:Basic economy class

Basic economy class fares have been widely described as a market segmentation strategy for airlines to upsell customers to more expensive fares, instead of a product that airlines want customers to purchase.{{Cite web |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/airline-travel/what-you-should-know-about-basic-economy-airfares/ |title=What You Should Know About Basic Economy Airfares |last=McGee |first=William J. |date=August 9, 2017 |website=Consumer Reports |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422070333/https://www.consumerreports.org/airline-travel/what-you-should-know-about-basic-economy-airfares/ |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-dark-side-of-basic-economy |title=The Dark Side of Basic Economy |last=Peterson |first=Barbara |date=November 7, 2017 |website=Condé Nast Traveler |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422074440/https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-dark-side-of-basic-economy |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} Former British Airways pricing executive Jeremy Quek described basic economy as "just another product that airlines are using to further segment the marketplace".{{Cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-secret-other-reason-basic-economy-is-everywhere-1522847683 |title=The Secret Other Reason Basic Economy Is Everywhere |last=McCartney |first=Scott |date=April 4, 2018 |website=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502160241/https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-secret-other-reason-basic-economy-is-everywhere-1522847683 |archive-date=May 2, 2019 |url-status=live }} Writing for Bloomberg News, Justin Bachman argued that basic economy fares cause passengers to pay more to fly, and that airlines increase revenue by increasing standard economy fares while introducing basic economy, causing customers to trade up to standard economy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-09/how-basic-economy-actually-makes-you-pay-more-to-fly|title=How 'Basic Economy' Actually Makes You Pay More to Fly|last=Bachman|first=Justin|date=June 9, 2017|website=Bloomberg|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422042021/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-09/how-basic-economy-actually-makes-you-pay-more-to-fly|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=April 6, 2020}} Bachman described this phenomenon as "sleight-of-hand marketing".

In Runway Girl Network, aviation writer Seth Miller argued that basic economy is not about helping airlines compete with LCCs, but instead is a way for airlines to increase incremental revenue. As evidence of the trend, Miller pointed out that while basic economy fares were initially confined to markets where full-service carriers compete with LCCs, they were subsequently expanded to domestic flights without LCC competition. He noted that basic economy works well at pressuring passengers to spend more money for the same product.{{Cite web |url=https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2016/12/19/basic-economy-isnt-about-the-lccs/ |title=Basic Economy isn't about the LCCs |last=Miller |first=Seth |date=December 19, 2016 |website=Runway Girl Network |access-date=April 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423040817/https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2016/12/19/basic-economy-isnt-about-the-lccs/ |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |url-status=live }}

In September 2018, the CAPA Centre for Aviation described basic economy fares as a "permanent fixture" in the United States market. The publication pointed out that segmented fares have been effective at increasing revenue for Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines—three of the largest international airlines in the United States. CAPA further noted that the resulting larger pool of lower fares has placed pressure on the revenue growth of Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines, two ultra-low-cost carriers.{{Cite web |url=https://centreforaviation.com/analysis/reports/basic-economy-fares-major-us-airlines-push-the-ulccs-435570 |title=Basic economy fares; major US airlines push the ULCCs |date=2018-09-05 |website=CAPA Centre for Aviation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190930141347/https://centreforaviation.com/analysis/reports/basic-economy-fares-major-us-airlines-push-the-ulccs-435570 |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2019 }}

File:A220 Main Cabin (43799968340).jpg Airbus A220 economy class cabin]]

In 2012, Delta Air Lines became the first U.S. airline to introduce basic economy.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/basic-economy-comparison |title=Basic Economy: How Every Major U.S. Airline Compares |last=Carey |first=Meredith |date=July 26, 2018 |website=Condé Nast Traveler |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422072823/https://www.cntraveler.com/story/basic-economy-comparison |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} Delta initially limited the availability of these fares to routes where it competed against LCC Spirit Airlines, calling basic economy its "Spirit-match fare" in its 2015 earnings call. The fares were available in 75 markets in early 2015 and 500 in early 2016. Delta subsequently expanded the fares to all 20,000 domestic markets, including routes where it faces no competition from LCCs. Delta president Glen Hauenstein noted that Delta received $20 million in extra revenue from basic economy fares from January to March 2016. Hauenstein also said that more than 50% of passengers bought up from basic economy to more expensive fares when they were presented with warnings about restrictions associated with basic economy during the sales process.

