Delta Main Cabin vs Basic Economy: The Difference

Do you also get confused when opening Delta’s official website and the two options that pop up while booking the flight? 

• The Main Cabin
• The Basic Economy

Is there a severe price difference between them? Does the Basic economy provide the same facilities as the Main Cabin? If not, which one should you choose? In this blog, we will clear all your doubts regarding this question.

Delta’s main cabin, also known as Class X, is the name of the airline’s regular economy product. Here, we’ll explain delta main cabin vs basic economy, how to know what fare you’re booking, and how to avoid the worst features of these budget options without paying extra.

A Quick Comparison: Delta Main Cabin vs Basic Economy

Before jumping off to differentiate between Basic Economy and Main Cabin, look at the overview and what essential difference they have. 

Baggage Allowance	Basic Economy	Main Cabin
Checked bags	Starting at $35 for your first bag.	Starting at $45 for your first bag.
Seat assignments	At check-in.	Before check-in.
Overhead carry-on bag	Free of cost	Free of cost
Qualifies for elite benefits	No	Yes
Changes	Not allowed.	Flights originating in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, India, and the Caribbean are free.
Upgrades	No	Yes
Earns miles	no	yes
Boarding group	last	Second to last

Basic Economy: A Runthrough

As the name says, the Basic Economy is like every other “Economy” flight. It was introduced to compete with other affordable airlines. With low fare costs, passengers have to compromise a lot with comfort. Basic is a good option if one wants to experience a flight without losing the pocket. Plus, Delta is said to be one of the loyal airlines with excellent facilities. Therefore, giving a try to its cheap fare flight is not a bad deal. 

“Keep in Mind, Basic Economy Is Just the Basics,” says Delta. Hence, one should not expect much from this section of flight. The Basic Economy will provide value for solo travelers and light packers who don’t anticipate changes to their travel plans since trip flexibility is limited.

What to Expect? 

While entering for a basic economy, here’s everything you will experience with Delta. Have a look below!

• A Main Cabin seat: Also known as regular economy, the Basic economy includes complimentary seat selection. Delta’s Basic Economy offers lower fares but has restrictions like no seat selection and limited overhead bin space due to boarding last, making it less flexible than Main Cabin. 
• Delta’s signature service: Whether you are traveling in the basic economy or the main cabin, Delta’s signature service will be provided to everyone. From the staff to cleanliness to the onboard meals, passengers will get the best quality treatment according to the fare they pay.
• Complimentary Drinks or Snacks: To create a welcoming environment, passengers will receive non-alcoholic beverages like Starbucks coffee, tea, juice, sodas, or water. 
• Connect to Delta Wi-Fi: Customers can use the in-flight Wi-Fi but not for entertainment; it can only be used to book, change, or check the status of a flight on delta.com.

Advantages of flying in Basic Economy 

Delta’s basic economy is significantly different from that of the main cabin. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the limitations for smarter travel.

Baggage and leisure

Even if you are traveling with the basic economy, you will be allowed to bring the same amount of baggge as the Main one, i.e., a bag that fits under the seat, in front of you, and then a giant carry-on bag to fit in the overhead bin above your seat. However, as Basic Economy passengers board last, so there may be limited overhead bin space to store bags — plan and pack light if you’re on a Basic Economy fare.

Seat Selection

No seats will be assigned until after the passenger checks in. Basic Economy passengers do not have a seat choice and are randomly assigned at check-in. If a passenger’s seat number does not appear on their boarding pass, the seat will be assigned at the gate before they board.

Ticket Changes and stand-by  

The basic economy is Delta’s most restrictive ticket option. No changes are allowed on these trips under any circumstance. On a Basic Economy ticket, there’s no amount of money that passengers can pay to change their ticket. If passengers are willing to make a change, they’ll lose the total fare value of their ticket and will essentially start over from scratch.

Refunds and Cancellation

If a passenger wishes to cancel their ticket and receive a credit, they’ll need to pay up to a $199 penalty and receive the remaining difference as an e-voucher. However, most Basic Economy tickets will be under this amount, and the passenger will likely forfeit the entire ticket value in most circumstances.

