Not all people have the fortune of flying in lavish and extra comfortable cabin classes; thus, they select the cost-saving basic economy that might not give them additional perks or premium services, but it takes them to their hundreds or thousands of miles away destination without burdening their pockets. That’s exactly what Delta Airlines basic economy does.
There is no shadow of doubt that you will save a substantial sum of money by traveling in Delta basic economy, but would you agree to Delta basic economy restrictions to pare down your comfort and be locked in with no flexibility to adjust your booking even in case of a last-minute change or an emergency?
This does not at all mean that the Delta basic economy is useless or that you should not travel in it. All this depends on you and your travel needs. So let’s get to know the basic economy Delta in a better way.
What Is Delta Basic Economy?
Delta Airlines understands very well that the majority of travelers do not want to increase their travel expenses and want to save some bucks on every flight. For these travelers, Delta tailored a cabin class with the most restrictions to make it budget-friendly and labeled it Delta Airlines basic economy.
Basic Economy on Delta Airlines is a low-cost travel class that does not allow passengers to use additional perks and services that make the journey more convenient. Therefore, we insist that you do not just think about saving money when booking a Delta basic economy international or domestic flight, but also keep in mind what limitations you will have in it.
Here are the Delta Basic Economy rules and restrictions that will be applied to you while traveling in it:
- You won’t be entitled to Delta Basic Economy seat selection, which means you can not select your seat in advance and a random seat will be assigned to you during check in.
- You can not expect Delta basic economy seats together because all passengers in the basic economy cabin are assigned seats randomly. So, flying in Delta basic economy with kids is risky as the airline does not guarantee families will sit together. You may need to pay additional charges to get your kids’ seats next to yours in basic economy.
- No flexibility is provided to the Delta Airlines basic economy booking, restricting the change or cancellation of flights for the Caribbean, the US, and Canada, outside the risk-free 24-hour window. To change a flight, you will need to pay the Delta basic economy change fee once the risk-free 24-hour period ends.
- After the risk-free 24 hours, you can not cancel your flight to get a full refund; only a partial refund in the form of future travel credits will be issued after paying the Delta basic economy cancellation fee.
- As per the Delta basic economy rules, its passengers don’t get priority over premium economy and business class passengers, which means you will board the flight only after the passengers of higher classes.
- While traveling in basic economy on Delta Airlines, you do not earn miles and credit toward SkyMiles Medallion status. Furthermore, you won’t be able to upgrade to preferred or Comfort+ seats.
- Whether you are a member of Delta Sky Club or not, you won’t be able to enter the Delta Sky Club while traveling in basic economy.
Discover more: Know the Price for Delta Airlines First Class Ticket Booking
What Does Delta Basic Economy Include?
Although Delta’s basic economy restricts passengers from using premium services and some perks, the experience of traveling in basic economy can still be worth praising because of its seats, signature service, in-flight entertainment, complimentary drinks & snacks, and more benefits. Here you can check out what you can expect while traveling in basic economy on Delta Airlines:
- Standard Seats: Delta Airlines basic economy seats are 18 inches wide and have a pitch of 31-32 inches, offering a standard space to sit comfortably. Being honest, if the experience with Delta basic economy seats isn’t great, it’s not bad at all either.
- Low-Price Fare: Delta Airlines has kept the price of economy class the lowest in comparison to other cabin classes, allowing travelers to travel without the stress of fare.
- Baggage Allowance: As per Delta Airlines’ basic economy baggage rules, only the Delta basic economy carry-on bag and a personal item that fits under the seat do not incur any charges, while the Delta basic economy baggage allowance does not include a checked bag, which can be added with additional charges.
- Standard Seat Selection: Passengers in basic economy do not have an advanced seat selection facility; instead, they are treated with standard seat selection, in which passengers get their seats assigned during check-in.
- Standard Flight Boarding: Traveling in basic economy on Delta does not include priority boarding, which allows passengers to quickly board the flight and settle down before takeoff. Basic economy passengers do not board the flight until all other passengers board the flight.
- In-Flight Entertainment: Paying less does not mean bearing the time in Delta Basic Economy, but enjoy with its complimentary Delta Studio to watch movies, shows, and videos.
- Complimentary Snacks & Drinks: Delta Airlines strives to offer an affordable yet enjoyable experience; thus, it gives free snacks like Biscoff cookies and peanuts, and drinks (only non-alcoholic) like Starbucks coffee, which is nothing short of a premium drink, soda, water, juice, and tea.
- 24-Hour Free Cancellation: Basic Economy passengers on Delta Airlines get a 24-hour risk-free window to decide whether they want to keep booking or cancel it to get a full refund without any penalty or Delta Basic Economy cancellation fee.
Also check out: Save Money with Delta Airlines Group Travel
How Much Are Delta Basic Economy Fees?
Delta Airlines basic economy is the cheapest fare among all fares offered by the airline; thus, basic economy fares do not include many popular services and amenities, resulting in passengers having to pay an extra fee for each additional service like selecting seats in advance, including checked baggage, canceling flights, and many more.