In October 2017, Delta executives said that they did not want customers to purchase basic economy fares, seeing the fares both as a defensive measure against low-cost airlines offering low fares, and as a way to lure prospective customers into buying more expensive options.{{Cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/gulliver/2017/10/13/carriers-in-america-are-doubling-down-on-budget-airfares |title=Carriers in America are doubling down on budget airfares |date=October 13, 2017 |newspaper=The Economist |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422072818/https://www.economist.com/gulliver/2017/10/13/carriers-in-america-are-doubling-down-on-budget-airfares |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://skift.com/2017/10/12/basic-economy-is-more-of-a-defensive-product-for-delta-air-lines/ |title=Delta Doesn't Actually Want Anyone to Buy Basic Economy |last=Sumers |first=Brian |date=October 12, 2017 |website=Skift |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422101945/https://skift.com/2017/10/12/basic-economy-is-more-of-a-defensive-product-for-delta-air-lines/ |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} In April 2018, Delta introduced basic economy on transatlantic flights.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/what-basic-economy-to-europe-will-be-like|title=What Basic Economy to Europe Will Be Like|last=LaGrave|first=Katherine|date=April 6, 2018|website=Condé Nast Traveler|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422072833/https://www.cntraveler.com/story/what-basic-economy-to-europe-will-be-like|archive-date=April 22, 2019|access-date=April 22, 2019}} {{As of|2019|4|df=}}, basic economy passengers on Delta receive a free carry-on allowance, but are not allowed to select seats or change, cancel, or upgrade their ticket after purchase, regardless of elite status. Seats are assigned at check-in.{{Cite web |url=https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/onboard-experience/basic-economy.html |title=Basic Economy: Save with a Low Fare |website=Delta Air Lines |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422081307/https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/onboard-experience/basic-economy.html |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}

File:United 787 Economy cabin (7699823928).jpg Boeing 787 economy class cabin]]

United Airlines announced its basic economy fares in November 2016 and began selling basic economy tickets in early 2017. These fares do not include overhead baggage space or earn elite miles.{{Cite web |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/united-airlines-basic-economy |title=What It'll Be Like to Fly 'Basic Economy' on United Airlines Next Year |last=Avakian |first=Talia |date=November 15, 2016 |website=Travel and Leisure |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121095736/https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/united-airlines-basic-economy |archive-date=November 21, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=April 22, 2019 }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/16/13651412/united-airlines-basic-economy-fares-ban-carry-on-baggage |title=United Airlines' new basic economy fares ban carry-on baggage |last=Singleton |first=Micah |date=November 16, 2016 |website=The Verge |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422090804/https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/16/13651412/united-airlines-basic-economy-fares-ban-carry-on-baggage |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} Grant Martin of Skift described United's roll-out of basic economy fares as "the most widespread and aggressive" of the three major U.S. full-service carriers. In November 2017, United revealed plans to reduce its basic economy offerings due to revenue loss resulting from customers opting for other airlines that price-matched United without basic economy restrictions.{{Cite web |url=https://skift.com/2017/09/11/united-backtracks-on-basic-economy-fares-as-american-expands-them/ |title=United Backtracks on Basic Economy Fares as American Expands Them |last=Martin |first=Grant |date=September 11, 2017 |website=Skift |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422090804/https://skift.com/2017/09/11/united-backtracks-on-basic-economy-fares-as-american-expands-them/ |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Despite the initial setback, United announced an expansion of basic economy fares in January 2018.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/24/16929034/united-airlines-basic-economy-more-flights-international |title=Plane tickets are about to get cheaper, but beware of 'basic economy' |last=Hawkins |first=Andrew J. |date=January 24, 2018 |website=The Verge |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422081319/https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/24/16929034/united-airlines-basic-economy-more-flights-international |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} In June 2018, the airline introduced basic economy on transatlantic flights, together with its joint venture partners Air Canada, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines. United aimed to generate $1 billion in additional revenue by 2020 via cabin segmentation, including its basic economy fares and premium economy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/united-and-partners-roll-out-no-frills-transatlantic-449049/|title=United and partners roll out no-frills transatlantic fares|last=Russell|first=Edward|date=May 30, 2018|website=Flightglobal|access-date=April 6, 2020}} Dave Bartels, vice president for pricing and revenue management at United, said that the airline never saw basic economy as a tool to compete against discount airlines, but instead is a "segmentation tool" to split more price-sensitive customers from those who are willing to pay extra for fewer restrictions.

