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Yes, Airlines Do Have the Right to Change Your Seat Without Warning

Here's what to do when it happens.

When right-wing pundit Ann Coulter resorted to complaining on Twitter about having her seat moved on a 2017 Delta flight, she gave the world a golden example of how not to behave.

Perhaps she wasn’t fully aware of her rights — or the airline’s — but the tweetstorm that unfolded reminds us why it’s always important to know your rights as a passenger.

When you purchase an airline seat, you are required to acknowledge that you agree to the contract of carriage, a legally binding agreement between you and the airline, usually by checking a box next to the phrase “I agree to the terms and conditions of the contract of carriage” or some variation thereof.

Delta’s contract of carriage states : “Delta may substitute alternate Carriers or aircraft, change its schedules, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket as required by its operations in Delta’s sole discretion.”

When you buy a plane ticket, the airline is only obligated to get you from point A to point B. Everything else that comes with it (reserved seating, overhead bin space, baggage allowance, and food and beverage service) is at the discretion of the airline. Because you’re not buying an actual seat — you’re purchasing transportation.

What to Do When an Airline Moves Your Seat

When you’re asked by a flight attendant or gate agent to change seats, it’s usually to help families sit together, allow caregivers to sit next to patients, or accommodate an air marshal or other airline employee. They also might ask you to move for safety reasons or to help redistribute the weight balance of the aircraft, especially on smaller planes.

If it happens to you, respond politely and graciously. Over the years, I’ve been asked countless times to move seats and have done so without complaining. Nearly every time, the flight attendant thanked me for my willingness to be flexible with free bottles of wine or a snack.

Your Boarding Pass Is Your Assigned Seat

If a gate agent comes onboard and hands you a new boarding pass, that is the seat you are required to sit in, regardless of how much you paid for your ticket or the class of service you purchased. The gate agent has supreme power of seating assignments for every flight and dictates who sits where. If they ask you to move, do it.

You May Be Entitled to a Refund

If you’re downgraded from a seat with extra legroom to a regular economy seat, the airline will reimburse you the difference. In Coulter’s case, Delta refunded her the $30 extra fee she paid for the Delta Comfort+ seat that was given to another passenger.

The contract of carriage for American Airlines , as another example, states that you can request a refund for a variety of reasons , including getting re-booked on a flight that causes you to miss a connection, or if you get moved from a preferred seat to a non-preferred seat or a preferred aisle/window seat to a preferred middle seat. Those “preferred” seats refer to the coveted seats near the front of the economy cabin or in emergency exit rows that typically cost extra.

If your seat gets moved and you feel you are owed a refund, contact the airline’s customer service department to request one.

What Can You Do When an Airline Changes Your Seat?

By Mark Ellwood

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It was about two months before Matt Nevans’ flight when he received the mysterious, apologetic email: the first-class seat he had picked for his Thai Airways flight to Tokyo had been changed from 1E to 3A. The reason? The former was required by a princess from the country’s royal family.

Nevans, a 33-year-old from Washington, D.C. , who travels regularly for his job, took it for a prank. “The initial thought was: man, one of my friends is screwing with me here.” When he checked, though, the airline apologized profusely and confirmed the switch. Sure enough, on the day of that flight, sitting in 3A, he watched as the flight attendants formed a reception line. Moments before the door closed, they bowed as the princess appeared. “She looked very Hollywood-ish, lots of gold,” Nevans recalls.

His experience might sound unlikely—and probably caused him more amusement than inconvenience—but seat reallocation is commonplace on a plane. When an airline changes your seat, it could be for a multitude of reasons. Mechanical problems or weather delays might force an airline to swap out one aircraft for another, a passenger might be moved to make way for a deadheading crew member, or a seat change could also be to accommodate a disabled passenger: certain seats on any aircraft are designated A.D.A.-friendly , often those in front of the bulkhead wall.

