Delta announced that it will start offering basic economy option when redeeming SkyMiles on most routes.
GLODelta Air Lines has extended the availability of its basic economy redemption fares to more international routes, with a goal of offering this option on all flights soon. While basic economy is already available for Delta’s domestic and intra-Americas flights, it is now the most affordable booking option, but comes with several restrictions that diminish the value of the miles earned. This move by Delta eliminates the flexibility that was previously associated with economy redemption fares, which were often considered a benefit for those who had spent thousands of dollars to earn miles. This change was noted by Thrifty Traveler.
For SkyMiles customers who have been flying on domestic routes since 2018 and internationally to the Americas since late 2019, the expansion of basic economy fares may not come as a surprise. However, some may have hoped that this fare class would not extend to long-haul flights, but that hope has been dashed. As a result, bringing a bag on board is likely to become more expensive. According to Thrifty Traveler, Delta appears to be offering a 10,000-mile reduction, but in reality, it has increased the price of Main Cabin fares by the same amount. Here are the limitations associated with a basic economy ticket.
When redeeming miles for a basic economy ticket on Delta Air Lines, the following restrictions apply:
- Seat assignment is only available after check-in
- Changes are not allowed
- Cancelation results in a fee of 19,900 miles for long-haul awards (no cash required)
- Only one carry-on bag is allowed, with no checked bags (the cost for the first checked bag starts at $60)
- Paid Sky Club access is not available (however, eligible American Express cardholders can still access the lounge)
- Passengers will board last
Although the limitations are comparable to those of basic economy tickets within the US, Delta is the first to apply these restrictions to redemption fares. While not being able to bring luggage on a short domestic flight may not be too inconvenient, not having the option for checked luggage and paid Sky Club access on a longer trip, such as from Los Angeles to Auckland, could be more significant.
