Delta Basic Economy vs. main cabin

 

 

 

 

 

 

These days, airlines have jazzy words to classify everything: economy, basic economy, economy plus, main cabin. But what does it all really mean and what are the differences? 

 

When flying Delta, the difference between main cabin fares and basic economy is best summed up by one question: Do you care where you sit? If your answer is no, then the basic economy experience can save you a few extra bucks. If you simply can’t fly when you’re not seated at a window (the view!), though, you’ll want to go the main cabin route. 

What is Delta basic economy?

Delta’s basic economy tickets provide passengers with the most budget-friendly onboard experience available. If you don’t mind where you sit, and that’s part of the fun of travel for you, basic economy is the route to go to save a little money.

 

You’ll get the same inflight experience as the main cabin tickets, like the 4”-recliner seats and food and beverage service, but you won’t get your seat assignment until after you check in. 

 

Please note that, during the coronavirus pandemic, Delta has taken safety precautions and made some changes to the onboard experience, including limited food and beverage offerings. 

Difference between basic economy and main cabin Delta

There are a few differences between Delta’s basic economy and main cabin flight experiences. Let’s take a look at a few key comparisons.

Checked bag policy

All main cabin travelers on domestic Delta flights pay $30 for the first checked bag (under 50 pounds). Your second bag will cost you $40. But there is a work-around: If you have a Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card, have reached Medallion Status, or are Active Duty Military, your first checked bag is free. 

Carry-on policy

In Delta’s basic economy class, you’ll get one complimentary carry-on bag, plus a personal item. But here’s a tip: If overhead bin space is limited, your carry-on bag might be checked at the gate free of charge. If you know you don’t need anything in the bag, in the event of a misplacement (think: prescriptions or glasses), this is a great way to get a checked bag free. 

Change and cancellation policies

With a basic economy fare, you won’t be able to change or cancel your Delta flight after the 24-hour risk-free cancellation period. These fares are also ineligible for upgrade access to premium seats, including Delta Comfort or Preferred. 

Boarding 

With a Delta basic economy fare, you will not be permitted to pay for preferred boarding. 

Seat selection

If knowing your seat is important to you, you can also select Preferred Seats for a fee. That fee is waived for Delta’s Medallion Members. 

Entertainment

In both main cabin and basic economy seats, complimentary entertainment like music, games, and access to HBO and Showtime, help the miles fly by. 

Food and beverage

Both experiences give you free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. You may purchase alcoholic drinks for an additional fee onboard. 

Why consider basic economies fares?

For starters, basic economy is the most cost-effective way to travel. If you don’t mind boarding last, finding out your seat late, and a few other amenity shifts, it’s not a bad way to travel, especially when it’s an unexpected, last-minute trip, which can add up. 

 

Some loyalty travelers can find work-arounds, though. Travelers who have reached Delta’s elite Medallion status, for example, can avoid many of the restrictions, as can certain Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders and active duty military. For one, you’ll get the $30 checked-bag fee waived. 

 

When you join Delta SkyMiles and start climbing up the status ranks, eventually you’ll arrive at Medallion Status. Every time you fly with Delta (or most of their partner airlines), you’ll earn qualifying miles/points. Once you hit the Medallion level, your checked bag fee will be waived, and you’ll be eligible for unlimited upgrades. 

Is basic economy worth it?

To answer this question, it all boils down to preferences. Delta’s basic economy experience, like with many other major airlines, is worth it if you don’t mind giving up a few amenities. While not knowing your seat assignment in advance, for example, may not be a huge deal for you, to others, it’s a deal-breaker. In this case, it’s pretty simple: Do you want to know your seat, or do you want to save money?