Delta Air Lines is one of the major airlines in the United States and has an extensive route network that spans across the globe. Like other airlines, Delta has different classes of service to cater to different types of travelers and budgets.
Delta uses letters to designate the different service classes on their flights. On domestic routes within the United States, Delta offers First Class, Delta Comfort+, Main Cabin, and Basic Economy. For international routes, the classes are Business Elite (or Delta One), Premium Select, Main Cabin, and Basic Economy.
What is Class Q?
Class Q is the designation used by Delta Air Lines for Basic Economy fares. It is the lowest main cabin fare class offered by Delta.
The Q class fare was introduced in 2012 when Delta began selling Basic Economy tickets. This was part of Delta’s strategy to compete with low-cost carriers by offering a no-frills ticket option.
Basic Economy Fares
Basic Economy fares, also sometimes called “no-frills economy,” are the most restrictive and lowest cost economy class tickets offered by full-service airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
These fares are meant to compete against low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant that offer cheap base fares and charge additional fees for amenities and services.
Basic Economy fares strip back the features of a standard main cabin ticket to offer a simple, low-cost way to travel from Point A to Point B. The tradeoff for the low fare is that Basic Economy tickets come with a lot of restrictions.
Restrictions on Basic Economy Fares
Here are some common restrictions associated with Basic Economy fares on Delta:
- No seat assignments until check-in. Seats are assigned at the gate.
- No upgrades or preferred seats.
- No changes or refunds permitted after 24 hours.
- No same-day flight changes or standby.
- No access to preferred overhead bin space.
- Group 6 boarding, so passengers board last.
- No access to Delta Sky Club or partner airline lounges.
Additionally, on international itineraries, Basic Economy does not include a free checked bag or in-flight entertainment.
Identifying Class Q Fares
When shopping for flights on Delta’s website or app, Basic Economy fares will be marked clearly with “BE” or “Basic Economy.” The fare class will also be listed as Class Q.
If booking through an online travel agency like Expedia instead of directly through Delta, you may need to read the fare rules carefully to confirm if it is a Basic Economy ticket.
Class Q fares will also say “No seat assignment” when viewing seat options after selecting a flight.
Comparing Basic Economy to Main Cabin
To understand the restrictions of a Class Q Basic Economy ticket, it helps to compare it to a regular Main Cabin fare on Delta, which is usually Classes L, U, T, or X.
Amenity | Basic Economy | Main Cabin |
---|---|---|
Seat Selection | No pre-assigned seats, assigned at gate | Seat assignments available for purchase or included for higher fares |
Carry-on Bag | 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag allowed | 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag allowed |
Checked Bags | First checked bag not included, fees apply | First checked bag included |
Same-day Changes | Not allowed | Allowed for fee |
Upgrades | Not allowed | Allowed by paying difference in fare |
Refunds | No refunds allowed after 24 hours | Refundable for fee |
Elite Status Perks | Not eligible | Eligible for bonus miles, priority boarding, etc. |
As you can see, Basic Economy fares take away a lot of the traditional flexibility and perks that come with standard main cabin tickets. However, the base fare is usually cheaper, so it can be a good option for budget-conscious travelers who just need a simple one-way flight.
Pros and Cons of Class Q Fares
Here is a quick rundown of some of the key pros and cons of booking a Class Q Basic Economy fare on Delta:
Pros
- Cheaper ticket price compared to main cabin fares
- Allows 1 personal item and full-size carry-on bag
- Basic amenities like snacks, soft drinks are included
- Flies on same aircraft as standard economy
Cons
- No pre-selected seat assignments
- Board in last group, so overhead bin space not guaranteed
- No ticket changes or refunds after 24 hours
- No complimentary first checked bag on domestic flights
- No bonus miles or elite status perks
Overall, Basic Economy fares allow you to get from Point A to Point B for cheap. But you lose out on many conveniences and flexibility. It’s best for travelers who just need a simple one-way flight and aren’t concerned about seat assignments or changing plans.
Who Should Buy a Class Q Ticket?
Here are some examples of travelers who may want to consider booking a Class Q Basic Economy fare on Delta:
- Leisure travelers who only have a carry-on bag
- Travelers who don’t care where they sit
- Those who fly infrequently and don’t need elite status perks
- People who won’t need to change or refund their flight
- Travelers looking for the absolute lowest fare option
For most travelers who want some flexibility and options in their booking, Main Cabin is probably the best choice even if it costs a bit more. But Basic Economy can be a viable option for certain flyers who prioritize frugality over amenities.
Upgrading from Basic Economy
Once you book a Class Q Basic Economy fare, you are locked into that restrictive fare. However, there are couple options if you later decide you want more flexibility or perks:
Pay for Upgrades After Ticketing
Within 24 hours of booking, you can call Delta and pay the difference to upgrade to a main cabin fare. This allows you to then purchase upgrades like preferred seats.
Standby Upgrades
At the airport, you can request to be placed on the upgrade standby list to move up to a premium cabin. Fees apply and upgrades are based on availability.
Purchase Add-Ons
You can add on individual amenities like checked bags, preferred seats (if available), WiFi, and lounge access by paying the fees.
Conclusion
Delta’s Basic Economy fare, designated as Class Q, offers budget flyers the chance to travel for less. But the restrictions may be too limiting for some travelers. Understanding exactly what you get (and don’t get) with a Class Q ticket is key to determining if it’s the right choice for your trip.
For occasional flyers who pack light and don’t expect much, Class Q provides an affordable way to reach your destination on Delta. But other passengers will probably prefer the extra perks and flexibility of main cabin fares, even if they cost a bit more.