The Fine Print On �Basic Economy’ Airline Tickets

Alaska announced its "Saver Fare" in April 2018, and it's basic economy in everything but name. Though Alaska's version of the no-frills ticket gives you a seat assignment as soon as you book and your carry-on won't cost you extra, your seat will always be in the back of the plane, and you'll be the last to board. Once the 24-hour cancellation period (a federally-mandated rule for all flights booked in the U.S.) passes, you won't be able to cancel or change your ticket. You won't even be able to upgrade your seat, so if you've got buyer's remorse, tough luck. The fares will begin rolling out in January 2019.

Allegiant Air does not specifically have basic economy, but its all-economy, la carte model fits the bill. You have to pay for seat selection (up to $80 if you want extra legroom), a carry-on ($10-$75 each way, depending on distance), changing or canceling your ticket ($75), and even printing your boarding pass at the airport ($5). So, unless you put out for the fees and additional perks, you're flying basic economy.

The Fine Print On Basic Economy Airline Tickets

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Starting September 5, 2018, American Airlines' basic economy will include a free carry-on bag (wohoo) in addition to a personal item. You won't get a seat assignment until you check-in, unless you want to pony up $10-$40 to choose your own seat 48 hours before your flight. Regardless of your seat, you'll be in the last boarding group, but since you won't have to fight for bin space, it's not the worst feature.

Know that other than paying for a seat assignment, you won't be able to upgrade your ticket or change your flight after booking. You'll get the same in-flight service as every other passenger, like complimentary drinks and access to the entertainment systems. Even if you're an elite or card-carrying AAdvantage member, qualifying status miles are cut in half if you buy a basic economy fare.

American also has basic economy on select international flights. In addition to your personal item, you can bring a carry-on for free, but checked bags are not included in your fare. At any point, you can pay for a seat assignment or get a randomly assigned seat at check-in for free. The tickets are otherwise the same as they are on domestic flights in basic economy.

Delta may have been the first U.S. carrier to introduce basic economy, but its fares have gotten more bare bones each year. Today, you can't pick your seat (it'll be assigned at check-in) nor can you change, cancel, or upgrade your ticket after purchasing, even if you have elite Medallion status. You will get a free carry-on, though, and your first checked bag will cost the usual $25 each way on domestic flights. As with other basic economy fares, you'll get the same treatment once on-board, with free drinks and in-flight entertainment.

Delta also has basic economy on many of its international flights. All of the above applies, but your first checked bag will be $60 on flights between the U.S. and Europe or North Africa. (On those same European and North African routes, all other passengers get at least one free checked bag.) Almost all other international carriers allow one free checked bag, even in basic economy.

Much like Allegiant Air, Frontier is basic economy by default. Carry-ons cost $30-$60, depending on whether you pay for your bag at booking or at the gate. Checked bags are $25 to $60 and seat selection starts at $6. Changes to your itinerary cost $99.

Hawaiian is the most recent airline to add basic economy in September 2019. Its Main Cabin Basic launch has been a long time coming, since its CEO started been hinting at a basic economy fare back in December 2017. The fare includes one free carry-on and a personal item, plus a complimentary meal on flights to and from Hawaii like all other passengers. You won't be able to select your seat before check-in, change flight or itinerary, or upgrade to Extra Comfort or first class. You'll also be among the last to board (so don't be surprised if you have to gate check your carry-on). As for all Hawaiian passengers, you'll have to pony up $30 for your first checked bag.

The airline's Grab & Go fares are essentially also basic economy. You can only bring a personal item only (17 x 13 x 9 inches). If you want to carry-on a small bag or check a larger one, but not both, you'll have to choose another fare class (Check & Go or Store & Go). Change fees start at $50 and seat selection on Sun Country starts at just $2, based on the route.