“You could be moved for, quite literally, any reason," says Bobby Laurie , the flight attendant and travel expert. "Even though you’ve selected that seat, it’s not yours.”

Whatever the airline's reason for ejecting you from your chosen seat, what rights do fliers have? Per the fine print on any ticket, absolutely none, says Christian Nielsen, Chief Legal Officer of AirHelp . ”When you buy a flight ticket, you actually buy transportation from A to B, not a particular seat in the aircraft, even if you pay extra to choose your own seat,” he says. “There is no situation where you are absolutely guaranteed.” Nielsen says that most airlines will try to move fliers to an equal or better seat if forced to reorganize the cabin, though it isn’t always possible on busy flights. If you’ve paid for extra leg room, for instance, and are moved to a standard berth in economy , expect a refund. Keep both boarding passes if the change happens at the gate or take the name of the in-flight supervisor if the reseating takes place once onboard. In the former case, if you’re unsatisfied with the new seat, ask the gate agent if a better seat is available on an alternative flight to the destination that day.

Fliers’ rights are far stronger when they're denied a seat entirely, rather than moved within the cabin. You can expect compensation of up to 400 percent of your ticket price (capped to $1,350) if the alternative seat on another flight delivers you to your destination more than two hours after your original scheduled arrival. AirHelp’s Nielsen does caution that these regulations are applicable in North America, but do not apply worldwide—in China, for instance, even denied boarding does not guarantee automatic compensation, so check the contract of carriage for each ticket.

Even though you’re not legally entitled to redress after being reseated, Laurie says that most in-flight staffers will attempt to offset the inconvenience. “If there are no first-class seats to move you to, you might well have the luxury of a first-class experience,” he says. “ Flight attendants might not be able to issue you a refund, but they’re going to try to sweeten the deal.” They will make that apology manifest in the form of free movies, meals, drinks—or even all three, especially for cooperative, polite passengers. He recalls one well-known jewelry designer whom he asked to move from her prime perch to accommodate a family; she ended up in the back row of the economy cabin. She didn’t scowl, though. Instead, she spent most of the flight standing to chat in the galley with staff, nursing a cocktail, and showing her designs to folks waiting for the bathroom.

Laurie was lucky. Moving premium passengers is often a challenge, as few will downgrade from first class without a struggle. But take solace if you’re ever forcibly bumped from the front of the plane, and staffers refuse to provide a clear explanation as to why, but instead, simply offer a full refund. This confusing situation is a sign you’re on an extra-safe flight: air marshals, deployed to protect the cockpit, will be seated there, often at a moment’s notice to the airline before take-off.

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What is the Delta Change Seat Facility? Eligibility and Methods

TravelRaval » Blog » What is the Delta Change Seat Facility? Eligibility and Methods

T he Delta change seat feature can give passengers a more comfortable experience. It is a part of the flight change policy that permits people to make seat-related alterations. This policy allows different types of changes in the seat option after reserving flights. Passengers can make such changes for reasons like more comfort, the availability of better facilities, etc. This policy assists in making these changes whether it is done online or offline. Also, this enables travelers to make modifications ahead of check-in. While the seat change policy permits this facility, it can also enable the airline to make modifications. Knowing completely about this facility can be of use to flyers, especially during these instances.

Can I Change My Seat on Delta?

It is possible to change seats on Delta. This is beneficial for passengers who are not satisfied with their current seating. For this, the carrier allows the flexibility to travelers to make changes in their seats accordingly. Hence, it is able to provide them with a satisfactory in-flight experience.  

• This airline allows travelers to change or upgrade their seating options.
• While doing so, the Delta seat change policy has to be followed.
• Travelers can contact the customer support team to get the details of the same. 
• The official website can be visited to switch the seating alternatives. 
• They can change seats from Economic class to Premium/Business, or vice-versa.

What is Delta Seat Change Policy? 

