Basic Economy: Is it worth it?

I’m always the one to want to find the best airfare deal. Being a teacher on a budget, I need to stretch my dollars as far as they can go even if it means I have to fly the dreaded “basic economy.” I prefer to take more vacations and fly in the cheap seats rather than take fewer trips. To me, all the seats in economy are the same. It does not bother me not being able to pick out my seat, or if I do not get to sit with my group. The majority of domestic United States flights are under 5 hours (a lot shorter than international flights to Australia and Asia). I can survive anything for that length of time. After all, you sit in the same exact section as a regular economy ticket, you just might be more towards the back. I have flown a Basic Economy fare domestically on the 4 major airlines: Alaska, American, Delta, and United. On all of my trips, I booked tickets with my husband, Casey. 

The Basic Economy Experience

The Basic Economy Fares all have the same general rules. 

• You get your seat assignment at check-in.
• Changes and refunds are not allowed.
• No check-in bags included.
• You will be in the last group to board.

I had a similar experience with booking all of my Basic Economy Tickets. I always do my basic search on Skyscanner to pull up the cheapest results. Then, I go to the website for the airline to book my tickets. Prior to booking the ticket, the airline gives you multiple warnings about the rules of booking a Basic Economy ticket.

Alaska Airlines

I flew an Alaska Saver Fare from Los Angeles to Baltimore for $99.

On Alaska Airlines, you are allowed a personal item and a carry-on. For this trip, I opted to carry-on so I would not have to pay for a checked bag. 24-hours in advance, I checked in for my flight. I was able to check-in just fine, but I did not receive a seat assignment like I was supposed to. Instead of a boarding pass, I had a blank ticket. 

I immediately contacted Alaska and learned that with Alaska, getting a seat assignment at check-in meant getting a seat assignment at the gate (not even when you check-in at the airport). They are not clear about this when booking the ticket, so keep this in mind when booking an Alaska Save Fare and do not freak out as I did!

For this flight, this ended up working out well for Casey and I because we got upgraded to the premium cabin! These seats normally cost $99 more, come with more legroom, an earlier boarding group, better snacks, and an alcoholic beverage. I know this will not happen every time, but it sure made my first Basic Economy experience better!

Read my full review here. 

American Airlines

I have flown an American Airlines Basic Economy Fare several times now, the longest being from Baltimore to Ontario, California. 

Just like with Alaska, American Airlines lets you bring a carry on bag and a personal item. Once again, I packed a carry-on to avoid the $30 checked bag fee. I checked in at the 24-hour mark and instantly received my seats. Casey and I have ended up next to each other every time on American. 

With American, Basic Economy means boarding group 7. Be prepared to gate check your bag (at no cost) if it is a full flight. The overhead bins fill up pretty quickly. If you have an American Airlines Credit Card, it negates the checked bag fee and they bump your boarding group up to group 5. The flight experience is the same as with most airlines: free non-alcoholic beverage, and a snack. Overall, I felt the American Basic economy experience was no different than their regular economy. 

Read my full review here. 

Delta

I flew on a Delta Basic Economy ticket from Albuquerque to Ontario, California. 

As with the previous two, passengers can bring a carry on bag and personal item onboard the plane. Thus, I packed everything in the carry on to avoid the $30 checked bag fee. At 24-hours, I checked into the flight and Casey and I did not get a seat assignment. Instead, we got our seat assignments when we checked into the airport. This time, we lucked out AGAIN and got upgraded to a Delta Comfort+ seat as well as had seats next to each other. Basically, the only difference between this and a regular economy seat is a little more legroom. I still was not complaining since I booked a Basic Economy Ticket. This made the flight a little more comfortable and gave us a nicer flight experience since we got served first. 

United

I flew a United Basic Economy fare round trip from Los Angeles to Albuquerque. We paid $160 round trip.

That major difference with a United Basic Economy fare is that you are ONLY allowed one personal item that must fit under the seat. If you bring more than that, they will charge you extra. If your bag does not fit under the seat, they will charge you a $30 checked bag fee on top of a $25 at the gate check fee. So basically, don’t bring a wheels bag (a backpack is fine) or plan to pay to check it in from the beginning. Make note that on your boarding pass, it says BE Fare, no carry on item, so the workers know to check what you are carrying. I found they were pretty strict about this and make sure you only had one personal item. 

At the 24-hour mark, I checked in. Both times, I was not next to my husband. On the first flight, he was a couple of rows in front of me. The next time, we had aisle seats across from each other. It seems like the United system ensures you are not next to your party. We were also giving boarding group 5, which is the final boarding group. However, since you cannot put your item in the overhead bin, it does not have much impact on you. The in-flight experience is similar to most domestic US flights. You get a small snack and a non-alcoholic beverage. Overall, the Basic Economy experience on United is exactly as described… basic. 

Basic Economy Experiences Ranked

1. Alaska

Although I had my freak out when I checked into my Alaska Saver Fare flight, and it was a little stressful not knowing the seat assignments until right before the flight, it ended up being the best experience due to the upgraded seats. I honestly believe we got these seats by checking in at exactly the 24-hour mark and being very early to the airport. 

2. Delta

Delta just has an all-around smooth product. Not only do they communicate exactly how the Basic Economy ticket works, they try hard to make sure the parties are seated together. 

3. American Airlines

What I appreciate about the American experience is you find out your seats right at check-in, they make an effort to seat your party together, and you could gate check your bag at no cost. 

4. United

United is on the bottom simply due to the fact they have the most restrictions. Not being able to even take a carry-on is difficult and I feel like they try and make sure you are separated from your group. It truly is a minimal and basic experience. 

Teacher Tips for Flying Basic Economy

• If it is at least a $20 savings for a short flight, it is worth it to fly Basic Economy. 
• Pack a carry-on to save money on baggage fees. 
• Check-in at the 24-hour mark to guarantee a seat and potentially get a seat together. Doing this has gotten me upgraded twice (On Alaska and Delta)!
• If you do not get a seat assignment, arrive at the airport early to ensure they do not give your seat away. 
• If flying with another person, make sure you are on the same confirmation number so you can have a higher chance of getting seats together. 
• Any concerns, very nicely contact the airline as soon as possible. The kinder you are, the better chance you have of getting what you want!

What are your experiences with a Saver or Basic Economy fare?

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