Delta Air Lines Announces International Basic Economy Baggage Fee

Delta Air Lines will now charge passengers flying Delta basic economy between the U.S. and Europe or North Africa $60 to check the first bag and $100 for the second.

The change, which was announced late last week, will impact flights booked after Dec. 6 and scheduled for April 10, 2018 and after.

Previously, Delta basic economy was the only basic economy of the major American carriers that allowed passengers to check one bag with a ticket purchase, free of charge, the same as its main cabin passengers.

In a statement to Business Insider, Delta said the change has been made “only to align with similar basic fare products in the market.”

On United’s basic economy option, one personal item, small enough to fit under the seat in front of the passenger, is allowed; a checked bag costs $25. American’s basic economy allows for one item that fits under the seat in front of the passenger; a checked bag on American costs $25.

Delta also said that it has no plans to change the policy for domestic flights.

Basic history among airlines
Delta initially announced that it would be adding a basic economy fare in October 2014. The fare had been tested in several markets beginning in March 2012, but Delta made the fare fully available in order to better compete with new ultra, low-cost airlines.

The fare guarantees a seat on the aircraft, but not much after that — it does not offer seat selection or allow for ticket changes; but does give passengers the same snacks, beverages, and entertainment as regular economy passengers receive.

United and American followed suit, with both beginning to sell basic economy fares in February 2017.

In July, United said that its basic economy fares were so successful at winning over customers from its rivals, that it took credit for cut-rate flights from Frontier Airlines, one of its rivals in the Denver area.