Written on 7^th December 2017

Delta expands Basic Economy across Atlantic, partners introduce similar fare product

Delta Air Lines' Basic Economy fare is now available on more than 50 percent of Delta's flights between North America and Europe. Today's Basic Economy fare expansion to trans-Atlantic flights operating 10^th April 2018, and beyond, comes as partners Air France-KLM and Alitalia each introduce a similar basic fare product across the Atlantic on the same date.

Delta first introduced Basic Economy fares in 2012 for price-conscious customers looking for great seat value who don't mind where they sit. Customers who purchase a Basic Economy fare enjoy the same flight experience as Main Cabin customers, including Delta's world-class service, a Main Cabin seat, complimentary snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi for purchase and free access to hours of movies, shows and more on Delta studio, but with restrictions related to the ticket transaction. Complimentary alcoholic beverages are also available in Main Cabin on international flights while meals are available on select long-haul and international flights.

As part of its Basic Economy expansion, Delta is introducing a Basic Economy first checked bag fee for trans-Atlantic routes only. The fee will be standard for Air France-KLM and Alitalia, along with no seat assignments and tickets not being changeable.

Delta is aligning its trans-Atlantic Basic Economy product closely with its domestic Basic Economy product while remaining competitive among all carriers in the international market. There are no changes to Delta's domestic Basic Economy fare policy. Restrictions of the domestic and international Basic Economy product include:

• Not receiving a seat assignment until after check-in or at the gate
• Passengers traveling together, including families, may not be seated together
• Not being eligible for same-day changes or ticket refunds after the Risk-Free Cancellation Period
• Boarding in the last zone
• Not changeable
• Not being eligible for paid or complimentary upgrades or preferred seats, even with SkyMiles Medallion status. However, SkyMiles Members still earn miles, Medallion Qualification Miles and Medallion Qualification Dollars.
• Not being eligible to combine with other Delta fares.

Delta recently announced it is also expanding its Delta Comfort+ product to select trans-Atlantic destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, making it easier to shop and buy Delta's menu of products.

These latest expansions are part of the airline's efforts to provide more access to its multi-billion dollar investment in the customer experience that includes a cabin modernization program featuring new seats, seatback entertainment systems with free entertainment, free mobile messaging, high-capacity overhead bins, access to Wi-Fi on nearly all flights, free Main Cabin meals on select flights, upgraded Main Cabin snacks, an Alessi-designed collection of service ware, Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, chef-curated meals paired with wines hand selected by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, noise-canceling LSTN headphones and more.

Source: Delta