In an attempt to level the playing field with ultra-low-cost airlines Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit, three of the four remaining "legacy" airlines (American, Delta and United) have begun selling less expensive "basic economy" airfares. So now you'll have as many as five airfare products to choose from on some flights: first class, business class, premium economy, regular economy and basic economy.
The two most important features of basic economy to note: On some airlines, you're not allowed to place a bag in the overhead bins (whatever you carry onboard must be small enough to fit safely under the seat in front of you). And, because you can't choose a seat in advance, you'll be assigned a middle seat at check-in or at the gate, probably at the back of the plane.
But there are other restrictions and rules to note, which we've broken down here by airline, and there are subtle differences between airlines. For example, Delta customers earn full frequent-flier accruals and can use overhead bin space, but not those on American and United.
Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, Virgin and most foreign-based airlines haven't introduced this new fare class. And while Frontier still allows changes and cancellations to basic-economy tickets for a fee, American, Delta and United do not.
When buying these fares, note that on shorter routes, the price difference between basic economy and regular economy may not be worth the perks you surrender, so choose carefully.
Delta
What it's called: Basic economy.
Maximum carry-on bag size: 22 by 14 by 9 inches.
Overhead bin use? Allowed.
