The Wilsons hired a Travel Advisor, Lisa, to help them plan their annual family vacation.
Lisa was thrilled to find and book the lowest possible fares for her clients. The Wilson family of four told her that they were on a tight budget and Lisa thought airfare was a great place to cut corners. But booking Basic Economy tickets would ultimately cost them more than dollars and cents… as the Wilsons would soon find out.
Excited to begin their long-awaited vacation, the Wilsons got to their gate early but were surprised and irritated to learn that they would be in the last boarding group.
When they finally attempted to board, the gate attendant informed them that Basic Economy did not allow carry-on luggage. The Wilsons were stunned because they’d only brought carry-on luggage in an effort to save money. What were they supposed to do? The flight was leaving in 25 minutes, so their only option was to pay a checked bag fee PLUS a $25 gate handling fee, not to mention the awkwardness of feeling the condescending stares of everyone in line behind them.
Their Nightmare Was Just Beginning
With a knot forming in their stomachs and their faces red from the embarrassment, the Wilsons finally boarded the plane. Because Basic Economy on this airline does not allow for any pre-assigned seating, their seats were arbitrarily assigned just before boarding from the leftover vacancies. Mr. Wilson squeezed into 29B, a middle seat near the toilets. Mrs. Wilson discovered that she was also in a middle seat in row 32.
To their horror, their children were also in middle seats, one in row 34 and the other in row 35. Try as she might, no one was interested in swapping seats with her so that she could sit by her kids. And with the flight ready for takeoff she had no choice but to settle into her seat and hope for the best. Needless to say, the rest of their vacation was tainted by this experience early on and with the dread of knowing they would have to repeat this scenario all over again on their return flight home.
Know Before You Go
With Basic Economy, there are some very important restrictions to be aware of. Restrictions can vary by airline and some of those rules are changing as airlines receive feedback from travelers. But here are some issues to look out for:
- Fees for Carry-On Bags
- No Prior Seat Selection
- No Upgrades Allowed
- No Changes Allowed
- Last to Board the Plane
Basic Economy Is Good For…
- Short Flights (3 hours or less)
- Traveling With Friends
- Solo Travelers
- People Who Don’t Mind Sitting Alone
- Individuals with Only One Personal Item
Basic Economy Is Not Good For…
- Families Who Want to Sit Together
- Couples Who Want to Sit Together
- Long Flights (4 hours or more)
- People Who Prefer To Select Their Own Seats
How Do you Know if Your Ticket is a Basic Economy Class?
Airlines, online travel agents, and booking sites are required by law to disclose when they offer you a basic economy ticket. Often the words Basic Economy will be highlighted to draw your attention to the fact that it is a different class of ticket.
If you are still unsure about what to do, I suggest that you work with a knowledgeable Travel Expert who can help alleviate the confusion surrounding airline ticket classes. Not only will a Travel Expert explain the parameters of your ticket class, but they usually have access to all available flight schedules and they can find the perfect route for your upcoming trip.
If you’re planning a trip in the near future and would like some assistance with booking your flights, drop me a line. I can help!