3 things that come to mind when I book a basic economy ticket

As most frequent travelers know, the underlying economy has grown quite dramatically since airlines began adding low-fare options over the past decade.

Originally seen by airlines as a way to compete with low-cost carriers, the main common ground remains pretty consistent: you pay a lower fare than a main-cabin fare, but you lose some services on your flights – or at least lose free access to them.

On the other hand, airlines have made quite a few changes when it comes to what is included in the basic economy fare, what is not and what you can add for a fee after choosing a low fare ticket. than.

TPG has a guide with everything you need to know when it comes to the rules of the basic economy with American, Delta and United.

However, considering how underlying economic policies vary from airline to airline, not to mention how they have changed over time, I personally find having a checklist mental health of the factors I consider when assessing whether it’s worth saving a bit (actually, sometimes it’s a decent amount) by booking a basic economy class ticket, or if I’d better go with a full-price economy class ticket.

Knowing which factors are most important to you is crucial to making the best decision about the right airline. Here are the top factors that I consider.

Whether you always avoid checking bags whenever possible or move in that direction after the chaotic baggage of last summer, going without checked bags can be a great way to go. But unless you can stuff all your stuff in a small backpack or purse, you will need a carry-on suitcase; preferably one that can fit overhead trash cans.

Historically, the common policy among airlines’ basic economy classes has been to limit your free baggage allowance to just one personal item that can fit under the seat and charge anything extra. .

Personally, on most trips I will need a large bag in one form or another. With that in mind, if I were to travel on an airline with a baggage restriction policy, I would stay away from basic economy class unless it is an airline where I have elite status or co-branded airline credit card checked baggage privileges replace that airline’s basic economy restrictions (more on that in a moment).

Fortunately, these types of hand baggage restrictions are less common these days on the largest US airlines than they were a few years ago. Of the Big Three U.S. airlines, United is the only airline that restricts access to free overhead cabins as part of the basic economy.

In 2018, when I first pursued elite status with American Airlines, knowing I would be ‘above the bubble’ in December, I shied away from the fundamental economy at all costs because at the time, AAdvantage members only get half credit for elite qualification. segment when flying with a basic economy ticket. American has since ended both elite qualifying segments (support the Loyalty Point system) and AAdvantage earnings handicap for basic economy flyers, so you now earn miles and Loyalty Points even when flying basic economy class.

But other airlines still have restrictions in place. People flying in United’s basic economy class earn MileagePlus miles and Premier Eligible Points but their travel does not count towards Premier Eligible Flights. Delta does not allow its SkyMiles membership to earn any miles or credits towards elite status when flying basic economy class.

While you want to pay the lowest fares, you also hate paying for a flight and not being fully charged to an airline’s loyalty program, so I’ll take a look at how the airline solves it. address this issue when making your decision.

I will also consider other benefits I enjoy in flight in my decision, whether it be from elite status or a co-branded airline credit card. Sometimes, airlines will put strict rules on basic economy tickets but allow elite members to be exempted from certain policies; This certainly varies between other airlines.

To get there, I consider a few factors: Will my typical benefits still apply, despite the underlying limitations of the economy? Can I get a free upgrade? Will I be able to board in my typical priority group instead of the last on the plane, as is common with basic economy tickets? If I need to check a bag, free deposit bag benefits still apply?

If the answer to all those questions is “yes”, I can go with a cheaper ticket.

Another hallmark of basic economy tickets is that they have traditionally lacked a lot of flexibility in how they travel. when it comes to change go beyond 24 hour extension time after booking.

The inflexibility of basic economy tickets compared to other types of tickets is now more obvious: airlines have generally relaxed change and cancellation policies for most ticket types, compared to before the pandemic, but basic economy class is generally the exception to that flexibility.

While you can get some of your investment back when you voluntarily cancel a basic economy ticket, you usually pay a large percentage of the ticket as a cancellation fee. Often times, you will also be most or completely limited in your ability to change your trip.

If I’m the least bit concerned that I might end up having to change or cancel my trip before I depart, the underlying economy is probably not a good idea. If I am confident that the trip will go as planned and have little fear that I may lose all or most of what I have paid, I may be ready to book a basic economy class ticket.

That means you probably won’t be able to guarantee that family sitting together when traveling the underlying economy. You will often be assigned – or perhaps you will be able to choose – a seat at the check-in, which means there are far fewer seating options available.

For that reason, if seat selection is important to you, you may not even need to consider this list of factors: the underlying economy may not match your travel needs. friend.