Flight Alert: BASIC Economy Is Expanding

What is a Basic Economy fare?

Basic Economy is an airfare class introduced in 2017  and largely expanded in 2018 by many of the major US airlines on select routes as a low-cost option for passengers who  require little-to-NO flexibility in their air travel.

​While you will still enjoy the same in-flight amenities as everyone else in the main cabin, these fares come with considerable restrictions.

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Online Search Engines VS Direct Airline Websites

Third-party online search engines may NOT disclose Basic Economy fares

• Google Flights does not disclose that a fare is Basic Economy until after you have selected all your flights, and it doesn't provide an option to exclude Basic Economy fares from your searches
• Kayak provides the option to exclude Basic Economy fares after each search is conducted, but not before
• Expedia and Travelocity appear to disclose it in the search results for US carriers, but not for international carriers or codeshare flights and no option to exclude from your searches​

Searching directly through an airline's website
US carriers' own websites always disclose Basic Economy fares in their search results and they also include an advisory window when a Basic Economy fare is selected so that you have no surprises.  

Note:  If you search and select your flights through a third-party site and then are redirected to the airline to complete the booking, it will bypass the airline's built-in Basic Economy advisory.

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What restrictions should I consider before purchasing a Basic Economy ticket?

There are key restrictions that a passenger will experience in exchange for the benefit of the low-cost Basic Economy fare.  These apply to almost everyone including program members with advanced status.

Avoid Unpleasant Surprises:  All airlines are not the same.  Always read each respective airline's fare rules and restrictions before purchasing.  Each of these is hyperlinked to its own Basic Economy page for your convenience.​​​

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Additional Basic Economy Notes

Baggage

• If you show up at the gate with a full-sized carry-on bag you will be required to formally check your bag paying all applicable Checked-Bag fees plus a $25 gate handling charge; your bag will be checked through to your final destination and must be picked up at the baggage carousel along with all other checked bags
• Free gate check for carry-ons is not allowed for Basic Economy ticket holders

Seats

• The airline will assign your standard, Main Cabin seat at check-in at no charge (preferred or extra-legroom seats may not be assigned)
• No seat upgrades allowed, not even for a fee or with advanced member status
• American Airlines will allow you to select a standard, Main Cabin seat within 48 hours of departure for a fee
• United Airlines will allow you to make your seat assignment in advance for a fee until check-in opens
• ​Delta does not allow advanced seat selection, not even for a charge

Additional Restrictions

• Board in last group
• Group/Family boarding not allowed
• No refunds
• No flight changes allowed, not even for a fee or with advanced member status
• Flying stand-by is not allowed

Very Limited Exceptions May Exist for...

• Frequent flyer program members with advanced status (large carry-on and boarding priority)
• Unaccompanied minors (seat selection)
• Passengers with a disability (seat selection)

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Note:  This information is not representative of all airlines, is not all-inclusive, was collected from the websites of listed airlines and is intended as general reference only, is subject to change without notice and is not guaranteed.  Consult your airline or travel consultant for the most up-to-date policies and procedures prior to booking or purchasing any ticket.  While we strive to provide the most accurate information, The Hill Guys Travel accepts no responsibility for your interpretation or actions taken as a result of reading this information.  You accept full responsibility for your own actions as well as  the consequences of those actions.