Basic Economy tickets are also not eligible for same-day standby or same-day changes, even for elite passengers.

Boarding 

Basic Economy passengers are the very last passengers to board the aircraft. A Basic Economy passenger can avoid this by being an elite member or a Delta-branded credit cardholder, allowing them to board earlier. 

Rebooking

When you book a Basic Economy ticket, you’re among the last on your aircraft to be accommodated on other flights, as passengers on traditional Main Cabin tickets will first be protected on alternative arrangements. Generally, elite-status members will receive help no matter what ticket type they are on. Still, if you’re on a Basic Economy ticket without status, it may be challenging to get rebooked since other options may be full.

Main Cabin: A Runthrough

Passengers who choose the Main Cabin will enjoy more flexibility, including the ability to select their seat prior to departure, earn miles on non-Award Travel as a SkyMiles Member, and more. Though it doesn’t get any premium benefits with this ticket, a standard benefit is expected when flying. Typically, there will be more main cabin seats on any given aircraft than any other seat, as most fliers choose this option for its convenience and affordability. 

What to Expect? 

Things one could expect with main cabin flight tickets: Here’s everything you will get at the Main Cabin. Have a look!

• A Main Cabin seat but better: Whether customers choose to upgrade their seat to a premium cabin or select a different seat, They can choose an available seat that works. 
• Eligible to Purchase Upgrades: With Main Cabin, the passengers are eligible to earn miles for their flight and earn toward Medallion Status. They may also purchase upgrades to Preferred Seats and premium cabin experiences.
• Drinks and snack boxes: For over 250 miles, passengers can enjoy complimentary snacks on every flight. Flights will feature Coca-Cola beverages and juices, making passengers sit back, snack, and feel relaxed. On international routes, passengers will enjoy a complimentary meal in the Main Cabin. With every meal on long-haul international flights, enjoy complimentary beer, wine, and spirits.
• Entertainment facilities; Delta Studio: Unlike the basic economy, customers will have the in-flight entertainment facility with complimentary earbuds. Passengers can enjoy 1,000+ hours of free entertainment with the latest films, your favorite TV shows, Spotify playlists, podcasts, and more!

Advantages of flying in the Main Cabin

It is obvious to ask if one wants to choose a main cabin instead of the basic economy while paying extra, what facilities will it provide, or if there’s not any significant difference, why should an extra penny be spent? Have a look!

Baggage

While purchasing a traditional Delta Main Cabin ticket, passengers are allowed to bring two carry-on bags: 1 to fit under the seat in front of them and 1 to put in the overhead bin. They can also purchase checked bags or additional checked bags if they get the first one for free.

Seat Selection

Whether passengers want to upgrade their seat to a premium cabin or select a different seat, they can choose an available seat that works for them and their travel companions. Plenty of options are available while selecting seats, such as a Comfort+ seat in the Main Cabin, including aisles, windows, and middles. Unlike Basic Economy, you can select any seat in the Main Cabin, though some may come with charges depending on whether they have extra legroom or not.

Ticket Changes and stand-by  

Yes, Passengers can change their ticket prior to departure for no additional fee. Elites on Main Cabin tickets can stand for other flights at no charge or make same-day changes for free within their elite tier rules. However, if it’s not free, they pay the applicable fee.

Refunds and Cancellation

If passengers want to cancel their flight, a cancellation charge will be deducted, and the remaining value of the ticket will be returned in the form of an eCredit, which can be applied to the next flight.

Boarding 

Passengers who purchase Main Cabin tickets will board with either Main Cabin groups 1, 2, or 3, depending on their elite tier, if any.

Rebooking

There is no need to worry if the flight is delayed or canceled. It will be rebooked ahead of Basic Economy customers, who will receive priority for seats on other flights.

Final Words

There is no major difference between the main cabin and the basic economy. But if one wants to travel a nearby distance, the Basic Economy is a great option. For long distances, it is advisable to look for comfort; therefore, the main cabin can be a great choice. 

A Basic Economy ticket is perfect for budget-minded travelers who simply want to get between A and B and don’t care which amenities come with the ticket.

Clearing your Doubts!