Everyone asks: Are US-style basic economy fares a win for air travellers?

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This was published 6 years ago

Everyone asks: Are US-style basic economy fares a win for air travellers?

By Michael Gebicki
Money saver.

Money saver.Credit: Shutterstock

Major United States airlines Delta, American Airlines and United have all recently introduced basic economy fares, a sub-class of economy, and as the name suggests, they're rock-bottom cheap. These fares come with pared-down conditions including no checked luggage except with an additional charge, no access to the overhead locker for a carry-on bag, no flight changes or refunds, seat assignment at check-in and last-on boarding.

Cabin luggage is restricted to a bag that fits under the seat in front. Basic economy flyers still get the normal perks that come with a seat in the main economy cabin, such as inflight entertainment and free snacks and soft drinks, and for travellers who don't mind the restrictions, the bargains are good. A one-way flight from New York to San Francisco with American Airlines next February with a price tag of $165.60 is enough to make you forget the pain, and that's Australian dollars. Whether Australian travellers will see basic econom fares on domestic routes from Qantas and Virgin is not known, but where the US goes we so often follow.

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