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Nerdy takeaways
- Delta allows free cancellations and changes on most main cabin tickets but not on basic economy.
- Baggage rules are generally the same between the two fares (carry-ons are free with Delta Basic economy).
- Basic economy fares don't include seat assignments, which makes them less than ideal for groups and families.
Update: Delta Air Lines announced changes to its fares on May 15, 2025. Read NerdWallet's article about what's new and what it means for you.
Delta Air Lines basic economy, the airline's cheapest fare, can provide some savings on airfare — if you’re willing to give up the ability to choose your seat or the flexibility to make changes to your flight. Here's what to know.
» Learn more: The smart money guide to Delta SkyMiles
Difference between basic economy and main cabin on Delta
Delta features six different cabin classes, which can seem overwhelming. But for the flyers who are concerned with the differences between main cabin and basic economy, here’s how the two fare classes compare:
| Basic economy | Main Cabin | |
|---|---|---|
| Checked bags (domestic) | Starting at $35 for your first bag. | Starting at $35 for your first bag. |
| Overhead carry-on bag | Free. | Free. |
| Seat assignments | At check-in. | Before check-in. |
| Qualifies for elite benefits (including upgrades) | No. | Yes. |
| Changes | Not allowed. | Free for flights originating in the U.S, Canada, Europe, Africa, India and the Caribbean. |
| Cancellations | Generally not allowed but some regions allow a cancellation for a partial credit minus a cancellation fee. | Free for flights originating in the U.S, Canada and the Caribbean. |
| Upgrades | No. | Yes. |
| Earns miles | No. | Yes. |
| Boarding group | Last. | Second-to-last. |
Changes and cancellations
One of the most important differences between Delta basic economy and main cabin fares is the change and cancellation policy. Delta allows free changes on main cabin tickets on flights originating in certain regions but does not allow any changes on basic economy tickets.
So if you have to change your ticket for any reason, you’ll end up eating the entire cost of a basic economy fare. For this reason alone, main cabin fares are better for anyone seeking flexibility.
For cancellations, it's a similar policy. For main cabin fares and higher, Delta allows free changes to a different flight as long as it’s prior to departure. If your new flight costs more, you’ll owe the difference. If the new flight costs less, you’ll get the difference in an eCredit. Note there are some regions where a cancellation fee will also apply. For basic economy fares, a ticket cannot be canceled unless you’re in the 24 hour risk-free window.
» Learn more: How to cancel a Delta flight
Delta basic economy baggage rules
Unlike competitor United Airlines, Delta includes a free overhead carry-on bag as part of its basic economy fares. These bags are also included in main cabin fares. And both fares charge the same checked bag fees for domestic flights.
This means you don’t have to worry about comparing these fares based on the baggage you’re planning to bring. It is worth noting, however, that basic economy passengers board the plane last, so overhead bin availability may be low.
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Earning miles and elite benefits
Another dealbreaker for some: Delta’s basic economy fares do not earn any SkyMiles or elite-qualifying miles. This makes basic economy fares suitable for infrequent travelers who aren’t interested in rewards programs or earning miles for their travels.
You also won’t be allowed into a Sky Club before or after a flight, even if you have a membership or access with a credit card.
But there is some good news. You’ll have the same access to snacks and beverages during the flight and can log into the Wi-Fi on board so you can stay connected or watch entertainment.
» Learn more: The pros and cons of Delta's loyalty program
Seat selection
The Delta basic economy seat selection policy doesn’t favor those traveling together. For basic economy fares, seats are randomly assigned after check-in, which means that you cannot select your seat.
So it’s not the best option for families or friends who are traveling together and are hoping to sit next to each other.
» Learn more: How families can get seats together on a plane
Upgrades
If you’re hoping for a Delta upgrade from basic economy to a higher fare class, you may be disappointed. Basic economy fares are not eligible for paid or complimentary upgrades.
Main cabin tickets on the other hand can be upgraded, and the likelihood of scoring an upgrade depends on many factors like your elite status and/or a Delta credit card that you hold.
How the cards compare
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Annual fee
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
$650.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
$650.
Upgrade benefit
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Complimentary upgrades to Comfort Plus or first class on domestic flights within the U.S. even without elite status. Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Complimentary upgrades to Comfort Plus or first class on domestic flights within the U.S. even without elite status. Terms apply.
Earn rates
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
• 1.5 miles per $1 on eligible transit, U.S. shipping and U.S. office supply store purchases.
• 1.5 miles per $1 on all purchases after spending $150,000 in a calendar year.
• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
» Learn more: How to get a free upgrade on Delta
Calculator: Is Delta basic economy worth it?
Use the calculator below to determine the total cost of your ticket, and compare the tradeoffs of basic economy to main cabin.
Note: This calculator only applies to domestic flights. International baggage rules on Delta are more complex.
More tips for choosing Delta basic economy vs. main cabin
Using credit card benefits to travel in basic economy
Delta offers several branded credit cards, all of which offer priority boarding except the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. If you book a basic economy fare, this card can take care of the last-to-board problem, as well as the likelihood of having to gate-check your overhead carry-on when the bins fill up.
All these Delta cards (again, except the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card) offer at least one free checked bag, which can offset baggage fees. Remember that checked baggage fees apply to basic economy and main cabin fares alike.
Terms apply.
However, none of these cards help with seat assignments, which is often the biggest problem with basic economy, especially for families.
Delta co-branded cards
Annual fee
$0.
$0 intro for the first year, then $150.
$350.
$650.
Earning rates
• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on hotel purchases.
• 2 miles per $1 at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Other benefits
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• First checked bag free.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• Companion certificate (main cabin).
• First checked bag free.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
• Airport lounge access.
• Companion certificate (first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin).
• Credit for application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
• First checked bag free.
• Priority boarding.
• No foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply.
Learn more
Flying basic economy with elite status
Similar to most branded Delta cards, elite status with Delta includes priority boarding regardless of fare type. Platinum Medallion members all board together, whether they have main cabin or basic economy seats.
Elite status also offsets checked bag fees, which are the same for basic economy and main cabin. And most importantly for many Delta elites, basic economy fares do not offer complimentary or paid upgrades. Depending on your level of status and the likelihood of receiving a bump to the front of the plane, it might be worth springing for the full main cabin economy fare.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Explore more on
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