Difference between revisions of "Basic economy"
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'''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. | '''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. The Alaska credit card provides free bags but doesn't boost your boarding priority. | + | '''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. | '''Upgrades'''. Alaska elites can't upgrade their seats on basic economy tickets, choose an enhanced economy seat, or take advantage of any standby privileges. | ||
Revision as of 17:06, 20 January 2021
Airfare 101: Find the Lowest Fares
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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.
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.
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.
Other US airlines
Hawaiian
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. However, with Hawaiian, 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.