{{As of|2019|4|df=}}, basic economy passengers on United do not receive overhead space for carry-on baggage and may only bring a personal item that fits under the seat in front, except for transatlantic flights where basic economy passengers continue to receive a carry-on baggage allowance. Changes and cancellations are not allowed, and basic economy fares earn half the elite qualifying miles compared to standard economy fares. Seat assignment up to 48 hours in advance is available for a fee.{{Cite web |url=https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/inflight/basic-economy.aspx |title=Basic Economy |website=United |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421231722/https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/inflight/basic-economy.aspx |archive-date=April 21, 2019 |url-status=live }} In October 2018, United CCO Andrew Nocella announced that the airline had no plans to change its carry-on baggage restriction, which is more restrictive compared to American and Delta.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-16/why-airlines-don-t-want-you-to-fly-basic-economy |title=Why Airlines Don't Want You to Fly Basic Economy |last=Bachman |first=Justin |date=November 16, 2018 |website=Bloomberg |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422065050/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-16/why-airlines-don-t-want-you-to-fly-basic-economy |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}

American Airlines introduced basic economy fares for 10 markets in February 2017, following Delta and United. Initially, American did not provide basic economy passengers with free overhead space for carry-on baggage, except for its AAdvantage elite members, who still receive the standard free checked bag allowance.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/18/14316106/american-airlines-basic-economy-fares-ban-carry-on-baggage |title=American Airlines will offer cheaper tickets but carry-on bags won't be allowed |last=Golson |first=Jordan |date=January 18, 2017 |website=The Verge |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422081314/https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/18/14316106/american-airlines-basic-economy-fares-ban-carry-on-baggage |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2017/01/18/american-latest-add-basic-economy-carry--restrictions/96712674/ |title=American latest to add 'Basic Economy,' carry-on restrictions |last=Mutzabaugh |first=Ben |date=January 18, 2017 |website=USA Today |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422081307/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2017/01/18/american-latest-add-basic-economy-carry--restrictions/96712674/ |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} In April 2018, the airline introduced basic economy on transatlantic flights, including one free carry-on and the ability to select seats in advance for a fee, together with its joint venture partners British Airways, Iberia and Finnair.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/1/17068062/american-airlines-basic-economy-europe-atlantic-fares |title=American Airlines is the latest to add 'basic economy' fares to international flights |last=O'Kane |first=Sean |date=March 1, 2018 |website=The Verge |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422081309/https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/1/17068062/american-airlines-basic-economy-europe-atlantic-fares |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} In September 2018, American re-introduced a free carry-on for basic economy passengers in addition to a personal item, a change the airline attributed to basic economy revenue not meeting expectations.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/american-airlines-to-let-basic-economy-passengers-bring-a-free-carry-on |title=American Airlines to Let Basic Economy Passengers Bring a Free Carry-On |last=LaGrave |first=Katherine |date=July 26, 2018 |website=Condé Nast Traveler |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422072916/https://www.cntraveler.com/story/american-airlines-to-let-basic-economy-passengers-bring-a-free-carry-on |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/26/17616536/american-airlines-basic-economy-carry-on-bag |title=American Airlines is making 'basic economy' rules less punishing |last=Hawkins |first=Andrew J. |date=July 26, 2018 |website=The Verge |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422081308/https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/26/17616536/american-airlines-basic-economy-carry-on-bag |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}

{{As of|2019|4|df=}}, basic economy passengers on American are allowed one free carry-on and may select seats for a fee within 48 hours of departure, but are placed in the last boarding group. Basic economy fares earn half the elite qualifying miles compared to standard economy fares. Upgrades and changes are not allowed. On international flights, seat selection and changes are available for a fee at any time after booking.{{Cite web |url=https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/basic-economy.jsp |title=Basic Economy |website=American Airlines |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422042029/https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/basic-economy.jsp |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}

In April 2018, Alaska Airlines announced its version of basic economy called Saver Fares, with the fares rolling out from January 2019. {{As of|2019|4|df=}}, basic economy fares on Alaska include a free carry-on allowance and free seat selection, but only for seats at the back of the aircraft. Changes and cancellations are not allowed after 24 hours of booking.{{Cite web |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/alaska-airlines-new-basic-economy |title=Why Alaska Airlines' Basic Economy Fare Will Be Better Than Most |last=Rizzo |first=Cailey |date=April 30, 2018 |website=Travel and Leisure |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502002339/https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/alaska-airlines-new-basic-economy |archive-date=May 2, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=April 22, 2019 }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/flight-experience/saver |title=Saver fares on Alaska Airlines flights |website=Alaska Airlines |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422092806/https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/flight-experience/saver |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} In addition, basic economy passengers are the last to board.

