How to Pick the Best Fare

• A basic economy flight ticket is typically cheaper and more restrictive than a main cabin ticket.
• Perks like seat selection and luggage allowances may not be included in a basic economy ticket.
• However, if you just want to get from point A to point B as cheaply as possible, basic economy may be right for you.

When it’s time to book a plane ticket, you have a few decisions to make. Namely, which airline you’re going to fly and what type of experience you’re hoping to have. If you’re already loyal to an airline (or your options are limited at your chosen airport), the first choice is straightforward. The second, however, could require more thought.

While you may already know you’re not budgeting for the luxuries a first-class ticket affords, you’ll still have to decide if you’re going to buy a basic economy, main cabin, or premium economy seat. Since most travelers are simply looking to get to their destination without spending too much money, basic economy and main cabin are popular choices—but there are several key differences between the two that you’ll need to consider.

With the help of Katy Nastro, travel expert and spokesperson at Going, we broke down those differences—including additional fees that come with each class, luggage restrictions, seat selection, and more.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about booking main cabin vs. basic economy.

What to Know About Main Cabin

If you book a regular economy ticket, you’ll find yourself sitting in the main cabin. This is the classic airplane experience you’re probably familiar with. Your standard economy fare typically grants you one carry-on bag—placed either in the overhead bin or checked at the gate, depending on the plane—and one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. There’s also the possibility that a checked bag is included in your fare (especially if you take advantage of airline credit cards or loyalty programs), but you may be required to pay to check luggage.

Upon booking, you can typically select your seat, and you’ll also be able to change your reservation ahead of your flight (although airlines may have different rules and regulations around changes and cancellations). While you won’t get any of the benefits those in the premium cabins receive, you’ll receive the basic drink service and possibly a snack or meal—again, depending on the airline and the exact route.

What to Know About Basic Economy

With a basic economy ticket, you’ll also be in the main cabin—but you’ll sacrifice some benefits and comforts along the way. Basic economy is the most affordable fare available on a flight, so it’s a great option for those who want to save money while traveling. Plus, you’ll get most of the same services as you would in regular economy, including snacks, drinks, and in-flight entertainment (though the latter will depend on the plane model). “If you were to sit in a basic economy seat versus a main economy seat, you are likely only going to notice one thing: the location of the seat,” says Nastro. “Airlines are marketing basic economy seats in ‘less-desirable’ locations on the plane—think middle seats and likely toward the back.”

That said, you always want to read the fine print before buying a basic economy ticket. With cheaper fare comes more limitations. You may not be able to bring as many bags on board, and you probably won’t be able to change your travel dates or select your seat ahead of time. Purchasing basic economy airfare may also mean you won’t earn miles on your journey or be eligible for an upgrade, even if you have airline status.

Main Cabin vs. Basic Economy

In terms of the actual seats and in-flight service, there is no difference between main cabin and basic economy on almost any airline. The difference between these fares is in the other benefits, from when you board to what you can change before your flight. 

“The main difference between basic economy and standard economy is that when flying basic economy, your seat selection is automatically assigned for you, and carry-on bags are not included unless you’re flying to South America, across the Atlantic, or on an international flight across the Pacific,” says United.

This is an important thing to note—not only will basic economy fees differ between airlines, but they will differ depending on the route you take.

Price Comparison

The biggest reason to choose a basic economy ticket over main cabin is the total cost. According to NerdWallet, basic economy tickets are, on average, between $49 and $80 cheaper than main cabin tickets. In the moment, that may seem like a good deal, but it’s important to remember what you’ll be giving up with a basic ticket—including those aforementioned points and miles, which help you earn airline status (and the benefits that come along with it).

Seat Selection

When you book basic economy, you probably won’t be able to select your seat ahead of departure. Instead, you’ll be assigned one at either check-in or the gate. But, says Nastro, you should “keep checking the seating chart with regular frequency, before and after check-in.” “A basic economy ticket is where you get the least amount of choice (if any at all), but a little last-minute gate agent kindness has afforded me a better seat, even with a basic economy ticket,” she tells Travel + Leisure.

If you want to control where you sit on the plane, and you already have status, it’s best to book regular economy. “Even just the bottom-tier status awards you the option of not having to pay for better seat selection upon booking,” says Nastro, who adds that “having an airline co-branded credit card can even be helpful here with opening up otherwise locked seat inventory without a fee.”

Boarding Priority

With a basic economy ticket, you’re probably not boarding in groups one, two, or three—and you’ll need to arrive at the airport fully prepared to be among the last passengers to get on the plane. There is one exception to this rule: If you have the airline’s co-branded credit card (or if you already have status), you may be eligible to board with an earlier group.

Upgrade Availability

“Free upgrades are harder to come by nowadays, but you do have more of a shot getting an upgrade into a better economy seat when you are a part of the airline loyalty program, which is free to sign up for,” says Nastro. But if you’re in basic economy? No luck. Most airlines won’t grant you a complimentary upgrade when you’ve paid for basic economy fare.

In-flight Experience

For the most part, the in-flight experience in basic economy will be the exact same as main cabin; the person sitting next to you won’t even know which fare you booked. You’ll get the same amenities—drink, snack, and entertainment options—as those travelers who paid for regular economy. The only less-than-ideal factor is the seat, as you might wind up in the middle.

Bag Fees 

If there’s ever a time to travel lightly, it’s when you’ve booked a basic economy seat. Although baggage limitations vary, anyone with a basic economy ticket will typically only be allowed a carry-on and a personal item bag—or even just a personal item bag. On American, for example, you can bring both, just like travelers who’ve booked main cabin. Just be aware that since you might be in one of the last groups to board, there’s a chance the overhead bins will fill up. In that case, you’ll be asked to gate-check your bag. United’s basic economy fares are more restrictive. Unless you’re traveling to Canada, South America, or across the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans, you can only bring a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.

Flight Changes

If you’re flying a major U.S. airline and book a basic economy ticket, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to change or modify your reservation. That means if you need to cancel your flight or switch it to the next day—maybe due to a work or personal emergency—you’ll have to make a whole new reservation. Some airlines do allow changes on basic economy tickets, but they come with a price. Canceling a JetBlue Blue Basic ticket, for example, will set you back between $100 and $200, depending on the route.

Choosing the Right Fare for Your Trip

“If you just need to get from point A to B, more often than not, you are just fine with a basic economy ticket,” says Nastro. Given the fact that basic economy tickets come with change restrictions, though, she recommends only booking them “if you know your plans are set in stone and you are just looking for the cheapest option.”

“However, if you are booking a few months out, I would always suggest opting for the main economy ticket,” she says. “When you book further out, there is always a chance that life gets in the way and you need to shift plans. By having the flexibility to rebook without penalty, you can change your plans without additional cost.”