United was the last of the "Big Three" carriers to join the international basic economy fray, but join it has: After announcing earlier this year that it would be rolling out the bare-bones fares on routes to Latin America and Europe sometime in 2018, United has specified they will begin selling transatlantic basic economy tickets on June 5. You'll get pretty much what you get with an economy ticket: seat selection, free personal item and larger carry-on, regular boarding, and all of the in-flight entertainment and meals you otherwise normally would. The fine print: You'll pay $60 for your first checked bag, and won't be able to upgrade, change, or refund your ticket. United partner Air Canada will also introduce a similar product at the same time, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

Also, "someone knew someone" who flew United's Basic Economy and were treated as a stand-by passenger. Even though they had purchased the BE ticket, they weren't guaranteed a seat on their booked flight. I read the fine print before booking and no where was this even hinted at. Anyone heard anything on this?

does this mean cash returned to your credit card or a travel credit that must be used within a year...Boy europe trips are reasonable from the east coast US to Europe in basic economy. I just am reluctant to commit to "basic economy"...thanks

Guys - George is looking to buy a fully refundable economy ticket, not basic economy. He just wants to reassure himself that fully refundable means what it says, that you get the money back and don't have to accept a voucher. I would check the t&c carefully to be sure but that's what I have always understood to be the case.

I think the other thing that made people, including me, believe he was talking BE was that he said trips to Europe are reasonable. Most fully refundable tickets, even in economy, are rarely considered reasonable by most people.

If George wants to buy cheap flight tickets to Europe then the only scenario where the airline will refund in full is if IT cancels the entire flight - otherwise he like every other passenger needs to buy good travel insurance to cover the potential risk of needing to change his plans

I'm sure most of you are all aware by now that beginning Feb 1, 2025, Amex Platinum members will only be permitted 6 lounges visits a year. However, I only now realized in the fine print that beginning Jan, 2024, basic economy tickets will no longer grant Amex Platinum members lounge access.

Basic economy first began as a pushback by major airlines against the eye-catching ticket prices of ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines, Allegiant, Norwegian, Frontier and the now-defunct WOW Air. In 2012, Delta became the first major US carrier to introduce basic economy to travelers looking to save money on its North American flights, then it expanded that fare class in 2018 to include transatlantic flights, as well. American and United both followed suit, adding their own version of basic economy to international flights in 2018, too.

Advance seat assignments are not included in basic economy, though many (but not all) airlines allow basic economy passengers to choose a seat at check-in. Ticket changes or refunds are not allowed, and basic economy travelers will not be allowed paid or complimentary upgrades to premium seats.

You can still check a bag with a basic economy ticket; however, it will cost you, and the total depends on your destination and airline. The checked-bag cost associated with basic economy is typically the same as the cost to check a bag in main economy: around $60 USD to Europe for a first bag and $100 for a second, and $30 for a first bag and $40 for a second for most of the Caribbean and Central America.

Unfortunately, most basic economy fares are not eligible for refunds in the event of cancellation, though a federally-mandated rule does allow you to cancel all tickets within 24 hours of booking, no matter the airline, as long as you booked directly with the airline and at least a week out from travel. Some airlines like Avianca allow changes, but for significant fees. The cancellation or change policy for your ticket can typically be found under the fare rules and varies per airline.

You will need to look at the fine print on ticketing papers you agreed to with Expedia and start there. Most people here book directly with the airline but there be may be some who occasionally book with a non airline seller. I wish you the best with your surgery, recovery and future travel.

Since Expedia states that they don't charge any fees beyond those of the airline, you shouldn't see a cancellation fee. The online instructions are to log into your Expedia account - you should be able to cancel or rebook on your own. If you cancel, the credit will remain with Expedia, so you'll have to book the new flight there as well. But if you just booked these tickets at recent inflated prices, you should be able to purchase your new future tickets at much lower prices - maybe enough to pay for an upgrade.

My first attempt was to Expedia. Told tickets (economy) not refundable or eligible for credit. Then told I need to cancel my tickets (Economy) Then I could file with airline for medical refund at refund@AMEXTravel.com . Airline will consider a refund or reissue fee waiver on case by case basis.

The tickets need to be canceled prior. I suppose this give then time to sell them again. I plan to contact Visa next to see what they might do. I will try to inform you with what happens. I'm sure there are some who say :"you should of gotten insurance".. Yes, hind sight is 20/20. First time Ever having problem like this. Was trying to save money to afford the trip. be457b7860