Like many of you, as we keep an eye on soaring travel prices, we’re beginning to question our sanity when thinking about a quick weekend trip away. A hop over to Denver used to cost around $100 and now it’s…$600+ each during ski season! For a 1.5-hour flight in economy! What!? Thankfully, it’s a short flight so don’t glare TOO hard at those flying all comfy-like in Business or First class from way back in steerage.
In the hopes of saving a little of your hard-earned cash, you might have noticed a relatively new seating class called Basic Economy popping up with some airlines and others completely devoted to it…but what’s the deal here? Is it actually going to save you some cash?
Take a little trip with me
Let’s plan a quick trip to use as an example (because I haven’t been anywhere since the broken leg trip to Scotland in October and I’m getting stir crazy).
To avoid ski season in Denver, let’s say we’re taking a trip for my birthday weekend in May (Happy Birthday to me!). This also puts us there before school is out for the summer, so it’s technically a low season and prices should be lower. We’re going from Friday to Monday (because who wants to work on Monday anyway?) around 5 PM both ways. Here is a look at our three main domestic airlines flying out of Springfield, MO – a regional airport, because most of us in the Midwest are not blessed to live near a major international airport.
I like to use Google Flights for a quick comparison of flight prices across all the major airlines. Once you see the prices and pick an airline, you can jump to that airline’s website to book (don’t forget to log in and add your miles number). There you will also see what is included in your ticket price and what you will have to pay even MORE for.
A quick note: each airline has its own name for each fare class and not ALL of them are included in this domestic example. That ALONE is extremely confusing. So behold – our fancy color-coded chart created by chart wizard Jason!
A few more notes
When shopping around for flights, take note of where your layover is happening, because it might not make sense. In this example, the United flight is direct from Springfield to Denver, but American takes us to Dallas, an hour and a half flight to our South which also means a longer flight from Dallas to Denver. Similarly, Delta makes us head to Atlanta first, which is just over two hours in almost the exact opposite direction we want to go before heading to Denver (and, probably, right over Springfield!).
There are also a few more details for the different airlines. Note that in almost all cases, a Basic Economy class ticket will put you in the last boarding group, which means overhead bin space will almost certainly be full by the time you board, so your carry-on is going to be under the seat in front of you. If it doesn’t fit, they’re going to charge you to check it. Also, keep in mind that while some flights are refundable, sometimes that means you get a travel credit, while other times you can get your money back.
American Airlines
Different ticket classes board the plane in different seating groups. For example, Main Economy boards with Groups 6-8, Main Plus and Main Select board with Group 5, and Business/First boards with Group 1.
Delta Airlines
Like American, different ticket classes will board with different groups. Beyond that, while most of the ticket classes will help you earn frequent flier miles, Basic Economy tickets usually don’t, and some ticket classes will gain you entry into some of the airline’s lounges or clubs (again, Basic Economy almost never does).
Choices, people!
Why are there so many choices?! Gathering all that info made me cross-eyed.
What this all boils down to is personal preference. Do you like to board first to get situated and be sure you can stow your carry-on above you? Can you handle being crammed into a little seat? How much luggage do you have? Do you need lounge access? Is there a chance you will have to cancel?
If you’re headed out with a backpack, can sit in tight spaces for a bit, don’t mind meeting new people from the middle seat, and filled your water bottle on the way to your gate, you might consider Basic Economy.
Or maybe you don’t care what the price is as long as you travel in comfort. Get comfy in that Business Class seat and make the most of it!
Me? I can handle a tight spot for a little bit if it’s on the aisle (aka, I can pick my seat) and I can board early enough to have space to put my backpack above me. But I’m totally cool bringing my own snacks and listening to a good book for a couple of hours. This typically lands me in an Economy class, but not Basic.
In the end, if you want flexibility or extra amenities, you’ll likely have to pay for them. But if you’re okay with a more spartan travel experience, Basic Economy might be the way to go.
The Final Bill
What this also points to is the Basic Economy ticket might not be the most cost-effective option for you. Looking at the American options in our table, that $299 price tag for the Basic Economy ticket might look appealing, but if you end up wanting to pick your seat (add up to $25), check a bag ($40), and possibly pick a slightly larger seating row (this can easily set you back $50-$80), the additional charges might end up making your ticket more expensive than a Main Economy ticket. So, knowing your preferences can help you sort through the many, many options and settle on the ticket that’s the best option for you.
Here’s another curve ball: if you have a co-branded credit card (like the one we have with United), it can score you all kinds of goodies including points AND miles, lounge access, free checked bags, upgrades, and other premium experiences. Jason wrote about this back in 2023 and told how we offset the price of the card in a SINGLE international trip.
Whatever you choose, we hope this helped a little. Prices are soaring and it’s always good to know EXACTLY what you’re paying for.
See you out there soon!