This is a policy that allows passengers a variety of modifications that they can make to their current seating. Delta has made this policy to clear all the rules and guidelines related to seat modifications. 

• This flexibility plays a key role in offering a good travel experience. 
• This indicates why is Delta a good Airline to fly with in terms of comfort.
• The carrier reserves the changing rights with itself for security, safety, and operational reasons. 
• When passengers change their seats willingly, prices are non-refundable.
• The final decision on modification resides with the operational crew and ground staff. 
• An additional fee for changing seats might be applicable and is subject to change. 
• The seating options will only be modified for Delta-connected airlines. 
• Fare rules will be applied at the time of alterations, as per the Delta seat change policy.
• Changing Basic Economy seats within 24 hours of purchase can be free.

Can You Change Seats on Delta After Booking?

Airlines like Delta enable passengers to alter their seating options after booking. It facilitates the flexibility for travelers to choose their favorite spots to sit because it believes to provide them with a satisfying and comfortable in-flight experience. 

• The carrier allows travelers to change their seats after booking.
• Delta’s official website
• The official app of the airline
• Visiting the airport
• Contacting the airline
• After paying the required charges, passengers of Delta change seats after booking.
• If travelers book tickets with a third party, then they must contact it for the same.
• Before making any alteration after booking, carefully read Fare Rules. 
• They can visit the official website or can contact the airline for the current rules.

Can Delta Change My Seat?

Delta can change the seats of the passengers in some situations. Some incidents have happened with travelers in which the airline itself changes seats. Under Delta’s contract of carriage, there are certain reasons mentioned that made the carrier alter the seating options of the passengers. 

A brief about these situations can be found further to ascertain when can Delta change your seat:

• In some situations, the carrier changes the kind of plane that has to be used for flights.
• Seating of these new aircraft can be different that may not match with current options. 
• At the time of delays or cancellation, Delta may modify the seating.
• Alterations in seatings can be done by the airline, especially for disabled or elderly people.
• There could be other reasons too for which Delta changes the seats by itself.

Can Delta Change My Seat Without Telling Me?

Possibly, Delta Airlines can change the seats of travelers at any time without giving them proper notice or clarification. According to the reviews of some passengers, the carrier only promises the people starting and ending destinations on their tickets. 

• This may happen to them in case the seat is booked for some special needs. 
• For the elderly, disabled persons, or high-class people, changes can be made. 
• Thus, the carrier has to shift the seat of the passenger without telling them beforehand.

On Delta Can You Change Seats After Checking-in?

Delta allows passengers to change their seats after the check-in process. But there might be some limitations that can be faced by travelers. Seat unavailability is a common limitation observed. Even when fewer seating options are left, managing bookings after checking in can be difficult. 

More limitations and details regarding seat changing after check-in are given below: 

• After check-in, seat availability in the plane may become limited or it can be fully booked. 
• Hence, there can be only fewer options on Delta to change seats after check-in.
• Usually, after check-in, it becomes difficult to find a suitable spot or available seating.
• Economy to Economy 
• First Class to First Class
• Business to Business class
• Customers can make changes 24 hours before departure.
• They can do so by visiting the official website online, or from the airport too.  
• Seat maps available on Delta’s website or in its app can be used to find unbooked seats.
• Gate agents can be connected at the airport to know the availability.
• They have to pay the required fee for this benefit. It can vary as per the time and fare type.

How to Change Seats on Delta Airlines Online?

The changes in the seating can be made online from the website of Delta. For making modifications, some details are required like the passenger’s first and last name, ticket number, etc. The changes can be done in a few minutes and can be implemented after making the required payment in case applicable. 

These are the steps to make desirable changes in the seating options online:

• Visit the official website of “ Delta ”.
• Click on the “ Log-in ” button.
• After signing in, select the “ My Trip ” option by clicking on it.
• Find the option to manage seats. 
• Then look for the seat that is not marked as “ Occupied ” on the seat map.
• Follow more directions appearing ahead.
• Confirm all the changes that are made.
• Make the payment at last to implement the changes.

