Basic Economy airfare is the latest money saving trend in travel. The major airlines are all trying to get on board and offer competitive fares with budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier. It’s certainly tempting to snag those tickets and pair them with your FLL off airport parking for maximum savings, but you have to be cautious. It’s well known that budget airlines such as Spirit or Frontier charge individually for everything. But it can be easy to overlook the fine print when you’re buying a ticket from a major airline. Don’t get caught spending more money than you would have with a standard ticket. Here’s how the major airlines compare.
United Airlines
All United Airlines passengers receive complimentary food and beverage service. The ticket includes one carry-on and a personal item. BUT you will be boarding last and if you check your bag at the gate you will be charged $25. Seats are assigned when you check in and unless you indicate that you are checking a bag you will not be able to check in online. You’ll have to wait until you get to the airport. Once your seat is assigned it cannot be changed, but you may get the option to pick a seat for a fee. No refunds, upgrades, or changes.
This ticket is a good option if you know you want to check a bag. The first checked bag on Basic Economy is the same price as for Standard Economy, $30.
Delta Air Lines
On Delta, there is no option to pay an additional fee to select your seat. It will be assigned after check-in. If your flight number is not printed on your boarding pass your seat may be assigned at the gate. You are allowed one carry-on bag and gate checking is complimentary. All complimentary in service amenities such as food and beverage or entertainment is included.
Families that want to sit together should not fly Basic Economy on Delta. At this time there is no loophole to choosing your seats. These tickets should be reserved for solo travelers or travelers who don’t mind sitting separately.
American Airlines
American Airlines offers a Basic Economy fare that includes one carry-on bag and a personal item. But note that your boarding group is 9 so there’s a significant chance you’ll be gate checking it. You can choose your seat for an addition fee 48 hours before departure, but be ready to pay up to $40 for the privilege. If you don’t select your seat you will be assigned one at check in. All American Airlines passengers receive the same in-flight services such as complimentary beverages and entertainment on select flights. This ticket will not be eligible for upgrades or changes.
These tickets are the best for AAdvantage cardholders. If you have one of their eligible credit cards you get to keep your priority boarding privileges and your checked bag benefits! Book Basic Economy and FLL off airport parking with your AAdvantage card to maximize your savings and value.
NOTE: JetBlue does not currently offer a Basic Economy fare, but they did announce late last year that it would be available in 2019. No start date or details have been announced.
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