In October 2018, JetBlue Airways president Joanna Geraghty announced plans to introduce basic economy fares starting in late 2019, in response to competitors introducing basic economy on routes flown by JetBlue.{{Cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2018/10/01/jetblue-basic-economy-fares-2019-joining-american-united-delta-alaska/1484172002/ |title=JetBlue to add cheaper, no frills 'basic economy' fares in 2019 |last=Gilbertson |first=Dawn |date=October 1, 2018 |work=USA Today |access-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422100225/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2018/10/01/jetblue-basic-economy-fares-2019-joining-american-united-delta-alaska/1484172002/ |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} This was introduced on November 12, 2019, referred to as a "Blue Basic" fare, and passengers were allowed to bring a carry-on bag.{{cite web |last1=Josephs |first1=Leslie |title=JetBlue rolls out cheap fares that come with fewer perks |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/12/jetblue-rolls-out-cheap-fares-that-come-with-fewer-perks.html |website=CNBC |access-date=November 13, 2019 |language=en |date= November 12, 2019}} Blue Basic flyers board last, select a seat at check-in, cannot cancel or change flights, and earn fewer frequent flyer miles.{{cite web |last1=Slotnick |first1=David |title=JetBlue is the latest airline to sell basic economy — here's what the most restrictive fare includes |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/jetblue-basic-economy-blue-no-changes-seat-assignments-2019-11 |website=Business Insider |access-date=November 13, 2019|date=November 12, 2019}} In July 2021, JetBlue stopped allowing carry-on bags for customers in its Blue Basic class,{{cite news |last1=Gilbertson |first1=Dawn |title=JetBlue's cheapest tickets are getting cheaper but will come with a major catch: No carry-on bag allowed |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2021/02/16/jetblue-baggage-policy-no-carry-on-bags-basic-economy-flights/6759125002/ |access-date=December 18, 2021 |work=USA Today |date=February 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301140800/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2021/02/16/jetblue-baggage-policy-no-carry-on-bags-basic-economy-flights/6759125002/ |archive-date=March 1, 2021|url-status=live}} but later reversed this decision in June 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2024/06/18/jetblue-basic-economy-carry-on-bag/74127629007/|title=JetBlue basic economy tickets to allow carry-on bags, will remain 'final group to board'|last=Wichter|first=Zach|work=USA Today|publisher=Gannett|date=June 18, 2024|access-date=July 4, 2024}}

Hawaiian Airlines announced plans to introduce basic economy fares in December 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2018/12/20/hawaiian-airlines-latest-carrier-add-basic-economy-fares/2374231002/|title=Hawaiian Airlines to add no-frills basic economy tickets in 2019|last=Gilbertson|first=Dawn|date=December 20, 2018|website=USA Today|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423163400/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2018/12/20/hawaiian-airlines-latest-carrier-add-basic-economy-fares/2374231002/|archive-date=April 23, 2019|access-date=April 24, 2019}} On September 23, 2019, the airline launched its basic economy product, Main Cabin Basic, which is available on limited flights for travel dates starting from October 21. Main Cabin Basic passengers receive complimentary meals and are allowed to bring a standard carry-on bag and a personal item. However, they do not get advance seat assignments, are not allowed to make changes to flights and are the last to board.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2019/09/23/hawaiian-airlines-launches-new-fare-offering.html |title=Hawaiian Airlines launches new fare offering |last=O'Connor |first=Christina |date=September 23, 2019 |website=Pacific Business News |access-date=2019-09-25}}

