The good news is that there are plenty of cheap traveloptions available these days including cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages. The bad news for some fliers is that thecheapest tickets from many airlines now only come without an unassigned seatand other benefits previously standard in economy seating.
American and United have followed Deltas lead in offeringan option called basic economy to compete with no frills, low cost airlineslike Frontier and Spirit. The benefit ofbasic economy is price and the ability to pay for only what is wanted, whetherit be a pre-assigned seat or access to an overhead bin.
The introduction of basic economy has reduced the number oftraditional economy fares that are available. Industry experts believe that further cuts to legroom may be a byproductof basic economy fares. Other cons ofsuch fares include surcharges on basic amenities.
An inexperienced flier can easily end up spending even morethan a standard fare by paying for things that are wanted such as seatselection, ability to carry-on bags, and upgrades. Purchasers of basic economy seats loseflexibility and refund or change options.
The following are tips on how to make the best of flying inbasic economy according to Ashley Rossi:
Beforepurchasing a basic economy ticket make of point of learning what is included insuch fares. Generally passengers aregiven a seat in the main cabin, free snacks and soft drinks, in-flightentertainment, but with the following restrictions: no access to overhead bins,your seats are assigned at check-in or you are charged a fee to select aspecific seat, no group or family seating, no flight changes or refunds areallowed (except for elite frequent fliers or eligible airline affiliated creditcard holders), and you are ineligible for upgrades or priority privileges. You also board in the last group.
Packlight to avoid hefty surcharges and check bag fees. Make sure you meet the baggage and weightrequirements for basic economy fares. You will need to travel with a bag that will fit under the seat in frontof you.
Improveyour chances of getting a window or aisle seat by checking in at the airport earlybefore others. You can also try to talkup the gate agent and with a big smile ask if you can pick from the remainingopen seats.
Bringyour own entertainment and snacks. Whilethe three largest legacy airlines (American, Delta, and United) provideentertainment, snacks, and beverages in basic economy on extended flights, onmany shorter flights with these airlines such services are limited. Carry-on a tablet (for reading or Internetuse), water bottle and snack packs.
Considerplurging on other perks while traveling such as purchasing a lounge day pass ormassage at the airport with the money you saved on your ticket. Many airport lounges offer free amenitiessuch as coffee, headphones, or snacks that you can take on your flight.
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