Fare Class Comparison
What does "Basic Economy" actually include? Compare carry-on, bags, seats, changes and refunds across each airline's fare families — pick up to 3 airlines.
Included For a fee Not included Limited / varies
American Airlines
AA · North America| Fare attribute | Basic Economy | Main Cabin | Premium Economy | Business / First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-size carry-on | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| First checked bag | Fee applies | Fee on domestic; intl varies | 1–2 bags included | 2–3 bags |
| Seat selection | Paid only, at check-in free | Free standard seats | Included | Included |
| Flight changes | Same-day fee; no free changes | No change fee (fare diff applies) | No change fee | Flexible |
| Refundable | Non-refundable | Credit only | Fare-dependent | Most fares refundable |
| Boarding priority | Last group | Standard groups | Priority | First groups |
| Miles / points earning | Reduced earning | Full earning | Enhanced earning | Highest earning |
American Airlines
AA · North America| Fare attribute | Basic Economy | Main Cabin | Premium Economy | Business / First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-size carry-on | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| First checked bag | Fee applies | Fee on domestic; intl varies | 1–2 bags included | 2–3 bags |
| Seat selection | Paid only, at check-in free | Free standard seats | Included | Included |
| Flight changes | Same-day fee; no free changes | No change fee (fare diff applies) | No change fee | Flexible |
| Refundable | Non-refundable | Credit only | Fare-dependent | Most fares refundable |
| Boarding priority | Last group | Standard groups | Priority | First groups |
| Miles / points earning | Reduced earning | Full earning | Enhanced earning | Highest earning |
Delta Air Lines
DL · North America| Fare attribute | Basic Economy | Main Cabin | Comfort+ | Premium Select / Delta One |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-size carry-on | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| First checked bag | Fee applies | Fee on domestic | Fee on domestic | 2 bags |
| Seat selection | Assigned at check-in | Free standard seats | Extra-legroom seats | Included |
| Flight changes | Fee to change (partial credit) | No change fee (fare diff) | No change fee | Flexible |
| Refundable | Non-refundable | Credit only | Credit only | Fare-dependent |
| Boarding priority | Last zone | Standard zones | Earlier zone | Priority |
| Miles / points earning | Reduced/no earning | Full earning | Full earning | Highest earning |
United Airlines
UA · North America| Fare attribute | Basic Economy Carry-on IS included on transatlantic Basic Economy | Economy | Economy Plus | Premium Plus / Polaris |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-size carry-on | Personal item only (domestic) | Included | Included | Included |
| First checked bag | Fee applies | Fee on domestic | Fee on domestic | 2 bags |
| Seat selection | Paid only | Free standard seats | Extra legroom | Included |
| Flight changes | No changes | No change fee (fare diff) | No change fee | Flexible |
| Refundable | Non-refundable | Credit only | Credit only | Fare-dependent |
| Boarding priority | Last group | Standard groups | Standard groups | Priority |
| Miles / points earning | Reduced earning | Full earning | Full earning | Highest earning |
Editorial summary of typical fare-family rules — airlines change policies often and rules can vary by route, region and booking channel. Always confirm on the airline's own site before booking. Data snapshot: 2026-02.
