Delta - Basic Economy - In the times of Covid

[KPeterso]

Normally, I would never consider booking Basic Economy for airfare as i like to pick my seat (preference of window). But, I am looking at airfare for my early March trip. Delta has announced they are keeping middle seats open until the end of March for distancing, so I don't think I would have to worry about a middle seat. I like the idea of saving a little money, but I am trying to figure out if there is also something I may not be thinking of. Carry on policy is fine with me. And looks like I still would get my free checked bag for using my Delta AMEX. So is Basic Economy ok in the time of Covid or should I just go for the regular main cabin? I would be solo so not worried about who I am sitting by (again middle seat should be open).

 

[spiders]

I am generally not a fan of basic economy tickets for the sole reason that you already mentioned which is no advance seat assignment. However, for all the reasons you also mentioned, sometimes it makes sense to do so. I've used it before on shorter flights where even during pre-COVID, if I got stuck in the middle, I can handle just about anything. As you mentioned, carry on policy is the same, they still honor your free bag with status or AMEX, and even though I've heard you're not supposed to get boarding priority, I've always gotten my normal boarding group.

For short flights and when you're solo, it's a no brainer to me.

 

[SL6827]

I just booked two tickets with Delta, (free) but I still went with the Main Cabin. One, my 16-year-old is with me and the plane is HUGE. If I had booked us the economy tickets we could have been put anywhere, thus being very far apart possibly.

 

[Bjkandma]

Since Covid, Delta has been filling the back of the plane, first allowing for distancing. I see no problem with basic economy.

 

[KPeterso]

I am generally not a fan of basic economy tickets for the sole reason that you already mentioned which is no advance seat assignment. However, for all the reasons you also mentioned, sometimes it makes sense to do so. I've used it before on shorter flights where even during pre-COVID, if I got stuck in the middle, I can handle just about anything. As you mentioned, carry on policy is the same, they still honor your free bag with status or AMEX, and even though I've heard you're not supposed to get boarding priority, I've always gotten my normal boarding group.

For short flights and when you're solo, it's a no brainer to me.

Well my flight will not be short (LAX to MCO) so about 4.5-5 hours. Again though with middle seats open, I am thinking is not such a big deal to go with Basic Economy. Flight prices are finally dropping fast for Delta for this route, so looking to book in next few days.

 

[EACarlson]

Make sure you check what type of plane you will be on. Delta is selling fewer seats but depending on the plane type you may still end up with someone next to you. All widebody planes they aren't selling the two seats in the middle of the middle section but are selling all the seats in the section on either side. Some of the smaller jets that are 2x2 seating they aren't selling the aisle seat on one side but are on the other. I believe it is the same in 2x2 premium cabins.

 

[KPeterso]

Make sure you check what type of plane you will be on. Delta is selling fewer seats but depending on the plane type you may still end up with someone next to you. All widebody planes they aren't selling the two seats in the middle of the middle section but are selling all the seats in the section on either side. Some of the smaller jets that are 2x2 seating they aren't selling the aisle seat on one side but are on the other. I believe it is the same in 2x2 premium cabins.

Being a long flight (LAX to MCO and I have flown it a number of times), it is a 3-3 configuration in Coach. So it should be middle seat open. I suppose the airline could move to a smaller plane. If that were to happen, could I then just pay the difference to buy my seats?

 

[lpereira]

What if come March they decide to fill the middle seats? Because they could. That's why I wouldn't buy basic economy right there. It's 2.5 months away and things could be different.

 

[KPeterso]

What if come March they decide to fill the middle seats? Because they could. That's why I wouldn't buy basic economy right there. It's 2.5 months away and things could be different.

The website and the emails from Delta all state middle seats are being kept open through at least 3/31. And the seating chart when booking shows the middle seats blocked. My trip would be 3/5 - 3/12. Do you think that they could suddenly rescind that statement? The middle seat open is one of the main reasons I want to fly them. Oh and I do like them anyway.

 

[butterscotchcollins]

To me one of the benefits of choosing seats is not getting stuck at the back of the plane, and sitting towards the front so I can get off that much faster.

Additionally in Basic Economy if you have any kind of status I think you're ineligible for an upgrade, where as in Main you could be put on the upgrade list.

Lastly idk if it applies to Basic bookings but Delta has permanently suspended all change fees, so if for some reason you need to change or cancel your flight there are no additional fees and cancellations become e-credits. I will not fly any other airline, the flexibility and security is important to me and a huge relief when planning travel these days.

 

[Cheburashka]

What if come March they decide to fill the middle seats? Because they could. That's why I wouldn't buy basic economy right there. It's 2.5 months away and things could be different.

If they were to change their stated policy like that, they probably would offer guests a refund. That is what JetBlue did.

I like the idea of saving a little money, but I am trying to figure out if there is also something I may not be thinking of.

One thing about Basic to consider is that if someone on your flight needs to get bumped, they will most likely bump someone who is flying in Basic.

 

[KPeterso]

One thing about Basic to consider is that if someone on your flight needs to get bumped, they will most likely bump someone who is flying in Basic.

Now that is an interesting point. As near as I can tell, the flight is totally open still --- just about all seats still showing available on this flight (looked at others and others have seats showing blocked). If I did Basic, there would be 2 more Delta flights that day on my route. Wish I knew how full the flights were going out right now.

And yes --- I am definitely overthinking this decision. And to not help things, United now has flights for $144 round trip. But I really am preferring the idea of the open middle seats on Delta. Ugh! I need to figure this out.

 

[TikiTikiFan]

And yes --- I am definitely overthinking this decision. And to not help things, United now has flights for $144 round trip. But I really am preferring the idea of the open middle seats on Delta. Ugh! I need to figure this out.

If it helps any... we flew United in November and both our flights were 100% full. Minimal mask enforcement, many guests kept their masks off to slowly sip water and no one said a word to them. It was pretty uncomfortable. That was the only time I’ve flown since all this so maybe that’s standard? But they’re definitely filling the planes to capacity.

 

[StageTek]

Well my flight will not be short (LAX to MCO) so about 4.5-5 hours. Again though with middle seats open, I am thinking is not such a big deal to go with Basic Economy. Flight prices are finally dropping fast for Delta for this route, so looking to book in next few days.

I fly that route often. On Delta with the AMEX Delta card.

I think you'll be fine. As you point out the issue with Basic is you may end up in a middle seat and that's usually worth the extra money for Main for me. But since that can't happen right now you know you won't get stuck in the middle or even sitting next to anyone.

Go for it!

 

[butterscotchcollins]

I fly that route often. On Delta with the AMEX Delta card.

LOVE my Delta Amex card. For any Delta frequent fliers I highly recommend.

 

[Erica Ladd]

Can anyone confirm if they are waiving change/cancellation fees on Basic Economy flights? It says "On all flights/tickets and all cabins fees will be waived - if eligible" so I'm trying to double check. It says thru March 2021