We get it—travel is getting expensive. And when budgets are tight, it makes sense to spend your money on experiences at your destination rather than the flight that gets you there. That’s where “basic economy” tickets come in. In recent years, more airlines have rolled out these stripped-down fares designed to lure price-conscious travelers with lower upfront costs. The tradeoff? Fewer perks and a lot more fine print. With a basic economy ticket, you typically can’t choose your seat, you’ll board last, and checking two bags for free is almost certainly off the table. So the big question is: are these bare-bones fares actually worth the savings?
Basic economy fares typically mean no seat selection, last boarding, and limited—or no—checked baggage. The appeal, however, is clear. “Basic economy is a good option for frugal travelers who don’t mind forgoing comfort to save on travel costs,” Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, told Travel + Leisure. He noted that these tickets can cost 20 to 30 percent less than standard economy, making them financially tempting for travelers focused on price above all else.
Still, that lower cost helps explain why basic economy consistently earns poor reviews. “It’s no surprise that the ‘Basic Economy’ experience is the lowest-rated ticket type in the J.D. Power North American Airline Benchmark,” Michael Taylor, senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail, and customer service at J.D. Power, told T+L. “With these fares, passengers are buying the right to board a plane and be transported to a particular destination with limited or no ‘perks’ of traveling.”
According to Taylor, airlines didn’t create basic economy to improve the flying experience—they created it in response to how consumers shop online. Because airfare is largely treated as a commodity, ultra-low fares push airlines to the top of search results. Travelers who book these tickets, Taylor explained, are typically deal-driven and brand-agnostic, much like grocery shoppers who buy only when there’s a coupon. “Airlines that offer bare bones service (and low fares) struggle to retain flyers for a second trip if they aren’t the lowest fare,” he added.
Flight Tip
Need advice on booking basic? Here are a few quick tips from Melanie Fish, a travel expert at Expedia, to help you decide.
Commit to the Flight: Basic economy tickets often come with strict no-change/cancellation policies, so be sure your travel plans are firm before booking.
Pack like a Pro: Use a personal item to the max. Invest in packing cubes and minimize liquids.
Check-In Early: If an airline allows basic economy passengers to select a seat at check-in, doing so early may increase your chances of securing a more desirable seat, either one by the window or in the aisle.
Use Airline Apps: Ensure you receive real-time updates about your flight.
Take Advantage of Status: Having status has its perks. Even with basic economy passengers with status can check a free bag, board early or change seats depending on the airline.
So who actually benefits from basic economy? Jesse Neugarten, founder and CEO of Dollar Flight Club, says it works best for solo travelers or couples who don’t need to sit together. “Basic economy can be a smart way to save if you don’t have kids or a group that needs to sit together,” he said. “You’ll give up things like seat selection, boarding priority, and sometimes even overhead bin space—but if you’re traveling light and just need the cheapest fare, it’s a good option.”
Neugarten emphasizes preparation. Packing light is essential, ideally sticking to a personal item that fits under the seat. He also recommends checking in as early as possible to improve seat assignment odds at the gate and avoid unnecessary fees. “For shorter flights, this is often all you need,” he said.
Cronin agrees, adding that travelers should book basic economy tickets directly through the airline whenever possible to avoid extra restrictions from third-party sellers. He also recommends downloading entertainment ahead of time, since basic economy fares may not include Wi-Fi or seat-back screens. “With basic economy fares, whatever you save on costs, you pay with perks,” he said.
There are times, however, when upgrading makes more sense. Cronin advises reconsidering basic economy for flights longer than four hours or when checked baggage is required. “The total cost of two checked bags often exceeds the fare difference between basic and standard economy,” he explained. International flights, he added, are another case where upgrades offer better value due to included meals, seat selection, and overall comfort.
Neugarten notes that travelers may still be able to upgrade without paying full price by leveraging points and miles. Many airlines allow mileage upgrades, which can deliver more value than redeeming points for economy tickets. “Combining miles with a cash co-pay is an underrated way to unlock premium seats,” he said.
One final caveat: read the fine print. Tiffany Funk, co-founder of point.me, warns that some basic economy tickets restrict upgrades entirely. She also points out that certain perks may be off-limits regardless of credit card benefits. “In the case of Delta, a basic economy fare won’t allow you to access the SkyClub using your American Express credit card benefits, even though you’d have access with a normal economy ticket,” she said.
