Basic economy fares explained: what the lower price leaves out

What it often excludes

• Choosing your seat in advance, which can mean sitting apart from your group.
• A free carry-on bag on some airlines and routes.
• Changes or refunds, or a large fee to make them.
• Upgrades and, on some airlines, earning full frequent-flyer credit.

How rules differ

Each airline sets its own basic economy rules, and they differ between domestic, transatlantic and other routes. Read the fare conditions for the exact ticket before you pay.

Compare the real total

• Add bag fees, seat fees and the cost of a change you might need.
• Compare against the next fare tier, which sometimes is only a little higher.
• For families or groups, factor in seat assignment fees.

When it is a reasonable choice

It can fit a short, firm trip with carry-on only luggage and a low chance of changes. It is a poor fit for trips with uncertain dates, tight connections or travel during storm season.

Reading cached fares

The lowest fare on a SplitWing route page is the lowest recently found fare, which is often a restricted fare. It may be gone and is not a quote.