Sooner or later you'll see a flight that's $60 cheaper than everything else and think, that's the one. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it isn't, and you find out at the airport.
The cheapest fare is usually a stripped-down one
Most big US airlines sell a basic version of a ticket, often called Basic Economy, next to their regular fares. You get the same flight. What changes is what comes with it. The details differ by airline and change over time, so don't rely on what a friend told you last year. But basic fares commonly:
- limit or charge for choosing your seat,
- board later,
- have tighter rules on bags,
- and allow few or no changes or refunds.
Do the math with bags
Say you're comparing two fares for the same flight. One is $180, the other $240. Now add a checked bag each way at whatever the airline charges. If the cheaper fare means two bag fees and the pricier one includes them, the gap can shrink or even flip. (Those numbers are just an example. Look up the real bag fees for your fare.)
Think about how likely your plans are to change
If you're flying next week for a fixed event, a strict fare is fine. If you're booking six months ahead for something that might move, a fare that lets you change without a big penalty can be worth paying for. What flexibility costs varies, so ask before you decide.
Read three things before you pay
- What's included: carry-on bag, checked bag, seat.
- What happens if you need to change or cancel.
- The total price, with taxes and fees.
That's all. It takes a couple of minutes, and it's the difference between a bargain and an argument at the gate.
If you'd like a second pair of eyes on the fares for your trip, send us the details or call. We'll tell you what each fare includes, not just what it costs.