Delta Basic Economy vs. Main Cabin - NerdWallet (2024)

Does the phrase “basic economy” send a shiver down your spine? Are you confused by Delta’s basic economy offering and how it compares to main cabin fares? Our guide on Delta’s basic economy versus main cabin experience is here to help.

Delta’s main cabin is the name of the airline’s regular economy product. Here, we’ll explain Delta’s basic economy versus main cabin, how to know what fare you’re booking and how to avoid the worst features of these budget options without paying extra.

Delta features six different cabin classes, which can seem overwhelming. But for the flyers who are concerned with the differences between main cabin and basic economy, here’s how the two fare classes compare:

Changes and cancellations

One of the most important differences between Delta basic economy and main cabin fares is the change and cancellation policy. Delta allows free changes on main cabin tickets on flights originating in certain regions but does not allow any changes on basic economy tickets.

So if you have to change your ticket for any reason, you’ll end up eating the entire cost of a basic economy fare. For this reason alone, main cabin fares are better for anyone seeking flexibility.

For cancellations, it's a similar policy. For main cabin fares and higher, Delta allows free changes to a different flight as long as it’s prior to departure. If your new flight costs more, you’ll owe the difference. If the new flight costs less, you’ll get the difference in an eCredit. Note there are some regions where a cancellation fee will also apply. For basic economy fares, a ticket cannot be canceled unless you’re in the 24 hour risk-free window.

Delta basic economy baggage rules

Unlike competitor United Airlines, Delta includes a free overhead carry-on bag as part of its basic economy fares. These bags are also included in main cabin fares. And both fares charge the same checked bag fees for domestic flights.

This means you don’t have to worry about comparing these fares based on the baggage you’re planning to bring. It is worth noting, however, that basic economy passengers board the plane last, so overhead bin availability may be low.

Earning miles and elite benefits

Another dealbreaker for some: Delta’s basic economy fares do not earn any SkyMiles or elite qualifying miles. This makes basic economy fares suitable for infrequent travelers who aren’t interested in rewards programs or earning miles for their travels.

Seat selection

The Delta basic economy seat selection policy doesn’t favor those traveling together. For basic economy fares, seats are randomly assigned after check-in, which means that you cannot select your seat.

So it’s not the best option for families or friends who are traveling together and are hoping to sit next to each other.

Upgrades

If you’re hoping for a Delta upgrade from basic economy to a higher fare class, you may be disappointed. Basic economy fares are not eligible for paid or complimentary upgrades.

Main cabin tickets on the other hand can be upgraded, and the likelihood of scoring an upgrade depends on many factors like your elite status and/or a Delta credit card that you hold.

Use the calculator below to determine the total cost of your ticket, and compare the tradeoffs of basic economy to main cabin.

Note: This calculator only applies to domestic flights. International baggage rules on Delta are more complex.

Using credit card benefits to travel in basic economy

Delta offers several branded credit cards, all of which offer priority boarding except the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. If you book a basic economy fare, this card can take care of the last-to-board problem, as well as the likelihood of having to gate-check your overhead carry-on when the bins fill up.

All these Delta cards (again, except the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card) offer at least one free checked bag, which can offset baggage fees. Remember that checked baggage fees apply to basic economy and main cabin fares alike.

Terms apply.

However, none of these cards help with seat assignments, which is often the biggest problem with basic economy, especially for families.

Flying basic economy with elite status

Similar to most branded Delta cards, elite status with Delta includes priority boarding regardless of fare type. Platinum Medallion members all board together, whether they have main cabin or basic economy seats.

Elite status also offsets checked bag fees, which are the same for basic economy and main cabin. And most importantly for many Delta elites, basic economy fares do not offer complimentary or paid upgrades. Depending on your level of status and the likelihood of receiving a bump to the front of the plane, it might be worth springing for the full main cabin economy fare.

The phrase “basic economy” has bad connotations for some, but Delta’s version of these low-budget fares is better than some competitors. You won’t get to choose your seat assignment, board early, get an upgrade or change/cancel your ticket after purchase, but you still get a free overhead bag.

Delta-branded credit cards and elite status can help you board early, which avoids the all-but-inevitable hassle of gate-checking your carry-on. But you’ll still be left without an assigned seat until check-in, which can be a real deal breaker for many travelers.