Basic Economy Airfare For 2017 - What You Need To Know Before Booking Your Flight

 

The major airlines will change their reservation choices with a new option, Basic Economy fare class beginning 2017. American, Delta and United announced their new programs as an effort to be more competitive with low cost airlines such as Spirit, JetBlue and Frontier.

On the outset it looks great, but there will be even more hidden or choice pay-to-fly options associated with these fares. Even now, while reserving flights, I am finding less and less no charge seating options. The free options are showing up in back half of the aircraft with middle row seats. For window and aisle seats, your options are few and toward the last rows of the plane.

Each of the major airlines will have slightly different rules for their new fare class, so you need to be an educated consumer before you are wooed with what appears to be a bargain price flight. Cheap can become very costly.

The three major carriers share some similar rules and restrictions. Most notably, you will not be able to choose your seat prior to your flight. Your seat will be assigned to you at check-in. So, if you are traveling with family or friends, do not count on sitting together. These fares are non-refundable, non-cancelable, non-changeable. This means either use it or lose it. With traditional fares, if you need to cancel your flight, you can use your ticket within a year of purchase if you chose to pay the change fee plus any difference in fare. Also, you cannot make a same day reservation or standby reservation. Also, these fares will be very restricted. There will be a finite number of seats on each flight available.

Rules for United's Basic Economy will restrict passengers from bringing carry on luggage aboard. Anything personal item brought on board must fit under your seat.  Your other luggage must be checked-in with the prevailing fee. If you look to accrue frequent flier mileage to achieve a higher status, your points with this ticket will not help you either.

On Delta, you will be able to use overhead bins for your carry-on luggage. However, since Basic Economy passengers will be boarding last, this may be a difficult task. If there is no room in the bins, you may have to check your carry on at an additional cost.

Suffice to say, take a very close look at the fares you choose for your flights. The difference between the basic economy fare and economy or economy plus fare may be just a few extra dollars and worth the investment for your next flight. Carefully calculate the luggage and personal carry on items you generally take when you travel. Consider the fact you may be in that tight middle seat for your 5 hour flight or in the very last row closest to the lavatory.

Facts About The Zika Virus

Many travelers are concerned about the the Zika or Chikungunya virus which is spread by mosquitos in Latin American counties, Mexico and some Caribbean destinations. At this point, only pregnant women have been advised to take precautions with travel to these countries.

What is important to know is not all Caribbean Islands are included. The CDC has compiled a list of destination where Zika virus is present or may be present.

                                                      Photo: LatinosHealth.com

When traveling to areas with high humidity, mangroves and rainforests it is always prudent to take insect repellent along. One of the most highly regarded is Deet. Even if you don't think you have seen insects, use the repellent before going out and take it with you to reapply as suggested by the manufacturer.

Others who suffer from other maladies such as immune deficiencies may also want to check with their health care professional. The symptoms from the virus are much like any other virus causing fatigue and in some cases joint pain. Bed rest and fluids are recommended if you believe you contracted the virus.

Please review the information from the CDC for more facts: CDC Zika Virus Information

Airports and Airlines, All Not Created Equally

When traveling from destination to destination, not all airport and airline rules are the same. Do you know the rules when you travel? 

In the US the security at the departure check-in is relatively non-existent, I am sorry to say. Some airports have returned to offering curbside check-in for domestic flights. If you are unable to shlep your luggage inside on your own, it is a great service. However, be prepared to pay yet another fee, $5.00-$10.00 per bag, plus the tip. If you are traveling internationally, this service is usually unavailable.

Outside of the US, many destinations have security as you enter the airport. One of those countries is Israel. As you enter, before getting to the check-in point you are greeted by trained security who will ask you a series of questions. Yes, you are being profiled, but who cares? You and your fellow passengers are traveling safely. Your passport will be given a sticker so agents know you have been interviewed and your luggage will be scanned immediately. Then off to check-in.

Once you get to the security checkpoint, watch for the signs. In the US, if you are TSA cleared, then you don't need to perform a striptease or take your laptop out of the case. However, some airports within the US will differ when it comes to procedures if you are not TSA cleared. Some will require shoes, jackets and other clothing which might interfere with your scan to be removed. Your laptop may need to be removed as well. You might want to be prepared before getting to the security point and not be the person fumbling forever getting their items off and onto the scan belt.

Not sure if you are TSA cleared? Look at your boarding pass. If you see the TSA logo on the top left near your name, you have been TSA Pre-Checked.

 If you need more information about TSA Pre-Check, please visit: TSA PreCheck

After clearing the security hurdles, there is a feeling of victory! Last minute shopping for the gift you forgot can be yours before boarding your flight, finally. Ah, but, don't become jubilant just yet. Depending on the destination there might just be another check point for security prior to boarding. If you have purchased bottled beverages or other items that do not meet the departure rule, they will be confiscated at that time. Check with the departure procedures before you make a purchase. If your new item is confiscated, you will not have time to return it and get your money back.

Upon entry to a foreign destination, please be sure to follow customs rules. Most destinations, including the US strictly forbid the use of cell phones and cameras. In the US and other destinations, if caught using your cell phone or taking photos of a secured area such as customs, your device can be confiscated. You may be asked to step out of line and brought to an interview room. Some countries also have a hefty fine for breaking the security rules. Certainly not worth chatting with a friend on the phone while in line. Wait a few more minutes until you have cleared.    

Global Entry can be useful to clear your return to the US. Many airports which accept international flights have kiosks to circumvent the long custom's lines. If you don't fly internationally often, the application process and $100.00 fee many not be a value. For more information about Global Entry, visit: Global Entry

Policies for both checked baggage and carry-on vary depending upon the airline carrier. At times, the most confusing is the carry-on rule. It's not always size that counts. The diameter or material of the luggage may or may not be acceptable. Some airlines charge extra for carry-on if you don't disclose or pre-pay during your 24 hour pre-check online. Some will discount the carry-on if you pre-pay. Your checked baggage rules also vary from domestic and international destinations. For all baggage policies, check the website for your airline.

Photo: American Airlines

One more decision when performing your online check-in is the boarding group. Should you pay for priority grouping? There are few times I would recommend paying that upcharge. If you are boarding an airline with no seating assignments, then consider the charge to avoid sitting lavatory row. Most airlines call for people needing assistance or traveling with small children to board first, so if you fall into that category you are covered.

Meals onboard for US carriers within the North America are now for purchase only. On a recent flight I missed my bag of pretzels. I mean, really, US carriers, you charged for everything, and not even a tiny bag of pretzels with my beverage? Now you are hungry and want to purchase a boxed meal or snack. Be prepared to pay either cash or credit card. Again, the airlines differ with their collection policy for onboard purchases. Some shorter flights do not offer any meals on board for purchase, so be sure to carry a snack with you if necessary.

Sometimes the worst part of travel is just getting to the destination. If you are prepared properly for your flight the experience can be more enjoyable. Hopefully the tips in this blog edition will make your next travel experience better.