Delta Air Lines Makes Big Changes to Basic Economy Fare

The rules for Delta Air Lines’ most basic fare are changing.

Effective immediately, Delta Basic Economy Tickets will no longer earn miles toward the carrier’s SkyMiles frequent-flyer program or toward a passenger’s Medallion status. Instead, only tickets at the Main Cabin level or higher will contribute toward both of those programs.

Delta is also changing its Basic Economy change policy, which had been relaxed because of the pandemic.

The carrier had been allowing cancellations and changes without fees through the end of 2021 and while that policy has been extended for travel from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India through January 2022, the policy around North American Basic Economy tickets are changing.

Starting next year, changes and cancellations will no longer be allowed. Delta, however, will offer some partial credit for Basic Economy cancellations, something that was never offered prior to the pandemic. A cancellation charge will still apply.

Delta told USA Today that the fees for cancellations will be $99 for flights within or from the U.S. and Canada to Mexico or the Caribbean and then $199 for all other international travel from the U.S. and Canada.  

The fares are typically the cheapest available for Delta flights and guarantee a passenger a Main Cabin seat but no seat assignment until after check-in. Passengers traveling oh the fares are last to board, as well, and not eligible for upgrades.