I really hate the concept of Basic Economy fares. Two and a half years ago, I wrote this piece eviscerating them. And my opinion hasn’t improved. You may have sensed that from my headline.
In this article
The Point of Basic Economy Fares
When they were first rolled out, the airlines were touting them as a way to reduce fares. The concept was that it would make airlines able to lower prices to compete better for price-sensitive customers that wanted nothing more than a cheap seat.
But, they did not reduce fares. What they did was “net raise” fares because the fare that used to include a bag and seat selection no longer did, and the fare that did include these was suddenly priced higher.
Delta rolled out this “experience” first and then United and AA followed them. While Delta and AA removed seat selection along with the checked bag, United went further with not allowing any carryons. Basic Economy fares restrict mileage earnings, don’t allow any changes for any reason, and are generally designed to make the experience so miserable that you “upgrade” to a standard economy fare, often around $20-$40 more, though I’ve seen transcon fares vary by hundreds of $$’s to allow that seat selection and minor flexibility for changes (still with big fees!).
At least Delta has been, recently and noticeably, working to standardize and improve cabin service – and I see the fruits of that in discussions with frequent flyers who give the lousy Skymiles program a pass because they are very happy with their other elite benefits and flying experiences.
Recently, my favorite US airline Alaska Airlines caved and rolled out these awful fares, as has Virgin Atlantic (just with fun names like Economy Light).
And now, I guess finally, JetBlue has joined the club, naming their repugnant Basic Economy fare “Blue Basic.”
Only in select markets, this example fare “saves” $20 over the standard Blue fare.
JetBlue’s “Blue Basic” Basic Economy Fares
For that $20 in savings, you’ll happily still get a free carry on bag, but you’ll lose plenty.
Notably, even if you have Mosaic status, besides the lack of a checked bag (which is standard these days anyway), you will only earn 1/3 the TrueBlue points you otherwise would, you cannot standby, change, or cancel your flight for any reason whatsoever. You also can’t select a seat until under 24 hours before the flight.
Mosaics at least keep priority boarding for their status.
I have not seen any word if any credit card holders are exempt from any of the Blue Basic fare limitations.
JetBlue provided a grid of their new fares, which also includes a new “Blue Extra” which also excludes a checked bag, but allows faster boarding, a special security line, and free changes and cancellations.
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My Bottom Line?
These fares have taken over in the airline industry, but we don’t have to like them. The problem is that of course, with all major US airlines except for Southwest (which has said they do not plan to move to Basic Economy fares anytime soon), we don’t really have much choice but to suck it up – or pay up.
Thoughts?
Let me know here, on Twitter, or in the private MilesTalk Facebook group.
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