For years, airline passengers have faced a dilemma when booking flights: Do you buy a standard ticket, or brave the constraints of basic economy and save some money?
Get ready to make more decisions like this—even if you don’t fly economy.
Last week, Delta officially introduced the no-frills “Basic” concept to its Delta Comfort cabin with more legroom.
On certain flights, you can now book a streamlined Delta Comfort Basic fare.
Passengers can still enjoy the airline’s in-flight perks such as wider seats, early boarding and free alcoholic beverages.
But you also have to deal with some new, fundamental economic constraints.
For example, Comfort Basic passengers will not be able to choose which Comfort seat they want to sit in. They earn fewer SkyMiles miles than passengers who purchase full-price Comfort Classic tickets. Passengers with Medallion Elite status can forget about the first-class upgrade when booking one of these tickets.
It’s the latest in a series of moves Delta has made in recent months to significantly expand its fare selections — each with their own price points, travel benefits and loyalty considerations.
The Atlanta-based airline sees this as a way to provide customers with more choices.
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But it also means it’s more complicated when deciding which fare is right for you.
Here’s information about these latest changes.
Delta Economy Basic Comfort: What you need to know
Delta Air Lines officially launched the Comfort Basic cabin on November 19 as a streamlined version of its Comfort cabin with more legroom.
Currently, it’s only available on “select” domestic flights, so you probably won’t see it next time you book.
Delta Comfort Basic passengers will still have access to the airline’s extra-wide seats, complimentary alcoholic beverages, dedicated overhead bin space and 3-zone boarding.
But there are some new limitations to be aware of.
What are the similarities between Delta Comfort Basic Economy and Basic Economy?
Some of these restrictions are reminiscent of Delta’s Basic Economy (now “Main Basic”) fares:
| benefit | Delta Comfort Economy Basic Limitations |
|---|---|
|
Seats are assigned after check-in, so you may be stuck in the middle seat and may not be seated next to your traveling companion. |
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Even if you are a Medallion Elite member, you are not eligible for a First Class upgrade. |
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No same day changes allowed. |
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If you want to cancel your ticket, you’ll need to pay a fee, just like a basic economy fare. |
Read more: Delta Air Lines will update its planes with more comfortable seats
What is the difference between Delta Comfort Basic and Main Basic?
Meanwhile, some other restrictions are a little more relaxed than the basic coach fare – after all, this is a more premium ticket.
| benefit | Delta Comfort Economy Basic Limitations |
|---|---|
|
SkyMiles and Medallion Qualifying Dollars Earnings
|
Unlike Delta Main Basic, you will Actually earn SkyMiles and MQDs.
But for every $1 spent, the number of miles earned will be reduced by 2 miles. |
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Delta Comfort+ Basic flights with Sky Club access will Allowed access to airline lounges. Main Basic passengers are not allowed to enter Sky Club. |
Plus, unlike Delta’s low-cost economy tickets, Comfort Basic is no Currently available for award bookings.
Read more: Delta Air Lines’ new Sky Club access restrictions are now in effect: What to know about the changes
Who is Comfort Basic suitable for?
Essentially, Comfort Basic is a way to get into the airline’s more spacious comfort cabins at a lower price, but you’ll sacrifice some flexibility and SkyMiles loyalty benefits.
Book a basic flight on Delta Comfort+
This new option may appear as one of three available options (Comfort Basic, Classic and Extra) when you book a Delta Comfort+ ticket.
As shown above, Delta Air Lines Comfort Extra fares include additional benefit:
- Fully refundable
- Earn extra SkyMiles and MQDs
- Upgrades are given higher priority than passengers on Comfort Classic fares
- Free same-day confirmation of changes
An ever-expanding menu of fare types
For those paying attention, that brings up to 12 fare products for different cabins on Delta.
| cabin | fare products |
|---|---|
|
Basic, Classic, Extra |
|
|
Basic, Classic, Extra |
|
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First Class (Delta Domestic First Class)
|
classic, extra |
|
Premium Select (Premium Economy)
|
classic, extra |
|
Delta One (the airline’s flagship business class experience)
|
classic, extra |
More “basics” to come
Delta doesn’t stop offering comfortable seating areas.
Expect to eventually see a “Basic, Classic, Extras” setup in the most luxurious cabins.
Yes, that could mean “basic business” fares in the future; Delta executives say the range of fare types the airline offers in economy, including basic options, could become models for its front cabins.
“I think the segmentation we’ve done in the main cabin is a template that we will introduce into all of our premium cabins over time,” Delta President Glen Hauenstein said in July. “It’s all about giving people more choices, more pricing options and more products and services in every cabin.”
Of course, this also means you have more decisions to make when booking your flight.
What about other airlines?
So far, archrivals American Airlines and United Airlines have not deployed similar “basic” options for their extended-legroom seating areas – American’s Main Cabin Extra and United’s Premium Economy.
But this summer, United backed away from hints of expanding the menu of ticket types it offers. So don’t be surprised if other airlines take a similar approach in the future.
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