The Hidden Downside of Always Flying Basic Economy

Most airlines offer basic economy fare, which can save you money on travel costs. If you have a limited vacation budget or prefer the best deal when booking travel reservations, you may like booking basic economy airfare. But make sure you're aware of the downsides of this ticket type. Here is one major hidden downside of always flying basic economy.

You may miss out on airline miles

One significant drawback is the potential loss of airline miles when flying on a basic economy ticket. You could earn significantly fewer miles through your airline's frequent flyer program, which is a major bummer if you're a fan of travel rewards.

Some airlines, like Delta, don't allow flyers to earn miles when flying on a basic economy ticket. So, while you can save some money by purchasing cheaper fares, you may be unable to earn rewards from your trip. This is something to consider if you're a frequent traveler. You'll want to decide whether the savings outweigh the benefits of earning miles when you fly.

Here's a quick overview of how some major airlines handle earnings for basic economy flyers:

If you fly basic economy regularly, you could lose out on earning many miles. The next time you research flight prices, consider whether it's best to spring for regular economy fare. As always, keep your budget in mind before you buy. It's never a good idea to overspend beyond your means. You could accumulate costly credit card debt or more financial stress.

You can earn rewards another way

I have some good news. Even if you're earning fewer (or no) miles through your go-to airline's frequent flyer program, there are other ways to earn rewards when you travel. You can use one of the best travel credit cards to earn valuable rewards and access travel perks.

Many people who travel regularly rely on credit cards. You can redeem your rewards for nearly-free travel to make a further vacation less expensive.

If you're loyal to one airline, consider applying for an airline credit card. You can earn rewards on eligible spending and access airline-exclusive benefits that improve your travels.

Restrictions to beware of when flying basic economy

In addition to the potential for earning fewer miles, you should consider the restrictions that may come with your basic economy tickets. Your ticket may be affordable, but you'll have less flexibility and benefits included with your airfare. Most airlines don't allow basic economy flyers to change their reservations, which is a noticeable restriction to be aware of before your next trip.

Most carriers also don't allow passengers with basic economy tickets to pre-select their seats for free when booking their flights. Instead, you'll need to pay extra for a seat or wait until after check-in for the airline to assign you a seat (you could be assigned to a middle seat!).

Some airlines don't even include a carry-on bag with basic economy tickets. If passage for your carry-on bag isn't included with your fare, you'll need to pay extra fees to bring a bag or need to consider paying a fee to check a bag. These extra expenses can impact your checking account.

Knowing about any potential restrictions can help you decide on the best fare for your needs and preferences when buying airfare for an upcoming trip. To avoid surprises, review the terms and conditions before you check out, no matter which airline you fly with or the ticket type you purchase.