There have been many changes to airline tickets, restrictions, and travel classes over the years. Low-cost airlines pioneered the concept of un-bundling airfares and charging for all additions. Full service and legacy airlines were slower to start doing this, but it is now widespread.

As part of this, many airlines have launched a lower category of economy tickets with much-reduced benefits. With Delta Air Lines, this is known as “basic economy.” These tickets are cheaper but come with few inclusions. There are no advance seat selections possible, no upgrades, and no mileage or status earning.

Those with SkyMiles Medallion elite status will miss out on many of their benefits, and the chance to earn any further or continued elite status credit. The extra cost of Main Cabin tickets may be worth it.

Choosing basic economy tickets

Basic economy is the lowest priced way to fly with

. This is offered on all Delta routes, and is one of the three fare choices in the economy / main cabin. Delta now offers three main economy ticket options:

• Basic economy
• Main Cabin
• Comfort Plus

These will be shown when booking, and it is simple to review the options for each and see the prices. There is no fixed priced reduction for basic economy – it can vary between routes and flights. It may also not always be available, even if the other main cabin fares are available. The example searches below show fares starting at about $40 less on domestic US routes, but over $100 less on international flights from the US to the UK.

Basic economy – no advance seat selection

Basic economy tickets have very restrictive seat selection. This is likely to be a consideration for many travelers, especially elites and those traveling in a group or family.

Seats are only assigned at check-in, and it is not possible to book in advance. There are no benefits or exceptions for SkyMiles Medallion status members, either.

is the only major US airline to offer advance seat selection (for a fee) for basic economy tickets.

Basic economy – baggage rules are the same as main cabin

There is no difference in baggage carry-on and check-in rules between basic economy and main cabin tickets.

Travelers are allowed one standard carry-on bag and one small personal item. Checked bag fees are the same as for the main cabin, starting at $35 for the first bag. Any free allowances from elite status or from co-branded credit cards also apply.

Basic economy – no upgrades

It is not possible to upgrade a basic economy ticket into a higher cabin. This includes paid and mileage upgrades, as well as complimentary upgrades for SkyMiles elite members. This is an important consideration for elite members, particularly higher level elite members on domestic flights where they would be likely to get complimentary upgrades on normal main cabin tickets.

Basic economy – last to board

Basic economy passengers board the aircraft in Group 8. This is the last to board, and on a full flight can make a difference. Many people don’t mind boarding late (especially if you have a bad seat assignment), but the main problem here is with carry-on luggage. Of course, if the flight is full, this means you are more likely to have to gate-check your bags.

There is good news here for Delta elite members and co-branded credit card holders. The higher boarding group (group 5 for credit cards, status varies by level) will still apply.

Basic economy – limited changes or cancelations

This is a very important consideration when buying basic economy. Changes and cancelations are more limited than they are for higher fares.

• For flights originating in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean, changes are not possible. Cancelations are possible for a Delta travel credit less a fee (this fee is $99 for domestic flights or flights to Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, or Central America, and $199 for other destinations).
• For flights originating in other regions, changes may be possible for a fee (this varies by region and route, you can check when booking). Cancelations for a travel credit may not be allowed in other regions.
• There is also no option for any basic economy ticket for same-day confirmed changes and same-day standby.
• The 24-hour fee-free cancelation period after booking still applies.

Points and miles earning has changed a great deal over the past few years, especially for the US airlines. The days of earning one mile for every mile flown are gone, and more and more loyalty programs are switching to reward higher spending rather than frequent travel.

These changes have hit basic economy tickets. Instead of low mileage for other cheaper tickets, these lowest-priced tickets do not earn any miles. They also do not contribute towards elite Medallion status.

Frequent flyers and those wanting to earn or renew status might want to choose Main Cabin fares. These all earn SkyMiles and Medallion Qualifying Dollars.

Some status and credit card benefits still apply

Frequent travelers are well used to the benefits of elite status, or from co-branded credit cards. You need to be aware of which of these benefits apply when traveling on basic economy tickets.

In general, the following benefits still apply:

• Complimentary checked bags.
• Priority check-in and boarding.
• Credit card discounts on pre-purchased meals and inflight purchases.

And the following benefits do not:

• Any access to SkyClub lounges (including for Delta Reserve cardholders).
• Any paid or complimentary upgrades.