However, the fee for any additional service acquired by a basic economy passenger is not fixed because it changes with the route. Generally, the Delta basic economy cancel fee is between $75 and $199 when a passenger requests to cancel the booking and receive an eCredit.
Can I Cancel A Basic Economy Ticket On Delta?
Yes, when the necessity of canceling a flight arises, Delta’s basic economy passengers can cancel it. However, the process of the Delta basic economy refund depends on the time of cancellation because Delta offers 24-hour risk-free cancellation to get a full cash refund, but outside this risk-free window, passengers incur a Delta basic economy cancellation fee alongside the remaining value of the ticket refunded in the form of eCredit for future travel.
How Can I Get Refund For A Basic Economy Delta?
Needless to say, Basic Economy fare on Delta Airlines is non-refundable as well as non-changeable, but there are some exceptions. You can get a full Delta basic economy refund for canceling your flight within 24 hours of the booking; otherwise, your refund amount will suffer a deduction of the Delta basic economy cancel fee and will be processed in the form of eCredit. Here are the simple steps to get a refund for basic economy Delta Airlines.
- Open the official website of Delta Airlines.
- Go to the My Trips section.
- Use your reservation number and last name to search for the booking you want to cancel.
- Click on the Cancel Flight button and proceed to the next step.
- Agree with the terms and conditions to receive the refundable amount.
See this also: How Can You Book Delta Multi City Flights?
How To Book Delta Airlines Basic Economy?
The easiest way to book Delta Airlines basic economy is either using the official website of the airline or contacting a trusted travel agency like AwareTravels, which provides quick solutions and instant flight booking confirmations on calls to avoid the hassle of internet searches and the sophisticated process of the website. These steps will help you book Delta basic economy ticket very easily.
Via Website
- Reach the official website of Delta Airlines.
- Go to the Manage Booking section on the website.
- Give details of your trip, such as the destination, departure, and dates.
- Choose Basic Economy while selecting your fare type.
- Search flights and choose one.
- Enter the passenger’s personal details.
- Pay the amount to get a ticket via email.
Via Travel Agency
- Simply dial the toll-free number +1 (800) 419-9920 of AwareTravels.
- Ask the agent to book a Delta Basic Economy flight for you.
- Keep following the agent’s prompts and conclude the process by paying the ticket amount.
Read more: Can You Hold Your Flight Tickets on Delta?
Can You Upgrade Delta Basic Economy After Booking?
No, Delta upgrade from Basic Economy after booking is now allowed. Since Basic Economy is the most restricted fare on Delta Airlines, you can not directly request an upgrade and earn Delta Basic Economy miles. There is an indirect method to switch to another class from basic economy even after booking confirmation, that is, canceling your basic economy ticket and booking another.
Since Delta’s basic economy is eligible for a full refund if canceled within 24 hours of the booking, you can get a full refund without the deduction of cancellation charges, and use your refunded amount towards the booking of a new ticket.
Conclusion
Delta Airlines Basic Economy suits best those travelers who are confident in their travel schedule and don’t need any flexibility, because it allows them to save extra money in exchange for the convenience of several travel perks like advance seat selection, flight cancellation, boarding the flight last, and more.
If you are fine with putting your convenience at stake in order to save some money, we would suggest that you go ahead with basic economy Delta Airlines and keep yourself financially strong. For a hassle-free booking of Delta Airlines basic economy, call us +1 (800) 419-9920.
FAQ’s
Yes, Delta basic economy carry on is included in the ticket alongside one personal item that can fit in the dedicated space for them overhead bin and beneath the seat, respectively.
No, flying in Delta basic economy does not earn you SkyMiles as well as Medallion Status.
No, a checked bag is not included in the Delta Basic Economy ticket; only one carry-on and one personal item are included.
Of course, basic economy on Delta Airlines is worth it for you if you prefer saving money over traveling in an extra comfort and luxury cabin because it does not offer extra legroom, lounge access, priority service, and other premium services.
Nope, SkyMiles are not offered to passengers flying in basic economy on Delta, even if they are members of SkyMiles program.
Since Delta Airlines does not offer free seat selection to basic economy passengers, they need to pay a fee to book a seat assignment as early as seven days before departure; otherwise, they will be assigned seats randomly after check-in or at the gate.
No, Delta does not guarantee families sit together in basic economy, where seats are assigned randomly. Travelers in Delta Basic Economy with kids can purchase seat selection to ensure their kids sit with them on the flight.
No, Delta’s basic economy tickets are not changeable except if changed within 24 hours of the booking.
Yes, you can change a Delta basic economy ticket only if your ticket has not exceeded the first 24 hours of the booking because basic economy tickets can be changed or canceled only within the risk-free 24-hour period. Does Delta Basic Economy include carry on?
Do you get miles for basic economy on Delta?
Does Delta Basic Economy include checked bag?
Is Delta Basic Economy worth it?
Does Delta Basic Economy earn miles?
How to choose seat on Delta Basic Economy?
Does Delta basic economy seat families together?
Are Delta basic economy tickets changeable?
Can I change a Delta basic economy ticket?