Alaska Air – $257 (Regular Economy) / $197 (Basic Economy): Seattle – Raleigh / Durham, North Carolina (and vice versa). Roundtrip, including all Taxes (2024)

FAQs

What does basic economy fare mean? ›

Our lowest Main Cabin fare around the world

Book a Basic Economy fare to get our lowest price. There are some restrictions, but you'll still enjoy a comfortable seat in the Main Cabin, free snacks, soft drinks and inflight entertainment. Basic Economy fares cannot be combined with other fare types. Book a trip today.

Economy Light flyers can only fly with a carry-on and personal item, and tickets can't be changed, rebooked or refunded. Economy Basic fares include a check bag and while also nonrefundable, allow changes for a fee.

The Benefits of Flying in a Basic Economy Airplane Seat

Using this option is: Less Expensive: If you don't have much money, basic economy travel can save you even more. They're cheaper than even traditional economy fares and work well for people who want to plan weeks in advance and are flexible in their travel plans.

Redeem miles

Although Alaska Airlines will sell you basic economy tickets in cash, it doesn't do the same for miles. That means if you redeem your miles for an economy class ticket, it'll be in the Main fare class, not Saver.

For most trips you can only bring one personal item when you're flying in Basic Economy. You can't bring a carry-on bag unless you're flying to South America, across the Atlantic or across the Pacific. All other bags have to be checked.

“The main difference between basic economy and standard economy is that when flying basic economy, your seat selection is automatically assigned for you, and carry-on bags are not included unless you're flying to South America, across the Atlantic, or on an international flight across the Pacific,” says United.

Two disadvantages of selecting economy class flights are limited legroom and narrower seats, which can be uncomfortable for long journeys. Additionally, there may be fewer amenities and services compared to premium classes, such as limited meal options or entertainment choices.

Upgrades are not available from Economy Light.

Flyers with a basic economy ticket are not permitted to put a carry-on in the overhead bin – they're limited to one small personal item underneath the seat. With a normal economy fare, you can bring a normal carry-on bag onboard. Because of that, basic economy passengers cannot check in online or using the United app.

The primary downside to the airline's basic economy fares is the lack of ability to make changes. American Airlines' basic economy fares are essentially "use it or lose it." Plus, this lack of flexibility means you can't take advantage of price drops after booking.

Am I guaranteed a seat with basic economy? ›

If you choose to book a basic economy ticket, you have to accept a random seat assignment (even if it's the middle seat) and be absolutely sure you don't need to cancel or change your flight. You'll also give up earning miles for the trip.

Economy class, also called third class, coach class, steerage, or to distinguish it from the slightly more expensive premium economy class, standard economy class or budget economy class, is the lowest travel class of seating in air travel, rail travel, and sometimes ferry or maritime travel.

Alaska's Saver fare — the airline's version of basic economy — is the only ticket type that comes with restrictions on choosing seats. With Saver fares, even if you're an elite member, the only way to book a seat in advance is to pay for one.

Alaska is one of the most expensive states to live in. Housing, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport are all above the national average.

Saver fare is Alaska's save-a-lot-of-cash travel experience that provides Main cabin benefits, like comfortable seats and a free carry-on, but excludes seat selection and limits changeability.

1. Can I Bring A Full-Size Carry-On United Economy? You're allowed ONE FULL-SIZE carry-on (not exceeding 22 x 14 x 9 inches in dimension) on United Economy. Additionally, you are allowed ONE EXTRA personal item, such as a laptop pouch, purse, or a small backpack.

Booking a basic economy fare entitles you to the same main cabin seat as other economy class passengers. There are just a few differences in the travel experience: Basic economy fares do not earn Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs), Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) and Elite Qualifying Segments (EQSs) toward future status.