Booking a plane ticket can be a puzzle, forcing a traveler to consider their luggage needs, flexibility preferences and seat choices months ahead of a flight. And then there are the head-scratching names: choice preferred, main cabin, EvenMore and the dreaded basic economy.
This year, two U.S. airlines have added a new wrinkle, offering restrictive versions of business class tickets.
When The Washington Post explored this topic in 2019, travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt described airline offerings as “really, really confusing.”
Today, that level of complication has gone into “hypermode,” said Brian Kelly, founder of the Points Guy. He said airlines are making their products more complicated to make money, especially as fuel costs rise.
“They can’t just raise airfare because people are sensitive to price when you search for airfare,” he said. “However, they need to convince people … to pay for things they used to get for free.”
In addition to fares that dictate where in the plane you’re sitting, many U.S. airlines now offer tiers to those fares that indicate the perks or restrictions you get with the ticket.
“It really does take a points PhD to figure all this out,” Kelly said.
No time to write a dissertation? Here’s a quick course on what travelers might find on the largest U.S. airlines, with tips on which option might be right (or very wrong) for you.
Basic economy
This is the lowest fare airlines dangle to get your attention, but they make it hard to love. You’ll sit where they tell you, board last and earn fewer frequent-flier miles — if you get any at all.
The rules are strict and perks are few, though carriers may vary in generosity. United, for example, only allows a personal item that will fit under the seat, while JetBlue allows a personal item and carry-on.
“The not-so-dirty secret of basic economy for years is that airlines never really wanted to sell that,” said Kyle Potter, executive editor of the travel site Thrifty Traveler. “You have to check a box that says ‘Yes, I’m okay with these restrictions.’”
Also known as: Saver on Alaska Airlines, Main Base on JetBlue, Main Basic on Delta, No Flex Fare on Breeze.
Who it’s for: Families who need to sit together should tread carefully; many airlines do not guarantee seats together with this fare, even for small kids. Basic economy is best for those willing to sit in the middle and gate-check a bag when overhead space runs out. There could be a catch, Potter says: Having an airline credit card comes with some perks that can “take the pain out of” basic economy.
Economy
This used to be the regular old cheap seat, familiar if not beloved. It’s still nothing fancy, but at least you can choose a seat, bring a carry-on and personal item and get on the plane before the basic folks. You’ll earn frequent-flier miles, too.
Also known as: Main Classic on Delta, Main on Alaska, JetBlue and American, Choice on Southwest.
Who it’s for: Your Average Joe Passenger who wants a smidge of control over the flight experience. Families should be able to choose this fare with less stress.
Slightly better economy
Several airlines make the main cabin a little more palatable with extra legroom, early boarding or dedicated bin space. For a fee, of course.
Also known as: Comfort Classic on Delta, Main Cabin Extra on American, Economy Plus on United and Choice Extra on Southwest.
Who it’s for: Travelers willing to shell out a little more to stretch out and have a better shot at stowing their carry-on overhead. You’ll still be with the masses.
Premium economy
Major U.S. carriers don’t offer this on all flights; you have a better chance of finding premium economy on international routes. These seats generally are wider with extra legroom and come with onboard amenities, better food and drinks than economy and quicker security, check-in, boarding and baggage services. Delta even promises a hot towel. JetBlue’s version provides an extra legroom seat near the front, dedicated overhead bin space and free alcohol.
Also known as: Premium Select on Delta, Premium Plus on United, EvenMore on JetBlue.
Who it’s for: If you’ve got an expense account that doesn’t allow for business class, premium economy may fit the bill. It says economy right in the name! Leisure travelers who aren’t on a tight budget may opt for this to make a long flight more bearable.
Business class
This is what dreams are made of, especially if you’re flying on international or cross-country routes that offer the highest-end option. Think lie-flat seats, cozy pajamas, mood lighting, chef-designed meals, luxury amenity kits, exclusive lounge access and priority everything. You’ll pay for the privilege.
Also known as: Delta One, Polaris on United, Mint on JetBlue, Flagship Suite on American Airlines.
Who it’s for: It’s right there in the name (and corporate budget): business travelers. Also for big spenders who can’t quite afford a private jet.
Basic business
This year, Delta and United announced that they would offer basic levels of their business-class tickets. On Delta, that means passengers are assigned seats after they check in, get one free checked bag, must pay to make changes and do not have access to the Delta One Lounge.
United’s Polaris base fare is nonrefundable and does not allow changes; seat selection costs money and there’s no access to the Polaris Lounge.
In the announcement this spring, United chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella said the new tiers would make it easier for customers to “find a fare that includes the benefits they want most — whether that’s a great value, added perks, or maximum flexibility.”
Potter said the move is a way to wring more money out of customers. If someone were already paying thousands of dollars for a business-class ticket, he said, there’s a likelihood they would just opt for the tier that would give them the most flexibility.
Also known as: Basic Business on Delta, Polaris Base fare on United.
Who it’s for: Not sure. If you’re already spending a boatload of money on business class, why not just go all the way?
Kelly said business-class seats are pretty standard, so he could see a case for spending less and giving up that perk.
“I think for the average person who’s just looking for space and to be able to lie down on a long flight, they’re fine not selecting a seat,” he said.
Budget business
The low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines sells a “business bundle” that includes a seat near the front, two checked bags, a carry-on and personal item and early boarding.
But as Brent and Chelsea Lang of Orlando discovered, it was still very much a budget airline experience. The travel influencers posted a video last year of Brent Lang crunched into a seat that Chelsea’s parents had bought and upgraded to the “business” option for his birthday.
“I felt like I was in a hobbit hole,” Brent said.
First class
Domestic first class is not the cushy experience that business class has become. Travelers on American, Delta and United can expect wider seats, more legroom, priority check-in, security and boarding, a more generous baggage allowance and better food.
JetBlue is launching its own first class, called BlueFirst, later this year with seats with more legroom and recline, custom cocktails and snooze kits for overnight flights.
American offers “Flagship First” on certain planes for long-haul trips, which it calls its “most exclusive and personalized experience for long-distance travel,” but the airline is phasing that out in favor of its newer “Flagship Suite” business section.
Who it’s for: If you’ve got the budget and there’s no business class on your flight, it’s the best option for resting or getting work done. But is the experience that much better than premium economy?
‘Cuddle class’
First found on Air New Zealand, this seating arrangement is coming to some United planes next year. A row of three economy seats can be turned into a couch with footrests, transforming the space into a kind of bed, leading some to refer to it as “cuddle class.” United has said it expects to have nine to 12 such rows on specific aircraft.
Also known as: Skycouch on Air New Zealand, Relax Row on United.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants space to stretch out and snooze (but doesn’t want to pay for lie-flat seats at the front of the plane). Adults have said the Air New Zealand setup was a tight fit for two people, but parents have called it a great option for long flights with kids.
The post Basic, premium, plus: A guide to deciphering airfare classes appeared first on Washington Post.
