Delta Expands Low-Fare “Basic Economy” Ticket Availability

As no frills, low-cost carriers like Spirit and Allegiant Air gain an increasing share of the market, Delta Air Lines is set to expand the number of flights with stripped-down Basic Economy fare options.

Delta Air Lines is expanding the availability of its bare-bones Basic Economy tickets, which the carrier describes succinctly on its website as: “If you’re looking for a low fare, your travel plans aren’t likely to change, and you don’t mind where you sit, Basic Economy just may be your ticket.”

The Basic Economy tickets, first tested by Delta in 2012, come with more restrictions, less flexibility and fewer choices than Economy class tickets, but at a lower cost.

There are no Basic Economy cabins on Delta flights that are dedicated to the inexpensive ticket option. In fact, once on the plane, Basic Economy service is identical to an Economy Class seat. Basic Economy seats are nonrefundable and passengers are not permitted to choose their seats before check-in, they are also the last to board the aircraft and pay penalties for same-day flight changes, including upgrades. Delta Medallion members flying on Basic Economy tickets receive limited awards points and are not eligible for free upgrades.

Delta now offers Basic Economy tickets on just over a dozen flights where it competes directly with low-cost airlines. Delta hopes that expanding the number of seats offered at Basic Economy rates throughout the route system will give the company a leg up on budget carriers.

Delta has been closed-mouth about the average savings of Basic Economy fares, but an informal survey of ticket prices by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that Basic Economy fares ran roughly $20 cheaper than Economy tickets on flights between Atlanta and two different airports in Florida.

[Photo: Delta Air Lines]