How to Change Seat on Delta Flight at Airport?

Passengers can change their seats offline by physically visiting the airport from where the departure is scheduled. Travelers have to take necessary documents like passports, personal paperwork, ticket flight numbers, etc. Afterward, the representative of the airline at the Delta counter inside the airport can help. 

Here is more to know about how to change seat on Delta offline via the airport. 

• Visit early at the departure airport.
• Find the counter of Delta Airlines.
• At this counter, ask the representative about the availability of the seats for changes.
• Also, inquire about the flight status and process of making seating modifications.
• Pay the required amount for switching seats. 
• At last, confirm your seat assignment.
• Travelers can also seek assistance from the airport counter or gate agent too.

What is the Delta Seat Change Fee?

Usually, the charges for flight changes cost between $0-$400 in Delta Airlines. But the fees for seat-related changes can be low, depending on the routes, time, cabin, and seating status. To confirm the exact charges, contact the helpline of the carrier. 

Why Can’t You Change Seat on Delta Flight?

There are several reasons why travelers may occasionally face difficulty in making modifications to their seats. These can comprise limited seat options, fully booked flights, some safety reasons, etc. Alterations can also be restricted in some situations or in Economy Class. 

To gain additional knowledge about when the changes in the seating option are restricted or limited, consider reading below-given insights:

• After the check-in process, seat availability may become limited.
• Some types of specific fares restrict people from changing their cabin seats.
• Operational reasons 
• Safety consideration 
• It may be hard to change seat on Delta if travelers have booked flights from a third party.
• These parties might not assist them to modify the seating options directly.
• Also, there are many restrictions to do so with a basic economy ticket.

Conclusion 

Delta is the airline that offers travelers flexibility in choosing their favorite seats. For this, it has made a clear Delta seat change policy that can help them to do so. It also facilitates online and offline methods to make modifications at a nominal fee, after booking and check-in too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are certain queries from travelers related to seat changing on Delta flights. Some of these doubts are answered below in the list of questions and answers:

People who are traveling from any class except for Basic Economy can make seat changes.

Travelers of Basic Economy seats are restricted to change their seats to other cabins.

Yes, travelers with Premium Class tickets can make alterations to their seats.

First-Class passengers can make modifications to their seats.

Yes, the changes can be done in seating before departure, subject to availability.

You can upgrade seats from Business to First-Class after paying extra charges.

It may not be possible to switch seats during the commencement of flights.

The modification of the seats can be done by logging into the Delta account online.

The cost of changing seats might be low. Usually, it is under $400.

Yes, Delta Airlines enables passengers to make modifications to seats after check-in.

In case you have any special requirements, then the seat can be changed for free.

This assignment can be changed offline at the airport.

Seat maps assist travelers to know which spot is occupied and available.

Yes, the official app of this airline, Fly Delta, can be used to manage seats on a flight.

In some instances, Delta can change your seat from front to back due to security or special reasons.

After logging into the account, use “My Trip” to manage your seat.

There are several reasons for this including plane changes, delays in flights, etc.

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Airlines Might Lose Your Seat Fees When You Change Flights—How to Get Refunds

By Jason Cochran

04/12/2022, 8:00 AM

Covid brought the world a lot of conflict and consternation, but it also brought one change that made travel much easier: the end of  airline change fees .

But don't be fooled. The airlines have found ways to make money when you alter travel plans, even if carriers no longer collect penalties of $200 and up for changes. 

I almost learned that the hard way last week when I changed an upcoming United Airlines itinerary. When I first bought my ticket, I purchased what United calls a "bundle," which combines perks such as seat assignment, checked bag costs, and lounge access into one not-always-discounted payment. Calculated and classified separately from the airfare, the bundling fee can be well over $200 per leg.

