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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Here's a rundown of how earning Delta Medallion status still works in 2023: Delta rewards its most loyal members with special airline perks through its Medallion status program. Benefits include free checked bags, waived fees, bonus SkyMiles, complimentary upgrades and more.
With most airlines, there's no difference between the actual seats in the main cabin versus basic economy. But the policies outside of your seats — like how much luggage you can bring and how easy (and cheaply) you can change your flights — can be significantly different.
Delta allows free cancellations and changes on most main cabin tickets, but not on basic economy. Baggage rules are generally the same between the two fares (carry-ons are free with Delta Basic economy). Basic economy fares don't include seat assignments, which makes them less than ideal for groups and families.
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.
As of Jan. 1, 2024, those who hold a basic economy class ticket on a Delta flight will not be allowed access to any of the airline's airport lounges?even if they carry the Platinum Card by American Express or any other co-branded premium credit cards.
Let's break down what this actually means: On most airline basic economy tickets, you won't be able to select your seat ahead of time. Instead, you'll be assigned one at check-in or the gate. So you're not any more likely than any other passenger to get bumped from the flight.
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.
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.
After booking, you may be presented with the option to upgrade with miles at Delta.com or through the Fly Delta app. You can check your reservation at any time to see if this is an option. Alternatively, you can contact a Delta representative to upgrade with miles.
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.
Extra Legroom: One of the primary advantages of Delta Preferred Seats is that they offer extra legroom compared to standard seats. This additional space can make a significant difference in terms of comfort, especially on longer flights.
Basic Economy fares don't get complimentary seat selection.If you don't pay for a seat, most of the time your Basic Economy seat is going to be a middle seat. Economy Fares include seat selection, but some seats will cost extra.