United basic economy can save you money. But if you've booked, or are considering booking, a United Airlines basic economy flight, here's what you need to know.

Basic economy fares don't include seat assignments, which makes them less than ideal for groups and families. Update: Delta Air Lines announced changes to its fares on May 15, 2025.

Meanwhile, Basic Economy isn’t the only ticket type to be renamed. First Class will soon be known as Delta First, while Comfort+ is being rebranded to Delta Comfort.

Delta announced a restructuring of its fare options, including renaming the basic economy ticket and introducing a three-tier economy class. Delta Air Lines 2025-05-16T16:01:47Z ...

Despite their restrictions, basic economy tickets have proven popular with budget-conscious flyers and likely won't fully disappear anytime soon.

Starting this month, Delta is removing Basic Economy from its booking options. But that doesn’t mean the budget-friendly ticket is gone for good. Instead, it’s getting folded into a new system.

Basic Economy will now fall under the Delta Main category, in which there are three tiers: Delta Main Basic, Delta Main Classic, and Delta Main Extra.

Delta Air Lines Inc. will stop selling tickets under the “basic economy” label that many large carriers have adopted in recent years to compete with no-frills offerings of discount competitors.

Despite their restrictions, basic economy tickets have proven popular with budget-conscious flyers and likely won't fully disappear anytime soon.