Delta Will Try to Out-Spirit Spirit Air with New Cheap Fare

Delta introduced a Basic Economy fare more than two years ago to compete against Spirit and other ultra-low-cost carriers, but earlier this month Delta quietly introduced changes to the fare that will eliminate almost everything but the seat, seatbelt and snacks. The fare already comes without advance seat assignments, free checked bags, and corporate recognition benefits, and passengers purchasing this "E" fare class board the plane last, which limits access to overhead bins. But, after studying passenger behavior and its own financials, no doubt, over the last couple of years, Delta this month quietly tweaked the Basic Economy fare for travel beginning February 1, 2015, and eliminated existing attributes, including complimentary and paid upgrades, same-day confirmed and same-day standby flights, and the ability to purchase priority boarding. No worries, though. Basic Economy fare passengers can still use power outlets and seatback entertainment, when available, Delta states. The Basic Economy fare is geared for no-frills-oriented leisure travelers -- the type who fly Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant -- so the elimination of some of the upgrade options