In March 2025, Southwest Airlines announced that it would begin selling basic economy fares from May 28, 2025, entailing the end of its two checked bags policy, and following its July 2024 announcement that it would end its open seating policy.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/business/money-report/southwest-airlines-as-we-know-it-is-over-heres-whats-changing-from-bag-fees-to-basic-economy/3788753/|title=Southwest Airlines as we know it is over. Here's what's changing, from bag fees to basic economy|last=Josephs|first=Leslie|work=KXAS-TV|publisher=NBCUniversal Media Group|date=March 12, 2025|access-date=May 8, 2025}} Compared to its previous Wanna Get Away fare, passengers booking the airline's Basic fares would no longer have two checked bags included, would have flight credits from cancelled flights expire in 6 months, and can no longer change flights nor standby for same-day flight changes.{{cite web|url=https://onemileatatime.com/news/southwest-basic-economy/|title=Bleh: Southwest Introducing Basic Economy Fares|last=Schlappig|first=Ben|work=One Mile At A Time|date=March 11, 2025|access-date=May 8, 2025}} In April 2025, the airline added that passengers booking its Basic fares from the third quarter of 2025 would be assigned a random seat at check-in 24 hours prior to departure and be the last to board, upon the airline adopting an assigned seating policy in early 2026.{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/airlines/2025/04/29/southwest-airlines-fare-bundles/83330453007/|title=Southwest Airlines new fare bundles: Will your bags fly free?|last=Salerno|first=Michael|work=The Arizona Republic|publisher=Gannett|date=April 29, 2025|access-date=May 8, 2025}}

Hand-baggage only fares are common across most European airlines on flights within Europe.{{Cite web |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2017/09/04/transatlantic-routes-set-basic-economy-fares/ |title=Transatlantic routes set for basic economy fares? |last=McWirther |first=Alex |date=September 4, 2017 |website=Business Traveller |access-date=September 30, 2019}} Hugh Morris of The Daily Telegraph described the introduction of such fares by European airlines as following in the footsteps of major U.S. airlines who have introduced basic economy fares.{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/basic-economy-legacy-airlines-low-fares/ |title=No luggage, last to board: How basic economy air fares are taking over the world |last=Morris |first=Hugh |date=January 22, 2018 |website=The Telegraph |access-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111211347/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/basic-economy-legacy-airlines-low-fares/ |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |url-status=live }}

European full-service airlines that offer basic economy or hand-baggage only fares on transatlantic flights include:

• International Airlines Group airlines British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Aer Lingus;
• Virgin Atlantic;
• Air France–KLM group airlines Air France and KLM;
• Alitalia; and
• Lufthansa Group airlines Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines.

These fares generally do not include a checked-baggage allowance and do not allow passengers to select seats in advance or make changes after booking. However, they do include a hand-baggage allowance and in-flight entertainment and meals. In addition to being a segmentation strategy, the introduction of such fares to transatlantic flights are also viewed as a way for full-service airlines to more effectively compete with long-haul LCCs such as Norwegian and WOW air.{{Cite web |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/features/rise-transatlantic-hand-baggage-fare/ |title=The rise of the transatlantic hand baggage only fare |last=Caswell |first=Mark |date=March 17, 2018 |website=Business Traveller |access-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429015740/http://www.businesstraveller.com/features/rise-transatlantic-hand-baggage-fare/ |archive-date=April 29, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://qz.com/quartzy/1226750/a-guide-to-all-the-transatlantic-airlines-introducing-basic-economy-fares/ |title=Buying a transatlantic ticket is about to get complicated—here is your guide |last=Spinks |first=Rosie |date=March 13, 2018 |website=Quartz |access-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612060118/https://qz.com/quartzy/1226750/a-guide-to-all-the-transatlantic-airlines-introducing-basic-economy-fares/ |archive-date=June 12, 2019 |url-status=live }}

In 2016, British Airways introduced its basic economy fares, which do not include checked baggage, on European routes. These fares allow two pieces of hand baggage.{{Cite web |url=https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/travel-classes/economy/our-short-haul-fares |title=Our short haul fares |website=British Airways |access-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204122300/http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/travel-classes/economy/our-short-haul-fares |archive-date=December 4, 2016 |url-status=live }} In December 2017, the airline introduced a group-boarding policy, which placed basic economy passengers in the last boarding group.{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/ba-introduces-pay-least-board-last-policy-divides-opinion/ |title='Pay least, board last' – British Airways unveils its newest policy |last=Elliott |first=Annabel Fenwick |date=November 20, 2017 |website=The Telegraph |access-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130104319/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/ba-introduces-pay-least-board-last-policy-divides-opinion/ |archive-date=January 30, 2019 |url-status=live }} In April 2018, British Airways expanded its basic economy fares to long-haul flights, including transatlantic flights and flights to other destinations. These fares include in-flight meals, allow two pieces of hand baggage and offer advance seat selection for a fee. The airline introduced these fares together with its joint venture partners American, Iberia and Finnair.{{Cite web |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/04/11/british-airways-releases-details-hand-baggage-transatlantic-fares/ |title=British Airways releases pricing for Hand Baggage Only (HBO) fares |last=Otley |first=Tom |date=April 11, 2018 |website=Business Traveller |access-date=September 30, 2019}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/travel-classes/economy/our-long-haul-fares |title=Our long haul fares |website=British Airways |access-date=September 30, 2019}}

