Delta is ditching 'basic economy,' but don't expect buying a ticket to be any simpler
The affordable tickets have been renamed Delta Main Basic.
Delta says the changes will provide more choice and clarity for customers.
Delta Air Lines is saying goodbye to basic economy — but don't worry, it's not actually going anywhere.
The airline on Thursday announced a rebranding of many of its fare categories, including an end to the "basic economy" moniker. The tickets will now be known as Delta Main Basic as part of a three-tier economy class — basic, classic, and extra — each with varying mileage accumulations, boarding groups, and flexibility for changes.
Delta Comfort+ has also been renamed Delta Comfort, while First Class is now Delta First. Delta Premium Select and Delta One remain unchanged. These four categories will each have classic and extra tiers, giving a grand total of 11 cost options to get from point A to point B.
The new names will give flyers "more choice and greater clarity," Delta said.
Main Basic will keep the familiar benefits (or lack thereof): seats not assigned until check-in, the lowest boarding priority, no miles, no bags, and cancellation fees with only partial credit refunds. It's a stark difference from the highest Extra economy ticket, which includes seat selection, earlier boarding, more points than the mid-tier, and a full refund.
Delta and most of its competitors first introduced basic economy fares around 2012 to compete with low-cost carriers like Spirit and Southwest. Despite their restrictions, they've proven a hit with budget-conscious travelers.
But lately, premium seats have been the money makers for airlines as they face a downturn in ticket sales. In late 2024, Delta President Glen Hauenstein told investors that the company is seeing more demand for premium than economy seats. As such, it's focusing additional capacity on these more expensive tickets, a strategy it hopes will triumph over budget carriers.
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