Benefits on Basic Economy Fares (2021)
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Alaska
Change and cancellation fees. On regular tickets, fees are waived on all flights. You won't get this benefit when you book a basic economy ticket.
Seat selection. While some seats may be available when you book your basic economy tickets, if they aren't, you can't choose a seat until you get to gate.
Baggage Allowance. You are still allowed a carry on, but you need to board last (unless you have status). The Alaska credit card provides free bags but doesn't boost your boarding priority.
Upgrades. Alaska elites can't upgrade their seats on basic economy tickets, choose an enhanced economy seat, or take advantage of any standby privileges.
American
Change and cancellation fees. On regular tickets, fees are waived on all flights originating from North or South America. You won't get this benefit when you book a basic economy ticket.
Seat selection. You'll need to pay a fee to pick an assigned seat. Otherwise, you'll be auto-assigned a seat at check-in.
Baggage Allowance. You are still allowed a carry on, but you need to board last (unless you have status). The American Airlines credit cards provides free bags (except on flights to Europe) and boost your boarding priority.
Upgrades. If you have elite status, you'll still have access to your Preferred, Main Cabin Extra, Upgrade, and same-day flight change privileges.
Elite Qualifying Miles. You won't earn elite qualifying miles, segments, or dollars.
Delta
Change and cancellation fees. On regular tickets, fees are waived on all flights that originate in North America. You won't get this benefit when you book a basic economy ticket.
Seat selection. You'll be auto-assigned a seat at check-in. Contrary to what it says on Delta's website, you can often pay for a seat assignment up to a week before flying and you might be able to pick a free seat at check-in.
Baggage Allowance. You are still allowed a carry on, but you need to board last (unless you have status). The Delta credit cards provide free bags and boost your boarding priority.
Upgrades. Basic economy fares aren't eligible for paid or complimentary upgrades to Preferred, Comfort+, or premium cabin seats.
United
Change and cancellation fees. On regular tickets, fees are waived on all flights originating in the US. You won't get this benefit when you book a basic economy ticket. However, with United, if the new ticket is cheaper, you won't receive a credit for the difference. If you want to rebook for a cheaper fare, you would need to save the full price of the initial ticket as a future credit and pay out-of-pocket for the new ticket.
Seat selection. You'll need to pay a (usually small) fee to pick an assigned seat. Otherwise, you'll be auto-assigned a seat at check-in.
Baggage Allowance. Unlike the other major airlines, you are NOT allowed a carry-on bag (other than a small personal item) unless you have elite status or one of the (annual-fee based) United credit cards. The credit card also allows you to check a bag for free.
Upgrades. Elite members don't have access to premium seats, Economy Plus, or upgrades.
Other. Flights don't count as Premier qualifying flights, but you'll still earn miles and qualifying points.
JetBlue
Change and cancellation fees. JetBlue hasn't gotten rid of change fees on regular tickets, so you won't lose this benefit by booking basic economy.
Seat selection. You'll need to pay a fee if you want to select your seat before check-in.
Baggage Allowance. You are still allowed a carry on, but you need to board last (unless you have status). The JetBlue credit card provide free bags, but doesn't boost your boarding priority.
Upgrades. Basic economy fares aren't eligible for paid or complimentary upgrades to Preferred, Comfort+, or premium cabin seats.
Other. You'll earn fewer points (2x per $).
Southwest
Southwest doesn't have a basic economy ticket. There are never ticket change fees, everyone always gets to bring free bags, and there are never assigned seats (but some people get access to an improved boarding position).