But when I tried to change my United flights online, the bundles I purchased didn't carry over to the new trip. The booking engine didn't even indicate that I had purchased any bundles at all. To make sure they were applied to my new flights, I had to phone the call center and wait (and wait and wait) to speak to an agent.

Even then, the phone agent got as far as assigning me seats in the most basic section of Economy without acknowledging that I had originally purchased bundles. I had to remind her and she had to reseat me.

It was almost as if United had elected not to mention my previous bundle purchases in the hopes that I would forget about them and buy new ones.

Most consumers are used to paying extra for seat assignments by now but may not be versed in what happens to those purchases if your plans change. They don't always transfer to your new itinerary. 

Here's what each of the major airlines says on the record about seat assignment purchases in case of a flight change.

American Airlines

If you change your flights, your additional Main Cabin Extra seat purchases do not automatically transfer to the new flights, an airline media relations representative for the company told me.

However, American will refund your seat assignment fees if you cancel, rebook, and buy seats on your new flight.

As the airline officially sees it, "if the customer voluntarily changes their itinerary, technically, they are canceling their old flight and rebooking on a new flight." 

So for American Airlines, if you don't notice that your seat assignment fees are transferring to your new booking, it's better to simply cancel your flight entirely, collect the refunded seat assignment fee, and then rebook a whole new itinerary and buy seats again. 

For the record, American will also refund your seat assignment fees in the following circumstances, not all of which have to do with voluntary itinerary changes:

• you pay to upgrade to First or Business class

• you pay more for another seat on the same flight (but not if you change to a lower-priced or free seat)

• American cancels your flight and fails to get you a comparable seat on another flight rebooked by the airline

• you miss a connection because American delayed your flight and was unable to get you a comparable seat on another flight

• you were denied boarding on an oversold flight and the airline can't get you a comparable seat on the new flight

Delta Air Lines

Delta's position on seat assignment refunds is simple. 

If a customer who has purchased a seat upgrade decides to change flights, a spokesperson told me, then "the seat would carry over to the new flight, if available."

If the same type and price of seat are not available in the cabin of the new flight, Delta will refund the cost difference. You'll be back in an un-upgraded seat, but at least you'll get your original seat allocation funds back.

For a lot more info on what Delta will refund you if you change your plans, see its web page on the topic .

If you change or cancel your flight, the money you paid for an Even More Space seat (JetBlue's version of an economy seat upgrade) will be refunded to the original form of payment.

You also get your money back if the airline changes your flight "due to an operational disruption" and then runs out of Even More Space seats on your replacement flight.

If you're not changing your flight, though, once you pay for Even More Space, don't change seats. If you move your seat assignment out of that category for your flight, you lose what you originally paid.

United Airlines

"If there is a pricing discrepancy from the original booking to the new booking, the ancillary bundle purchase may not transfer automatically," a United spokesperson told me.

"A good indicator if the bundle transfers is if the seat selection on the new reservation triggers the customer to pay for a new seat. If this is the case, the original bundle fee will be refunded," the spokesperson said.

That didn't line up with my experience. In my case, the bundles didn't transfer to the new flights and I was offered the opportunity to buy more bundles. However, when I phoned, the customer service agent was able to apply my previous bundle purchase without charging me more.

Which influences my advice: The best way to prove you've paid for seat assignments on United is to retain your original flight "eTicket Itinerary and Receipt," which will even supply the confirmation numbers of each of the bundle bookings. To change flights, don't use the United website—call instead, and have those confirmation numbers handy.

To determine whether you have paid-for bundles waiting to be used for flights, you can also check your payment receipts in the My Trips section of the United website.

No matter which airline you're flying, always keep track of the ancillary purchases you made when you bought your original flights. That way, you can always know if your purchases have transferred to your new plans.

And if you're due for a refund, don't forget to check your credit balance with the airline itself. Not all refunds are put back on your credit card; sometimes they're returned to you in the form of funds to use on future purchases.

