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Feb 22, 2020 • 5 min read
Should you choose a Basic Economy ticket when flying? This subclass of tickets strips away numerous comforts, leaving you with just your seat. Therefore, travellers should be cautious.
Basic Economy has become increasingly common, even among airlines that market themselves as ‘premium’ or ‘full-service’ carriers. While many airlines refer to it as Basic Economy, it may also be labeled as Hand Baggage Only, Saver, Light, or Saver Light.
One might wonder if economy class is not already basic. Certainly, you’re correct. When comparing regular economy with premium economy — which offers extra legroom and additional amenities — Basic Economy can be perceived as ‘economy minus’.
Why is Basic Economy Trending?
There are two main reasons for the rise of Basic Economy fares. Firstly, airlines are competing with long-haul, low-cost carriers, such as AirAsia X and Norwegian, which attract budget-conscious passengers. Traditional airlines, previously reliant on these travellers to fill their planes, now find it necessary to adapt.
Secondly, airlines can advertise lower fares, especially ‘lead-in’ fares promoted on flight comparison websites. However, this tactic can mislead passengers. They may see a compelling fare but later discover that it excludes many features customary in traditional economy tickets.
Upon reaching the booking page, passengers often face a popup outlining the restrictions associated with Basic Economy. If the cost of checking a bag with a Basic Economy fare exceeds the price difference to upgrade back to regular economy, the decision becomes clearer.
Understanding the Fine Print Can Lead to Savings
For solo travellers who pack light and have no issues sitting in less desirable seats, Basic Economy could be a viable option. For example, a one-way ticket from New York JFK to London Heathrow can be as low as US$351.
However, once you select your flight, you may be met with a popup detailing the Basic Economy restrictions. While it may be attractive to see a fare that is US$90 less than the regular Main Cabin fare, it’s essential to understand what you are sacrificing — such as flexibility in seat selection and ticket changes.
Beware of Variabilities in Bag Allowances and Seat Selection
Unfortunately for travellers, not all Basic Economy fares are identical. Some airlines restrict you to a small personal item only, while others might permit a regular-sized carry-on, dependent on your frequent flyer status or credit card affiliation. In fact, passengers with the cheapest tickets are more likely to encounter carry-on weight checks.
Seat selection also varies widely; certain airlines may allow you to choose your seat for an added fee, while others may not. Thus, you might find yourself forced to accept whatever seat remains available, making travelling with family or friends more challenging.
Moreover, these regulations can differ based on whether your flight is domestic, regional, or international, adding to the complexity of your travel experience. Consequently, it is vital to thoroughly understand inclusions and restrictions of Basic Economy fares before committing, to avoid incurring fees that can negate any savings achieved.
