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You’d Be Happier If You Flew Basic Economy?

Though widely offered by multiple carriers across the United States, it’s fair to say that basic economy tickets have something of a stigma attached to them. Offering no frills or no extras other than a cheap seat, they don’t necessarily appeal to all travelers.

What’s Making Basic Economy Flyers Happier Than Economy Travelers?

According to the results of a report by the folks at the travel organizing app TripIt, basic economy isn’t so bad after all. In its third annual Happy Travelers Report, the company asked, “Do preconceived expectations affect flyer happiness?” To find the answer, TripIt looked at over a million ratings submitted by its customers over the course a year, from June 2018 to June 2019. The ratings themselves were given on a scale of one to five stars, with one being the lowest rating. And the ticket type category yielded an unexpected result.

“When we looked at the results of ratings with respect to cabins and classes, it came as no surprise that first-class ranked the highest. Lie-flat seats, one-of-a-kind amenity kits, designer pajamas—what’s not to be happy about?” the report said.

Further explaining, it added, “What did surprise us, however, is that travelers flying basic economy were happier with their flight (score of 4.35) than those flying regular economy (4.24). Even more surprising was that reported happiness on discount carriers beat all other ticket types, with a score of 4.5 stars.”

“So, what’s making travelers who fly in basic economy or with discount carriers happier than those who paid a higher fare? The quality of the service received exceeds travelers’ expectations for the price,” it concluded.

Basic Economy Travelers Know What They’re Getting

The conclusion TripIt seems to be drawing is that basic economy travelers come into their flight experience knowing what to expect: the bare minimum. And their flights meet their expectations. Have you flown basic economy? What do you think is going on with these survey results, and how did you find your flying experience?

[Image Source:  Flickr/ayrshire James]

4 Comments
F
FreedomIsntFree January 9, 2020

Not true when my colleagues find out that their basic economy fare can't be changed and have have to buy a new one based on travel dates shifting.

D
diver858 January 7, 2020

Airlines aren't stupid, know their customers better than we know ourselves; we will whine and complain about inconveniences, but given the choice, the typical traveler will go for the lowest price.

D
DCAFly January 6, 2020

"The conclusion TripIt seems to be drawing is that basic economy travelers come into their flight experience knowing what to expect: the bare minimum." I think we all, regardless of class of service, expect the bare minimum from the airlines.

H
hfb606 January 6, 2020

When you are expecting nothing, anything is an improvement...