Delta currently sells Basic Economy fares on select routes which are known as E fares. These discounted fares don’t allow for seat selection at booking, but Medallions still receive the same benefits including complimentary upgrades… until now!
Any tickets that are purchased now for travel after February 1, 2015, will no longer be eligible for Complimentary Medallion Upgrades according to this chart posted on Delta’s site when booking basic economy fares.
Other restrictions for basic economy fares include:
- No advance seat selection (prior to the check-in window)
- No Same Day Standby or Same Day Confirmed
- No complimentary Medallion upgrades or seating (to Front Cabin, Preferred, or Economy Comfort)
- No paid upgrades
Basic Economy E fares are only offered on select routes where Delta competes with many low cost carriers, and as a way to keep the price down they offer these discounted fares without any perks.
*Note, that the chart above incorrectly states these changes occur February 1, 2014. I reached out to my contact, and they confirmed these changes are beginning February 1, 2015, and the website has a typo*
What are your thoughts on these Basic Economy fares? As a Medallion, would you be willing to book one to save some money or would you would opt for a regular economy fare?
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In my experience, the price difference usually would not justify losing Medallion perks especially the lose of preferred and EC seating.
once it starts, delta will start new booking class lower than E…
You should probably take a second look at your chart. These changes went into effect in 2014. This is not new.
@Gene – see text below chart. I can promise you, and you can look on Delta.com, that currently E-Class fares qualify for medallion upgrades. This will kill and already horrid fare from EVER being booked by any medallion! Major fail by Delta on this one as there will be medallions who will miss that and book this junk fare!
Delta – The World Most Trusted (to devalue its customer loyalty program) Airline.
i’ve never even seen an E fare.
These changes were effective 2/1/2014. Read the chart.
These new rules will encourage me to book with the low cost carrier and build status with them. I usually select SWA on the shorter hauls to get the nonstop anyway, and they are always cheaper. Not having to pass through ATL will be an added bonus!
Gene – the chart is wrong – see this from the body of the blog:
*Note, that the chart above incorrectly states these changes occur February 1, 2014. I reached out to my contact, and they confirmed these changes are beginning February 1, 2015, and the website has a typo* – See more at: http://pntsmlsmartini.wpengine.com/2014/10/delta-removing-medallion-upgrades-basic-economy-fares/#sthash.MB1dxlwn.dpuf