How to Get Around Some of Delta’s Basic Economy Restrictions

Flights are costly, and they are unlikely to get cheaper anytime soon. If you’re a Delta loyalist seeking Spirit prices, you can purchase a Basic Economy fare (though you probably still won’t beat the prices of a budget carrier). Although it’s the most affordable option, it comes with heavy restrictions that don’t make sense for most travelers. It could be worth the savings if you’re flying alone on a short flight with just a carry-on. If not, you should opt for a Main Cabin ticket or splurge on first class. Here’s everything you need to know about Delta’s Basic Economy fares.

What is Basic Economy on Delta Air Lines?

When traveling, there are more options than just economy or first class. Within economy, you have different levels of fare classes. On Delta, Basic Economy is its most budget-friendly fare class. You’re essentially paying for only what you need: a seat on the plane. If your main concern is getting from point A to point B and spending as little as possible, this ticket is for you.

In Basic Economy, you still receive:

• A Main Cabin seat
• Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
• Access to Delta Wi-Fi and in-flight messaging
• In-flight entertainment
• A carry-on bag and personal item

Delta Basic Economy restrictions

With Basic Economy, you’ll experience:

• No seats are assigned until after check-in
• Assigned seats might not be together for trips with multiple travelers
• No changes are allowed for flights originating in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean
• You can cancel for partial eCredit after paying a cancellation charge
• Last to board
• Not eligible for upgrades
• No miles earned
• No credit toward SkyMiles Medallion Status
• No entry into a Delta Sky Club is permitted, regardless of access method

Baggage allowance

Most of the time, you get the same baggage allowance as a main cabin ticket. All Delta passengers receive a carry-on bag and a personal item free of charge. You can check a bag for a fee, which is typically $35 for your first standard bag under 50 lbs. Note that this can change based on your route, so always check Delta’s baggage calculator before flying to avoid surprises.

How Delta Basic Economy compares

You can generally purchase three different economy tickets when flying on Delta. On certain long-haul flights, you can also buy a Premium Select ticket, which is a premium economy fare and is more comparable to a first-class domestic ticket.

Here’s how Basic Economy compares to the Main Cabin and Comfort+. When you purchase a Basic Economy fare, you fly in a Main Cabin seat. Comfort+ seats are a bit roomier, so choose this option if you’re tall.

How to get perks when flying Delta Basic Economy

The only way to sidestep some of the restrictions of a Basic Economy ticket is to have a co-branded Delta credit card. American Express issues four personal Delta cards, three of which have an annual fee. These airline cards are worth looking into.

Delta credit cards compared

The Delta SkyMiles^® Blue American Express Card doesn’t offer free checked bags of priority boarding, but it earns 2X miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. It’s a good option if you’re not ready to lug around an annual fee.

The Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card is the best option for someone who tends to purchase Basic Economy fares. You can earn a $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 on your card throughout the year. You’ll also receive a 15% discount on award travel booked through Delta. I have this card, and it’s a solid option for somewhat regular Delta flyers.

Although the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card is also a great card, chances are you won’t want it if you’re purchasing a Basic Economy ticket. The card comes with a $350 annual fee but provides several valuable benefits, like statement credits for Delta Stays (hotel and vacation rental bookings), rideshare, and Resy purchases.

Just like the SkyMiles Platinum, there’s a strong possibility you aren’t flying in Basic Economy with a Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card. With an annual fee of $650, you get luxe benefits like Delta Sky Club access, a path to Medallion status, and an annual companion ticket valid for first-class travel in the U.S., Caribbean, or Central America.

FAQs

Bottom line

While Basic Economy tickets can help you alleviate some financial stress of airfare, it’s generally not worth it. The intense restrictions can be troublesome for most travelers. You’re the last to board the plane, so there’s a strong chance your carry-on bag will be gate-checked. Unless you’re traveling on a short trip by yourself, it’s worth the extra money to at least be in a full-fare ticket.

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Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

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Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

Learn How to Apply

See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Current Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter

Rewards Rate

2X miles on qualifying Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S supermarkets; and 1X miles per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Up to $300 in potential annual statement credits
• Eligible for 15% off reward redemptions
• First checked bag free and priority boarding

Drawbacks

• Has an annual fee after the first year
• Lack of flexibility with rewards
• No path to elite status

Card Details

• Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months
• 2X miles on qualifying Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S supermarkets; and 1X miles per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
• Terms apply

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