Delta Air Lines Takes Page From Spirit & Frontier, Offers No-Frills Ticketing Option

Is Delta Air Lines gunning for a piece of the bare-bones ticket business other “low-cost” carriers like Frontier and Spirit offer? It sure looks that way after the airline unveiled plans to expand its stripped-down fare option.

The Star Tribune reports that starting February 1 Delta’s Basic Economy fare option – which comes with no reserved seat and no ability to change flight plans – will expand to more than a dozen destinations.

The Basic Economy fare, which was first tested from Detroit in 2012, gets consumers a confirmed seat on the flight but doesn’t allow them to pick a seat in advance, change travel plans, fly standby and puts them at the back of the boarding line.

Additionally, travelers who purchase the no-frills fare won’t be able to purchase or receive complimentary upgrades, Economy Comfort seats, or Preferred Seats.

Officials with Delta declined to give the Star Tribune an average price difference between Basic Economy and traditional Economy prices.

However, a quick search for February flights between Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale shows an average savings of just $20 between the ticket options.

Delta is just the latest airline to offer a value-fare option. Back in April, Frontier Airlines unveiled a new “Ultra-Low-Cost” fare structure.

Unlike Delta’s new fare, which won’t even allow consumer to pay fees for extras, Frontier’s plan includes the options to pay for just about everything including carry-on baggage and a reserved seat.

Delta expands bare-bones ticket option [Star Tribune]

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