Basic Economy: What You Get, What You Don't, and When It's Worth It

Basic economy is the cheapest fare on many full-service airlines. It's the same seat, with fewer rights.

Typical restrictions (vary by airline and route)

• Seat assigned at check-in, so families may not sit together without paying.
• Last boarding group, so overhead bin space may be gone.
• No changes or only for a fee; refunds rare.
• Fewer or no frequent-flyer miles and status credit.
• On some airlines and routes, no full-size carry-on.

When it's worth it

• Short flights, solo travel, firm plans, a small bag.

When to pay up

• When plans might change, you need a carry-on, or you want to sit together. Compare the price of the next fare up with the cost of adding the seat and bag.