New 'Basic Economy' Airfares May Not Be As Cheap As You Think
All three of the biggest U.S. airlines now offer no-frills, discounted fares called "basic economy." Now there's evidence that it's not any cheaper, but is a way to raise standard economy fares.
The big three U.S. airlines — American, Delta and United — are all taking on the discount carriers by offering no-frills, discounted fares, called "basic economy." Some critics call it "misery class" because you'll board last, sit in a middle seat near the back of the plane, and on United and American, you can't bring a carry-on bag.
Now there is evidence
