Low Fare with Restrictions. Save with Basic Economy, but please remember refunds and upgrades are not available at any time. Basic Economy is best for those traveling by themselves with firm travel plans.
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Economy Plus and upgrades: Travelers with Basic Economy fares are only eligible to purchase Economy Plus seating at check-in and are not eligible to purchase premium cabin upgrades, use their Economy Plus subscription benefits or purchase United Travel Options packages.
Basic economy fares are cheaper than main cabin. However, you lose out on flexibility for flight changes and/or cancellations, seat selection options and the ability to earn miles at a high rate.
Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed in most cases; however, you may be able to cancel minus a cancellation charge as outlined below, and apply the remaining value, issued as an eCredit, toward a future Delta ticket.
Those who book basic economy tickets won't be able to select seats; instead, a seat will be randomly assigned to each passenger after check-in. This includes families and groups who are traveling together — expect to be split up when booking a basic economy ticket.
Only itineraries that are wholly operated by Delta or Delta Connection are eligible for post-purchase upgrades at this time. Additionally, Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for upgrades.
If you've already booked your flight, you can still buy a Main Cabin Extra seat. If you bought a Basic Economy ticket, boarding restrictions still apply.
If luxury and extra legroom is really important to you, book it in advance. However, if you're perfectly willing to fly economy class, and willing to roll the dice, a last-minute upgrade can be the cheapest option. You may even get lucky and score a free upgrade.
With a non-refundable ticket, you can change your flight when you pay a change fee of $0-$400, depending on your travel route, plus the price difference. As a reminder, Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable in most cases, but may be canceled for a partial eCredit.
Basic Economy fare tickets cannot be changed*. However, you have up to 24 hours from the time you first buy your ticket to cancel and get a refund if you booked at least 2 days before departure. After 24 hours, refunds are not allowed.