Basic Economy Airfare – Beware of the Small Print Restrictions - Before You Book It!

Finance has been receiving some complaints from travelers about not being able to rebook basic economy fare airline tickets. When it comes to purchasing this type of ticket, it really is buyer beware!

Basic Economy airfare is often the cheapest fare you can buy but it is highly restrictive. So, while basic economy fare seems like a good idea for your budget, this ticket type comes with some serious caveats that could see you paying as much or more than what it would have cost you to purchase a regular fare.

How You Know You Have Selected a Basic Economy Fare

While basic economy fare is available in Concur and through Christopherson Business Travel (CBT), per campus user requests, you do assume some risks when purchasing this type of airfare. If you are booking travel on behalf of someone else, make sure the traveler understands the restrictions that may impact their travel. However, if the fare meets your business need and you are willing to accept the risks of a basic economy fare ticket, just be sure to read the ‘fare rules and restrictions’ (as shown below) to ensure you understand the caveats associated with your purchase.

Message as it appears in Concur on the page that returns your flight options, based on your search criteria:

CAUTION ON BASIC ECONOMY FARES include the following restrictions: No changes-No refunds-No seat assignment until check-in-No same-day confirmed or same-day stand-by-No paid or complimentary upgrades-No Priority Boarding for purchase-Full loss of ticket value if not used as issued

In addition, if the results include a Basic Economy airline ticket you will see an orange icon with an explanation point inside a caution sign in Concur:

If you click the orange indicator, you will see the following message popup, as it relates to Basic Economy Fares:

To review the fare rules and restrictions you can click on the “Show All Details” link under the View Fares button as shown:

The following will appear towards the bottom of the page:

By clicking on the blue links for Rules Benefits/Services you will be able to see all the restrictions for this ticket type.

What You Lose by Booking Basic Economy Fare

Each airline has basically the same restrictions on basic economy airfare. To be sure what restrictions you might encounter while traveling, before you purchase basic economy fare, please ensure you check the restrictions attached to that fare type before you book the ticket. Here is what you can expect if purchasing basic economy airfare:

• You Don’t Get Your Seat Assignment of Choice
  • If you like picking where you sit in the plane, you might want to think twice about booking basic economy airfare. Generally, you should expect that you don’t have the option to select where you sit. If you are traveling with someone this may mean you won’t be able to sit with your traveling party.
• You Will Board the Plane Last
  • With a basic economy fare ticket, be prepared to board the plane with the last boarding group. And if you are counting on the overhead bin space for your carry-on bags, you will likely be out of luck. If you are then required to check a bag at the gate, the airline will charge you a checked bag fee as well as a handling fee. 
• Ticket Changes Are Unallowable
  • In the last few years, airlines have gotten much more generous with changes and cancellations on all fare tickets, except basic economy fare. During COVID, some airlines were even allowing customers to change basic economy fare tickets without penalty - but not anymore. Since 2022, all airlines have tightened up their change policies and no longer allow changes on basic economy fares. What does that mean for you? If you purchased a basic economy fare ticket and you are unable to make the flight, as originally booked, you lose the value of the ticket. You receive no credit and if you still need to travel you will have to purchase and pay for a new ticket – period.
• Same Day Changes and Standby – Aren’t Allowable 
  • On almost all airlines, a basic economy ticket is not eligible for same day changes of any kind. If you think you might want or need to change the time of your flight, coming or going, you will have to pay for a new ticket.
• That Carry-On Bag May Cost You
  • If you plan to travel with a carry-on bag, make sure you review the airline’s cabin luggage policy. While most airlines do allow carry-on baggage for basic economy fare holders, some airlines are starting to place restrictions on this service. Again, if you have to gate check your carry-on it will cost you additional fees.

How to Check the Small Print of Your Ticket Restrictions - If You Missed It Earlier

When you book your ticket in Concur, once you are on the “Select a method of payment” screen it will alert you that you are trying to book a non-refundable ticket if you have selected Basic Economy airfare. You can click in the highlighted area (as shown below) to read the restrictions associated with your airfare. 

Questions? Contact financecustomercare@ohio.edu