This guide outlines the key things you need to know about Delta Air Lines’ Basic Economy fares, including important details about baggage fees, seat selection, and mileage accrual. This information is crucial for making informed travel decisions and ensuring a smooth journey.
Basic Economy: Budget-Friendly Travel With Some Caveats
Let’s dive into the specifics of Delta’s Basic Economy fares, a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Price: Basic Economy fares are based on real-time pricing, so availability and costs can change. The great thing is, you can always check Delta’s website (delta.com) to get the latest information.
- Mileage: Unfortunately, Basic Economy tickets don’t earn miles in the SkyMiles program or contribute to Medallion Status. However, you can review all the details of the SkyMiles program and its rules in the Membership Guide, accessible on Delta’s website.
- Flexibility: Basic Economy tickets are non-refundable and can’t be changed. You’ll also have to wait until check-in to choose your seat, and upgrades are not available.
While this fare option offers affordability, it’s important to be aware of these limitations.
Packing Smarter: Baggage Fees and Allowances
Delta has implemented baggage fees for Basic Economy fares, so it’s crucial to pack strategically to avoid extra charges. Here’s a breakdown of baggage fees for various destinations:
United States (including Puerto Rico) and Canada:
- First checked bag: $35 USD
- Second checked bag: $45 USD
United States and other destinations:
- Caribbean, Central America (excluding El Salvador and Panama), Guyana, and Bermuda: $35 USD for the first checked bag and $45 USD for the second.
- Bahamas (North Eleuthera, Exuma, and Marsh Harbour): $35 USD for the first checked bag and $60 USD for the second.
- Mexico: $35 USD for the first checked bag and $45 USD for the second.
- El Salvador and Panama: $35 USD for the first checked bag (Basic Economy only) and $45 USD for the second.
- Ecuador and Colombia: $45 USD for the first checked bag (Basic Economy only) and $100 USD for the second.
- Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay: $70 USD for the first checked bag (Basic Economy only) and $100 USD for the second.
- South America (excluding Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay): $60 USD for the first checked bag (Basic Economy only) and $100 USD for the second checked bag.
- Europe: $75 USD or 70 EUR for the first checked bag (Basic Economy only) and $100 USD or 85 EUR for the second.
- Africa (excluding Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia), Middle East, and India: No fee for the first checked bag and $100 USD for the second (Basic Economy only).
- Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia: $75 USD for the first checked bag (Basic Economy only) and $100 USD for the second.
- Israel: $60 USD for the first checked bag (Basic Economy only) and $100 USD for the second.
- Asia (excluding Australia, New Zealand, China, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea): No fee for the first checked bag and $100 USD for the second (Basic Economy only).
- Australia, New Zealand, China, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea: No fee for the first checked bag and $100 USD for the second.
- French Polynesia: $60 USD or 50 EUR for the first checked bag (Basic Economy only) and $100 USD or 85 EUR for the second.
Important note: All baggage allowances are subject to size and weight restrictions. You can find more information on excess baggage by contacting a Delta agent or visiting Delta’s website.
SkyMiles: Earning Rewards on Your Travels
While Basic Economy tickets don’t contribute to SkyMiles rewards, other Delta fares do!
- Earning Miles: SkyMiles members can earn miles on most flights.
- Medallion Status: Earning miles can help you achieve Medallion Status, which provides exclusive benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding.
To delve deeper into the intricacies of the SkyMiles program, including earning miles, redemption, and travel benefits, you can find all the details in the Membership Guide.
Additional Information to Enhance Your Journey
Delta wants to make your travel experience as smooth as possible, so here’s some additional information:
- Seat Configuration: The seating configuration and amenities on your flight may vary based on the aircraft type. You can explore more about Delta’s seats and onboard experience on their website.
- Award Travel: Award travel is subject to taxes, fees, and carrier-imposed charges, which you’ll need to pay at the time of booking. Award seats have limited availability, so be sure to check early. Delta offers flexible change and cancellation options for Award tickets on Main Cabin and above for travel originating in the US and Canada. You can find more detailed Award Travel policies on the Travel With Miles page.
- Cancellation and Changes: Basic Economy tickets and tickets issued for travel originating outside the US and Canada are subject to fees for changes and cancellations. For a full overview of change and cancellation fees, visit Delta’s dedicated Change or Cancel Overview page.
Delta encourages you to share your travel adventures using the hashtag #SkyMilesLife on social media. Delta Air Lines reserves the right to use these photos and videos to showcase the joy of travel. You can find the full terms and conditions on Delta’s website.
Fly With Confidence and Comfort
Delta Air Lines is committed to providing passengers with a safe, enjoyable, and convenient travel experience. By understanding the key details about Basic Economy fares, baggage allowances, and SkyMiles rewards, you can plan your trip with confidence and ensure a smooth journey from start to finish. Remember, you can always find the latest information and updates on Delta’s website (delta.com) or by contacting a Delta agent.