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First of all, an apology if this subject has been broached before. I did a search and could find nothing that addresses this problem. Bear with me! :-)

When I checked today, I noticed we had been moved (on the ATL-LAS segment) to Row 42. I called and spoke with a rep; was very polite (even though his command of English (or lack thereof) left us both almost in tears).

After 15 minutes of speaking to Bangalore, I finally got to talk with Customer Service in Salt Lake. She said there was nothing they could do. First she said the equipment had changed; I noted it had not. Then she said it was totally automated and there was no way to move us. Then she said the AIRPORT had taken those seats. I mentioned to her that since they shuffled US to the back, maybe they could do the same for someone else...this did not go over well. :-)

Is there anything I can do? I know in this age of don't-care airlines , it is a small matter, but I've been flying Delta since the 70s and even though I've had problems before, for some reason, this irks me more than most. I truly feel like a second-class citizen and am seeking advice on how to approach this problem. I was polite yet firm, but it got me nowhere.

Thanks for any advice!

It really is a pain when these things happen.

I think the off shore customer service question is quite interesting. I might just call and see who I get.

I know the difference as our computer help desk calls are ALWAYS offshore somewhere and we can tell.

If you are a SkyMiles member, you have to key in your SkyMiles number when calling customer service. If you are an elite with DL (any Medallion level) you will automatically get transferred to a special department that handles elites that is U.S. based.

I am NOT an elite member and I have still gotten USA English speaking reps.

Yes non-Elite members can still get U.S.A. based agents. My post simply stated that all the medallion members get routed to a U.S.A. based call center. :)

Having made a lot of travel bookings over the phone with Delta we learned to switch to West Coast time. Anything before noon Pacific seems to get diverted to Asia, anything after that you get a US call centre.

Might not be 100% accurate but generally if we waited until night time here we got a native English speaker, which makes complicated bookings a lot easier!

Iknow exactly what you are talking about,one way to increase your chances of speaking to an English speaking agent,call during the the business hours, I am a UA flyer,that's what hapens there also.Also,keep calling,untilyou get somebody you can talk with,and,goodluck,

athtrasna, That makes some sense. Glad to get a clue to what is happening.

worldvoyager states:

...So is paying the kind of fare that ensures customer service can be provided. At the fares people are prepared to pay today, something has to be cut back. Along with meals etc., customer service takes a back seat.

Maybe this is why Southwest doesn't do reserve seating in the first place. Book your ticket early to get the bast fare, then check-in online 24 hours in advance to get your seat. And hey - Southwest even offers cutomer service, where a human picks up the phone as soon as you call them!

I'm afraid it does. Ryanair has certainly proved that!

Cutbacks in "non-essential" staff and in other aspects of the operation (like consolidating flights ), as well as cutbacks on training etc., means that customer service will suffer. Outsourcing to Bangalore is cheaper, but might not be as efficient for a whole lot of reasons.

As I said, if you want to sit at the front of the plane , pay business or first class fares, and get the related service. If you pay for a deeply discounted seat, the airline has little incentive to help you (although of course they should). You aren't making them any money.

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Know your rights: When an airline can move your seat

Ann Coulter vs. Delta Air Lines is the latest battle over airline customer service to play out on social media.

The conservative pundit began to fire off angry tweets about the carrier this past weekend after she was asked to move from a pre-selected seat with extra leg room on a Delta flight from New York to West Palm Beach, Florida. Delta ( DAL ) said Sunday it would refund Coulter $30 for the preferred seat she purchased, but criticized her "derogatory and slanderous comments" as "unnecessary and unacceptable."

So, can an airline really just move you out of a seat that you booked and paid for?

Long story short: They sure can.

So glad I took time investigate the aircraft & PRE-BOOK a specific seat on @Delta , so some woman could waltz at the last min & take my seat. — Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) July 15, 2017

When you buy a plane ticket, you agree to the extensive terms spelled out in the airline's "contract of carriage."

