Which US Airline’s Basic Economy Fare is the Best?

Basic economy fares are among the most popular fares for passengers, thanks to the lower cost than regular and premium fares. Although cheaper, they come with fewer perks than regular fares. When considering a basic economy fare, there are several factors to consider, like baggage policies, seat selection, flexibility, and in-flight experiences. 

What to Expect with Basic Economy

There are limitations when you book basic; typically, you have to pay extra to pick your seat, you are the last to board, there is a limited carry-on allowance, and there are no flight changes or refunds if you need to change your travel plans. Restrictions vary by airline, too. So, we’ve ranked the basics for basic economy fares to help you decide. We also searched for each airline’s lowest basic economy fare, traveling in September 2025 from Los Angeles to New York City (JFK). 

Airline	Carry-On Size	Personal Item Size	Changes Allowed?	Seat Selection?
Delta	22″ x 14″ x 9″	No specific size provided	No (Fees apply)	Available for a fee
JetBlue	22″ x 14″ x 9″	17″ x 13″ x 8″	No	Available for a fee
Alaska	22″ x 14″ x 9″	No specific size provided	Yes (Credit for future flight)	Available for a fee
American	22″ x 14″ x 9″	18″ x 14″ x 8″	No	Available for a fee
United	22″ x 14″ x 9″	17″ x 10″ x 9″	No	Available for a fee
Southwest	24″ x 16″ x 10″	16.25″ x 13.5″ x 8″	Yes (No fees)	Open seating

1. Delta Air Lines – Best Overall

Lowest Fare Los Angeles to New York JFK: $267 (Nonstop)
Delta’s Basic Economy is more like a traditional economy airfare. You get a free carry-on and personal item, free snacks, seatback entertainment, and Wi-Fi (on most flights), and their policies are a bit more lenient than those of other airlines. You can select a seat for a fee. Otherwise, seats are assigned at check-in. Delta is strict on-boarding policies, so there is no sneaking on with an earlier boarding group, and you’ll have to pay a fee to make any changes. 

Pros:

• Allows a free carry-on and personal item.
• Better in-flight experience (free snacks, seatback entertainment, and Wi-Fi).
• More lenient policies compared to other airlines.
• Seats are assigned at check-in, but selection is sometimes available for a fee.

Cons:

• No changes or cancellations without a fee.
• Still restricted on boarding priority.

Bag Dimensions: 
Carry-On: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)​
Personal Item: No specific dimensions provided; it should fit under the seat in front of you.
Best For: Travelers who want the best balance of affordability and comfort.

2. JetBlue – Best for Comfort

Lowest Fare Los Angeles to New York JFK: $268 (Nonstop)
Like Delta, JetBlue’s basic economy (Blue Basic) allows for free carry-on and personal item. JetBlue generally has more legroom, too. Onboard entertainment is superb; however, there are no changes or cancellations with the basic economy, and you must pay a fee to choose your seat. 

Pros:

• Free carry-on and personal item are allowed.
• More legroom compared to other airlines.
• Free Wi-Fi and terrific in-flight entertainment.

Cons:

• No changes or cancellations are allowed.
• Last to board.
• No free seat selection (fees apply).

Bag Dimensions
Carry-On: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)​
Personal Item: 17″ x 13″ x 8″ (43 x 33 x 20 cm)
Best For: Travelers who prioritize in-flight comfort over flexibility.

3. Alaska Airlines – Good Flexibility

Lowest Fare Los Angeles to New York JFK: $286 (Connecting)
Alaska Airlines’ basic economy (their Saver fare) has one of the best cancellation policies; you can credit your fare to a future flight. They are known for their customer service, and you get a free carry-on and personal item. You do have to pay to choose your seat, and Saver fare holders board last. 

Pros:

• Free carry-on and personal item.
• Better-than-average customer service.
• More lenient cancellation policies (fares can be credited to future flights).

Cons:

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• Seats are assigned at check-in, no free selection.
• Boarding last.

Bag Dimensions:
Carry-On: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)​
Personal Item: No specific dimensions provided; it should fit under the seat in front of you.
Best For: Cheap flights to Hawaii from the west coast.

4. American Airlines – Basic But Functional

Lowest Fare Los Angeles to New York JFK: $267 (Nonstop)
Basic Economy at American Airlines has a free carry-on, personal item, and decent in-flight experiences. However, no ticket changes or cancellations are allowed, seat selection is available for a fee, and basic economy passengers are the last to board. 

Pros:

• Free carry-on and personal item.
• Standard in-flight experience (snacks, entertainment on personal devices).

Cons:

• No ticket changes or cancellations.
• Seat selection is an extra fee.
• Last to board.

Bag Dimensions:
Carry-On: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)​
Personal Item: 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Best For: Travelers who want an affordable ticket with carry-on included.

5. United Airlines – Most Restrictive

Lowest Fare Los Angeles to New York JFK: $267 (Nonstop)
United is behind the times and still only allows a personal item with basic economy fares. There are no ticket changes, no seat selection without paying extra, and basic economy passengers board last. It is by far the weakest basic economy fare out there. If all you are looking for is a cheap flight, you don’t plan on packing much, and you don’t care about a middle seat, then United might be a good option. 

Pros:

• Standard in-flight experience.
• Usually slightly cheaper than competitors.

Cons:

• No free carry-on (only a personal item unless you’re a MileagePlus cardholder).
• No ticket changes or cancellations.
• No seat selection without paying extra.
• Last to board.

Bag Dimensions:
Carry-On: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 x 36 x 23 cm)​
Personal Item: 17″ x 10″ x 9″ (43 x 25 x 22 cm)
Best For: People traveling ultra-light who don’t mind sitting in the worst seat.

Honorable Mention: Southwest Airlines (No Basic Economy, But Budget-Friendly)

Lowest Fare Los Angeles to New York JFK: $381 (Connecting)
Southwest doesn’t have a basic economy fare, but their Wanna Get Away fare is a fantastic alternative because you get a free carry-on plus two checked bags. There are no change or cancellation fees, and the customer service and policies are some of the best. The airline will start implementing seat assignments in the second half of 2025. 

Pros: 

• Free carry-on AND two checked bags. 
• No seat selection, but open seating (better than being stuck in the worst seat).
• No change or cancellation fees!
• Better customer service and policies overall.

Cons: 

• Limited airports for nonstop options. 

Bag Dimensions:
Carry-On: 24″ x 16″ x 10″ (61 x 41 x 25 cm)​
Personal Item: 16.25″ x 13.5″ x 8″ (41 x 34 x 20 cm)
Best For: Budget travelers who want flexibility and free checked bags.

Final Verdict: Which Airline’s Basic Economy is the Best?

Best Overall: Delta (good balance of affordability, baggage allowance, and in-flight perks).
Best Comfort: JetBlue (great legroom, free Wi-Fi, but rigid policies).
Best Flexibility: Alaska Airlines (carry-on included and some fare flexibility).
Worst Basic Economy? United Airlines – The no carry-on rule makes it the most restrictive.