In March 2018, Virgin Atlantic introduced its hand-baggage only fares, as it changed its economy-class fare structure to provide three fare types. Its hand-baggage only offering, branded as Economy Light, does not include a checked-baggage allowance and free seat assignment.{{Cite web |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2018/03/07/virgin-atlantic-introduces-hand-baggage-fares/ |title=Virgin Atlantic introduces hand baggage only fares |last=McWirther |first=Alex |date=March 7, 2018 |website=Business Traveller |access-date=September 30, 2019}}{{Cite web |url=https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/on-the-flight/cabin-and-seats/economy-cabin-and-seats.html |title=Economy cabins and seats |website=Virgin Atlantic |access-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914113732/https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/on-the-flight/cabin-and-seats/economy-cabin-and-seats.html |archive-date=September 14, 2019 |url-status=live }}

In India, LCC SpiceJet introduced hand-baggage only fares in June 2015. These fares must be purchased at least 30 days in advance. They include a {{Convert|7|kg|lb|abbr=|adj=on}} hand-baggage allowance in addition to a personal item, but do not include free checked baggage. The airline's regular economy-class fares, which are more expensive, include checked baggage within the fare.{{Cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/spicejet-unveils-hand-baggage-only-fares-discounts-for-passengers-travelling-with-hand-baggage/articleshow/47880638.cms?from=mdr |title=SpiceJet unveils 'hand baggage only fares'; discounts for passengers travelling with hand baggage |last=Himatsingka |first=Anuradha |date=June 30, 2015 |website=The Economic Times |access-date=September 30, 2019}}

Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad Airways introduced hand-baggage only fares on limited routes in September 2018, following a successful trial in late 2017. These fares include a hand-baggage allowance of {{Convert|7|kg|lb|abbr=}}, but not checked baggage.{{Cite web |url=https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/etihad-rolls-out-hand-baggage-only-fares-1.2273665 |title=Etihad rolls out 'hand baggage only' fares |last=Maceda |first=Cleofe |date=September 2, 2018 |website=Gulf News |access-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930140606/https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/etihad-rolls-out-hand-baggage-only-fares-1.2273665 |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Shanghai-based airline China Eastern Airlines introduced basic economy fares in July 2019. These fares do not allow refunds, changes, upgrades, advance seat assignments, online check-in or checked baggage. Passengers on these fares board last.{{Cite web|url=https://shanghai.ist/2019/07/04/china-eastern-basic-economy/|title=China Eastern now has a basic economy class|last=Daugelaite|first=Tautville|date=July 4, 2019|website=Shanghaiist|access-date=April 6, 2020}}

Most corporations have prevented their employees from buying basic economy fares because of their limitations. For example, when cancellations occur, business travelers on basic economy cannot change to another flight and may have to purchase expensive last-minute tickets, eliminating any potential savings from the lower fares. Several airline pricing executives have noted that this corporate blockade is what airlines had hoped for, and that this strategy of product segmentation is effective at segregating business travelers from the most price-sensitive customers. Scott McCartney of The Wall Street Journal compared basic economy fares to other pricing strategies used by airlines to charge more from corporate travelers, such as Saturday-night stay requirements, advance-purchase requirements and frequent-flyer programs switching to giving miles based on airfare rather than distance traveled.

William J. McGee of Consumer Reports stated that basic economy fares "come with significant trade-offs", and that being unaware of the restrictions may result in additional fees that negate savings from the fare difference with standard economy. However, McGee noted that basic economy fares may still be preferable to cheaper fares on ultra-low-cost carriers due to more flights, newer aircraft and higher reliability offered by major airlines.

In response to a freedom of information request, the United States Department of Transportation released nearly 50 pages of customer complaints between May and September 2017, during which airlines widely rolled out basic economy fares. Barbara Peterson of Condé Nast Traveler observed that these complaints included passengers not knowing the airport check-in requirement, and online travel agencies not displaying limitations of basic economy fares to customers.

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commercial air travel}}

Category:Travel classes

Category:Airline tickets