A key part of Delta's contract gives the carrier broad authority to change your seat (as well as the time your flight leaves and plenty of other particulars).

"Delta may substitute alternate carriers or aircraft, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket at any time. Schedules are subject to change without notice," the contracts reads.

Related: Delta hits back at Ann Coulter after her tweetstorm over seat mix-up

United ( UAL ) and American ( AAL ) contracts of carriage have similar provisions.

"We make every effort to ensure you get your chosen seat, but seat assignments are not guaranteed," American's policy says .

That doesn't mean rearranging passengers is good customer service. But it happens, said Brett Snyder, a former airline manager and editor of the travel blog Crankyflier.com.

"They can pretty much move you if they need to," Snyder said. "It's not always in their interest to do it, but they can."

If airlines do shuffle passengers around, it's usually for good reason, said George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com.

Related: Delta vs. Ann Coulter: Why it's a big deal

A parent may need to sit near a small child, an elderly passenger may need to be next to a caregiver or an air marshal may be on board, Hobica said. Sometimes, passengers with mobility problems ask to sit on the aisle so they can get up and down more easily, he added.

If you get booted from your preferred spot, there is recourse available.

Get in touch with the airline, Snyder said. Online claim forms and customer service lines are both options for requesting a refund.

"[Airlines] are pretty used to this kind of thing," Snyder said.

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How to survive basic economy on Delta Air Lines

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

If you're preparing for a trip and notice you've booked a basic economy fare on Delta Air Lines, you may have a lot of questions about what this fare allows and how your experience may be different from any previous trips you've taken with Delta. This guide aims to answer all of your questions.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

What's Delta basic economy?

Delta has three types of economy fares: Comfort+ , Main Cabin and basic economy . Basic economy provides a lower-priced fare but places restrictions or fees on seat assignment, upgrades, changes and — for some destinations — checked baggage. Also, since early 2022, basic economy flights no longer earn Delta miles. This guide will answer common questions about these restrictions and the basic economy experience on Delta, but be sure to also check out TPG's review of Delta's basic economy .

Note that some basic economy restrictions are waived for elites and cardholders of Delta cobranded credit cards. So, if you fall into either of these groups, see the specific section related to your group to see which restrictions are waived for you.

Related reading: Comparing basic economy fares across U.S. airlines

Can I check a bag?

Yes, but it's going to cost you ( see the price chart here ). Baggage fees are generally the same for basic economy, economy and Comfort+ passengers on most routes that currently sell basic economy fares. Some notable exceptions are below:

• U.S. and El Salvador, Ecuador, Panama ($30 for basic economy)
• U.S. and South America, excluding Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana ($60 for basic economy)
• U.S. and Canada and Tahiti ($60 for basic economy)
• U.S. and Colombia ($30 for basic economy)
• U.S. and Israel ($60 for basic economy)
• U.S. and Canada and Europe and North Africa ($60 for basic economy)
• Mexico and Europe ($60 for basic economy)

Basic economy flights to the following countries and regions do allow one free checked bag:

• Australia and New Zealand
• Southern and West Africa

Related: How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines

Can I bring a carry-on?

Yes, you're always allowed one carry-on bag that's no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, camera bag or diaper bag. Delta will not count items like jackets, umbrellas, or medical devices as your permitted personal item. Note that because you'll probably board last (more on that below), overhead bin space may be limited.

Also bear in mind that with new efforts to reduce touchpoints on board, flight attendants can no longer help passengers stow their bags overhead. If overhead space is unavailable, your carry-on bag may be gate-checked. Don't worry, though—you won't have to pay if your bag is gate-checked.

Can I select a seat?

Yes, but it might cost you. From seven days to 24 hours before departure, it's possible to pay to select seats on itineraries that are fully domestic. Pricing varies by trip and may be purchased leg by leg. If you don't purchase a seat assignment, Delta will assign you one after check-in.

