I have never flown British Air and am interested in booking their sale fares right now from US to Italy. I have read the difference between basic and standard economy on their website but was hoping to hear from someone who has experienced basic economy. It appears that for both classes you must pay for a seat unless you wait for check in so no advantage to paying extra for standard economy. I do not check a bag and am not too concerned about paying a change fee if I go with basic economy and need to change the date of travel. Am I missing anything negative about basic economy? Thanks in advance for sharing your experience!
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1868 posts
You can pay for seating in advance for either option.
The main difference is when check-in opens. Standard allows you to choose any seat available once check-in opens. Basic allocates a seat for you; you have to pay a fee to change seats, if available.
Posted by
Delaware
1679 posts
Hi, Beth,
I'm assuming that you'll be flying out of PHL. BA has direct flights to LHR, for your onward flight to Italy, and the sale lasts through December 3rd.
I have to say that I've never flown basic economy, mainly because I am always over for at least three weeks, so I need a suitcase for clothing and to bring back chocolate. :) From what I understand, basic economy means that you have no choice of seats - they'll put you where it's most convenient for them. With standard economy, you can pick your seat free of charge if you jump on the internet at the 24 hour preflight window.
Also basic economy means that if you change flights, you have to pay $199.00 to do so, plus the difference in fare, if there is one. With standard economy, you just pay the difference in the cost of the new fare, if there is a difference.
With both fares, you can pay to pick a seat, but that pretty much defeats the purpose of saving money by flying basic economy. Frankly, the cost of reserving a seat is not worth it, unless you want something in an exit row or bulkhead seat.
Whatever you choose, have a wonderful time in Italy!
Best wishes,
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9807 posts
If you have ruby status on a One World Partner airline, free seat selection starts 7 days in advance.
Posted by
Freedonia
18173 posts
Don't feel bad about paying for seat selection on BA. Even those in business class, without FF status, have to pay extra for a seat if they want it more than 24 hours in advance.
The big question is....do you mind being assinged a middle seat for a 7 hour flight?