5 Ways To Make The Most of Basic Economy And Beat The Airlines At Their Own Game

I have not flown basic economy yet.

I have a free trip coming up to New York City – or at least I plan to.

I have the points, but just have a lot going on.

As I was looking at flights on both American and Delta, I noticed that I save points if I book basic economy.

When Basic Economy was introduced two years ago, like everyone, I thought I would never consider it.

Now that airlines include a free carry-on, I have a different tune.

If you are paying cash, you should save about $60 or more for a round trip ticket.

It can be worth it from what I read if you understand what you are getting and know some tricks.

What is basic economy?

Airlines have to keep up with budget airlines like Frontier and Spirit.

These airlines have always offered something like basic economy.

Basically, for a lower price, you don’t get to select your seat, have to board with the last group, and don’t get an upgrade.

If you don’t like this, you just pay an average of $20-60 each way for regular economy.

So, basic economy can save you some money.

Before many airlines allowed you to carry on luggage, this was ridiculous.

If I was going to pay $25 for normal carry on, I could just get regular economy for the same price.

Since they allow a carry-on, my tune has changed.

I think the worst thing is that you will more than likely end up in a middle seat now.

I have not flown in three years.

I took 3 years off flying.

I will explain in a later post.

My three years off resulted in the start of this blog.

Basic economy started in 2017, so my flight to New York will be my first basic economy flight.

5 Ways to beat basic economy

1. Know what is included

Know what to expect.

Here is a list of what each airlines give and does not give:

Jet Blue

Do get:

• Seat in main cabin
• free snacks and soft drinks
• in flight entertainment
• free wifi

Don’t get:

• to select seat before check in
• early boarding
• change fare

Delta

Do get:

• Seat in main cabin
• free snacks and beverages
• entertainment
• free carry-on bag’

Don’t get:

• No seat selection until check in
• No upgrades
• No refunds of cancellations
• No early boarding

American

Do get:

• Seat in main cabin
• free drinks and snacks
• entertainment
• one carry-on

Don’t get:

• No seat selection without fee
• No flight changes or refunds (unless you have elite status)
• No upgrades
• Can’t board early

United

Do get:

• Main cabin seat
• free snacks and entertainment
• Access to wifi
• No early boarding

Don’t get:

• No selection of seats before check in
• No access to overhead bin
• No upgrades
• No refunds or changes
• No early boarding

2. Check in early

The main drawback of basic economy is you will more than likely get the dreaded middle seat.

All airlines allow you to check in 24 hours before the flight departs.

This is your chance to get a window or aisle seat. If you are a family, this may be the time to find seats together.

If you don’t find what you want the first time, check back each hour until you do.

Sometimes, you will still end up with a middle seat.

3. Pack lightly

Most airlines will let you have a small personal item and carry-on luggage.

Make sure you are meeting carry-on and personal item requirements for weight and dimensions.

You don’t want to be charged extra for a checked bag and defeat the savings of basic economy.

4. Bring your own snacks and entertainment

Even though the airlines listed above listed free snacks and beverages, it may be limited.

Bring a tablet or IPad for entertainment so there are no surprises.

5. Use your credit card or elite status

Elite status and airline credit cards will get you around the negatives of basic economy.

Both elite status and an airline credit card will allow you to board early instead of with the last group.

Most will give you a free checked bag.

Who is basic economy for?

• You travel alone
• You don’t fear a middle seat
• You won’t change plans
• You don’t have elite status

Who should avoid basic economy?

• The price saved does not save money (do your research)
• If you are traveling with small children
• If you must sit together as a group or couple
• If you might want an upgrade
• If you have a long flight

Summary

I have not flown in basic economy yet.

As I explained earlier, I took three years off flying.

I have a flight coming up to New York City.

Since they now allow a carry-on the normal small suitcase size (20 inch), I will probably choose basic economy for my first flight.

I tend to travel carry-on only on flights anyway.

Really, the middle seat is the biggest deal.

So I will be using these tricks myself.

I like anything that saves money on travel or uses less points.

Airlines don’t want you to buy Basic Economy.

They want you to spend more money for Regular Economy.

Basic economy made no sense when it first debuted in 2017 and you had to pay the extra money for a carry on.

On short flights in the United States this may be an ok deal today if you are traveling solo or other circumstances.

I have flown everything from first class to Comfort +.

Read my review after I take the flight.

It may take me a couple of months to get to New York though.