Flying internationally, or don't want to pay? If non-preferred seats remain at check-in, you'll get a seat assignment for free. Reports show that you may be able to choose your seat for free at this time . However, if no non-preferred seats remain, you'll be assigned a seat shortly before boarding.

Travelers on the same reservation — including families with young children — aren't guaranteed to be seated together unless they pay to select seats together. You might luck out by checking in exactly 24 hours before departure, but there's a risk you won't sit together.

When can I board?

You'll board in the last group. Basic economy passengers can't purchase Priority Boarding.

Can I change my flight?

Within the 24-hour risk-free cancellation period, you can change your flight; however, you will still have to pay any price difference. After 24 hours of purchasing the ticket, you cannot change your flight.

Can I cancel my flight?

You can cancel a basic economy ticket within 24 hours of purchase or if the cancellation is involuntary for a full refund.

For voluntary cancellations, you'll receive a partial travel credit. Basic economy fares for domestic flights or flights to the Caribbean, Central America or Mexico will be subject to a $99 fee deducted from the value of your ticket. Meanwhile, basic economy travel originating in the U.S. or Canada to any other international destination will be subject to a $199 fee.

On basic economy award tickets, the cancellation charge is 9,900 miles for domestic travel (within the United States and Canada) and 19,900 miles for international travel.

Do I still earn miles?

No. In January 2022, Delta changed its policy to exclude basic economy travelers from earning miles on its Skymiles program. Customers who want to earn Delta miles will have to buy a Main Cabin ticket.

Related: What is Delta elite status worth ?

Does having a cobranded credit card help?

Yes, having a cobranded Delta credit card can help you defeat basic economy . As a cardholder you'll get the following benefits even when flying on a basic economy fare:

• First checked bag free (for you and up to eight other passengers traveling with you on the same reservation)
• Priority boarding

Note that you only need to have the card — you don't have to purchase your ticket with the card. If you're looking for a card that provides these benefits, consider getting one of the following cards (eligible when flying with Delta):

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 ) (see rates and fees)
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($350 annual fee) (see rates and fees)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($650 annual fee) (see rates and fees)
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150) (see rates and fees)
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card ($350 annual fee) (see rates and fees)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card ($650 annual fee) (see rates and fees)

Does having elite status help?

Yes. When flying on a basic economy fare, Delta Medallion elites and SkyTeam elites receive many of the same benefits they'd get on normal Main Cabin fares:

• Waived checked baggage fees: always at least one free checked bag, more for some itineraries and for some elite levels
• Priority check-in

However, Medallion Members will not receive paid or complimentary upgrades (such as Comfort+ or Preferred Seats) when flying on basic economy fares.

Related reading: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Delta

Bottom line

Delta Air Lines' basic economy fares come with restrictions on seat selection and boarding zone, and this type of ticket doesn't allow for upgrades or a free checked bag. Moreover, with recent policy changes, basic economy flights no longer earn miles.

On the positive side, basic economy passengers can always bring a personal item and carry-on bag, and Delta has made it slightly easier to change or cancel basic economy flights. In other words, if you're traveling light and willing to sacrifice some comfort to save money, Delta basic economy might make sense.

The Delta basic economy experience can be made better with elite status or an eligible cobranded Delta Air Lines credit card . Elite members and cardholders maintain the baggage allowance and boarding zone provided by their elite status or eligible credit card. In particular, having a credit card like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card provides priority boarding and the first bag checked free for up to nine passengers traveling on the same reservation. This means your introductory annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card will be $0 for your first year of Card Membership. After the first year, your annual fee will be $150, and could quickly pay for itself if you or your travel companions travel frequently with checked baggage.

You can also check out our guides to basic economy on American Airlines and United Airlines .

If you're new to The Points Guy, check out our points and miles guide for beginners .

Additional reporting by Benét J.Wilson

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex Card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card, please click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card, please click here.