot achieve Medallion status. This means that if a passenger flies exclusively on Basic Economy fares, they will not be able to earn elite status with Delta, regardless of how often they fly.
In addition to earning fewer SkyMiles and no MQMs, passengers on Basic Economy fares also have restrictions on how they can redeem their SkyMiles. Basic Economy fares are not eligible for upgrades, even if a passenger has enough SkyMiles to do so. Additionally, Basic Economy fares cannot be used to book Delta’s Comfort+ seats, which offer additional legroom and other amenities.
Delta vs American Airlines & United
While basic economy fares may seem similar across airlines, there are some differences between Delta, American Airlines, and United. Here are some key differences to note:
Delta vs American Airlines
When it comes to comparing Delta Basic Economy with American Airlines Basic Economy, there are several similarities in terms of restrictions and fees. Both airlines offer no seat selection at booking and only allow one personal item onboard. However, Delta does have a slight advantage in terms of baggage fees, as they do not charge for carry-on bags, while American Airlines does. Delta also offers a complimentary snack and beverage, while American Airlines only offers a beverage. In terms of award miles, Delta is more generous, with a 100% mileage earning rate for Basic Economy fares, while American Airlines only offers 50% mileage earning for Basic Economy fares.
Delta vs United Airlines
Delta Basic Economy and United Airlines Basic Economy are comparable in terms of restrictions, such as no seat selection at booking and no changes or refunds allowed. However, Delta does offer a complimentary snack and beverage, while United does not. In terms of baggage fees, both airlines charge for carry-on bags, but Delta’s fees are slightly lower than United’s. When it comes to award miles, Delta once again has an advantage, with a 100% mileage earning rate for Basic Economy fares, while United only offers 50% mileage earning for Basic Economy fares.
Is Delta Basic Economy worth it?
Delta basic economy can be a worthwhile option depending on a traveler’s specific needs and priorities. Budget travelers who prioritize price over comfort and flexibility may find it to be a good option. Delta’s basic economy fares tend to be lower than standard economy fares, which can make them an attractive option for those on a tight budget. However, it’s important to keep in mind that basic economy tickets come with several restrictions, such as no seat selection and no refunds, so travelers should be prepared for a more restrictive travel experience.
For travelers who are not bringing any luggage or do not require certain amenities such as seat selection, Delta basic economy can be a cost-effective option. These travelers may be willing to trade off some convenience and flexibility for a lower fare. However, for those who value perks such as priority boarding and seat selection, it may be worth paying the extra cost for a standard economy ticket or upgrading to Delta’s Comfort+ seats.
For status chasers who are looking to earn miles and elite status, Delta basic economy may not be the best option. Delta’s basic economy fares typically come with reduced mileage earning and no elite status earning, which means that travelers who fly on basic economy fares may not earn as many miles or elite qualifying credits towards status as they would on other fare classes. In this case, it may be worth paying more for a higher fare class to earn more miles and status credits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, basic economy fares can be a great way to save money on flights, but it’s important to understand what you’re giving up and gaining by booking one. Delta’s basic economy fares offer lower prices but come with more restrictions than the main cabin fares. While you’ll save money, you’ll also lose out on seat selection and potentially earn fewer award miles.
When comparing Delta’s basic economy fares to those of American Airlines and United, it’s important to note the differences in boarding, seat selection, carry-on bag fees, and mileage earning. Depending on your travel preferences, one airline’s basic economy fares may be more suitable for you than the others.
Overall, if you’re willing to forego certain amenities and prioritize cost savings, Delta’s basic economy fares can be a good option for budget-conscious travelers. However, if you value flexibility, award miles, and other perks, you may want to consider booking a regular economy fare or a different airline altogether.
