Delta Air Lines gets rid of Basic Economy fare. Here's what will replace it.
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USA TODAY's preview of Delta's new airplane interiors
A previous version of this video misidentified a level of class offered on Delta flights.
Delta Air Lines is renaming its fare classes, including folding Basic Economy into a new "Delta Main" category.
Delta Main will have three levels: Basic, Classic, and Extra, offering varying perks and restrictions.
Other fare classes like Delta Comfort and Delta First will also see name changes, but the onboard experience will remain the same.
These changes apply to flights departing on or after October 1.
Delta Air Lines is doing away with Basic Economy seating – sort of.
The airline will fold the base fare into its new Delta Main category – previously called Main Cabin – for flights departing Oct. 1 or later, part of a reworked ticket tier structure. Delta Comfort+ will become Delta Comfort and First Class will be called Delta First, the carrier said Thursday.
Premium Select, the airline's international-style premium economy service, and its Delta One business class will keep their names.
'As we listen and learn about what our customers want when it comes to their travel, we know that clarity and choice are paramount,' Eric Phillips, SVP and Chief Digital Officer, said in a news release. 'Our reimagined shopping experience gives customers more options and flexibility to pick the travel experience that works best for them, and a full picture of all the benefits of flying with Delta.'
What is replacing Delta's Basic Economy?
The Delta Main category will include three levels that the airline calls 'experience options.'
Delta Main Basic is the new Basic Economy, a bare-bones fare that comes with restrictions. Flyers will get their seat assignments after they check in, for example, and board in Zone 8.
Delta Main Classic comes with options for same-day standby, higher boarding priority and other perks, while Delta Main Extra customers get an even better boarding position, more miles per dollar and more. The four other categories of fares, meanwhile, will come with just two levels each: Classic and Extra.
'You can get the benefits you've become accustomed to when you book Classic – seat selection, no-fee cancellation and Same-Day Standby,' the airline said in an FAQ section on its website. 'Extra gets you more than Classic or our previous Refundable ticket option. With Extra, you can enjoy full refundability if you decide to cancel, earlier boarding, free Same-Day Confirmed options and more miles earned.'
That said, the new labels are not as different as they might sound. 'These are naming changes only and do not affect your in-flight experience,' Delta added.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
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