It comes down to cost, flexibility, and convenience.
Namely, which airline youre going to fly and what bang out of experience youre hoping to have.
The second, however, could require more thought.
Main cabin seating on a JetBlue plane.Credit:Courtesy of JetBlue Airlines
Read on to discover everything you oughta know about booking main cabin vs. basic economy.
This is the classic airplane experience youre probably familiar with.
Airlines are marketing basic economy seats in less-desirable locations on the planethink middle seats and likely toward the back.
Overhead baggage on a JetBlue plane.JetBlue Airlines
That said, you always want to read the fine print before buying a basic economy ticket.
With cheaper fare comes more limitations.
JetBlue Airlines
Main Cabin vs.
A boarding pass for AirCanada.Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure
Instead, youll be assigned one at either check-in or the gate.
But if youre in basic economy?
Most airlines wont grant you a complimentary upgrade when youve paid for basic economy fare.
Seats on a JetBlue airplane.Courtesy of JetBlue Airlines
Youll get the same amenitiesdrink, snack, and entertainment optionsas those travelers who paid for regular economy.
The only less-than-ideal factor is the seat, as you might wind up in the middle.
On American, for example, you might bring both, just like travelers whove booked main cabin.
In that case, youll be asked to gate-check your bag.
Uniteds basic economy fares are more restrictive.
Some airlines do allow changes on basic economy tickets, but they come with a price.
