We Asked 5 Experts If Basic Economy Is Really Worth It-Here's What They Said

"Basic economy fares typically mean no seat selection, last boarding, and limited-or no-checked baggage. The appeal, however, is clear. "Basic economy is a good option for frugal travelers who don't mind forgoing comfort to save on travel costs," Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, told Travel + Leisure. He noted that these tickets can cost 20 to 30 percent less than standard economy, making them financially tempting for travelers focused on price above all else."

"Still, that lower cost helps explain why basic economy consistently earns poor reviews. "It's no surprise that the 'Basic Economy' experience is the lowest-rated ticket type in the J.D. Power North American Airline Benchmark," Michael Taylor, senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail, and customer service at J.D. Power, told T+L. "With these fares, passengers are buying the right to board a plane and be transported to a particular destination with limited or no 'perks' of traveling.""

Basic economy fares typically forbid seat selection, require last boarding, and limit or eliminate checked baggage allowances. These stripped-down tickets often cost about 20 to 30 percent less than standard economy, appealing to price-focused and frugal travelers willing to forgo comfort to save. The reduced cost correlates with lower satisfaction: basic economy ranks as the lowest-rated ticket type in J.D. Power’s North American Airline Benchmark. Airlines introduced basic economy not to improve flying comfort but to capture price-sensitive online shoppers, using ultra-low fares to rise in search results and attract customers treating airfare as a commodity.

Read at Travel + Leisure