Is basic economy the same as main cabin?

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.



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Basic Economy provides a value for solo travelers and light packers who don't anticipate changes to their travel plans, since refunds and changes are not allowed. With Basic Economy, you'll enjoy: A Main Cabin seat.

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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. Love them or hate them, basic economy fares are here to stay.

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Delta main cabin is slightly more expensive than basic economy on most routes, but the upcharge provides a lot of value. For a modest price premium, you get the ability to choose your seat, change or cancel your flight, opt to use same-day standby when traveling domestically and earn miles toward Medallion status.

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With a basic economy ticket, you get just that: The basics, no extras. From not being able to pick your seat to having to cram all your clothes into a personal item, it's often worth paying more to upgrade to a main cabin fare and avoid the restrictions that come along with a basic economy ticket.

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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.

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Basic economy is a newer class for airline passengers meant to be an economic choice and fill up space on planes. Basic economy is a seat on a flight in economy class, but without some of the standard conveniences you've been used to.

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Keep in Mind, Basic Economy is Just the Basics A Main Cabin seat. Delta's signature service. Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages like Starbucks® coffee, tea, juice, sodas or water. Connect to Delta Wi-Fi to book, change, or check the status of your flight on delta.com.

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Food and beverages: In-flight refreshments are also the same as you would receive in the main cabin: snacks on domestic trips and full meals on international flights. Rewards earnings: Passengers flying basic economy on Delta will not earn redeemable Delta SkyMiles or credit toward Medallion status.

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Each passenger flying with Delta can bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item free of charge (such as a purse, laptop bag or item of similar size that will fit underneath the seat in front of you).

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Basic Economy You can't bring a carry-on bag unless you're flying to South America, across the Atlantic or across the Pacific. All other bags have to be checked. Note, if you check a carry-on at your gate, you'll be charged the standard bag fee plus an additional $25.

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Economy seats may also be called coach, standard or main cabin seats. These seats are generally narrower than in other classes (from about 40 to 48 centimetres wide). The distance between seats (front to back) ranges from 76 inches to 86 centimetres so there is less legroom than in Business or First class.

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The key to purchasing an upgrade—either using miles or cash—is doing so in advance. The sooner, the better. Initially, passengers can contact their airline post-booking a flight to check for any paid upgrade availability. The next best option is to ask at the check-in desk of your flight.

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It depends on the airline you're flying with, but it is generally cheaper to upgrade to business class at the airport than it is to book a business class ticket from the outset.

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