What is the difference between Main cabin and Basic Economy on Delta?

Delta Airlines is majorly known for providing a range of multiple fare classes like Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One, and First Class to passengers. Each passenger has a different budget and facility preference based on which they choose their fare type. Above all, Delta Basic Economy and Main Cabin are the prominent ones that are opted by most passengers. Both are different from each other but are similar in certain services. The former is opted as it’s less expensive whereas the latter is preferred due to endless benefits. Read further and understand what makes both fare classes different from each other.

Seat Assignment 

Basic Economy: If you purchase a Basic Economy fare, you cannot opt for seat selection. Once you complete the check-in procedure, a random seat will be assigned to you before 24 hours of departure, and you might get separated from your travel companion. 

Main Cabin: The foremost benefit of choosing Main Cabin fare is that you can select seats in advance without paying the Delta seat selection fee while purchasing this reservation. Typically, main cabin seats are located in the front plane area. You can choose anyone out of the window, aisle, or exit row seats.

Upgrade

Basic Economy: Whether you hold a Medallion status or wish to pay, there’s no option to upgrade with basic economy fare.

Main Cabin: If you have an elite membership, you can request a complimentary upgrade. Otherwise, paid upgrades to Comfort+ are also available.

Baggage

Basic Economy: With the Delta Basic Economy fare, you are allowed to carry one carry-on and one personal item for free. You must pay a certain amount for checked baggage. Delta charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on domestic flights. The price will vary and is calculated according to the final destination when flying international.

Main Cabin: This is similar to basic economy, where passengers can travel with one carry-on and one personal item. The former can be kept in the overhead bin, whereas personal items can be kept in front of the seat. The first check-in baggage is free in the Main Cabin. If you need to carry more, you must pay for it.

Flight Cancellation

Basic Economy: Delta Economy Basic tickets cannot be canceled once they are booked by the passenger. However, if you wish to cancel your flight itinerary, $199 will be deducted for long-international flights and the left balance will be transferred as an eVoucher. 

Main Cabin: A passenger can cancel their Main Cabin ticket either for free or by paying a certain fee. 

Flight Change 

Basic Economy: Delta Airlines doesn’t allow changing flights if a passenger has opted for the basic economy ticket. If you decide to change your flight itinerary, your entire ticket value will be forfeited. There will be no refund, and you will have to book a new ticket again,

Main Cabin: You can change your flight destination and route for free. If you hold an elite membership, you can opt for a same-day flight change for free or by paying the necessary charges.

Boarding 

Basic Economy: If you choose the basic economy delta, you will board the flight at last. Early boarding facility will be offered only if you’re an elite member or hold a Delta-branded credit card.

Main Cabin: Depending on your elite membership, you will board in Groups 1-3 and have a comfortable boarding experience.

Flight Rebooking

Basic Economy: You will not be booked on the next flight until and unless there's availability. However, if you hold an elite membership and have opted for a basic economy ticket, things can reverse.

Main Cabin: If Delta Airlines delays or cancels your flight, you will be booked on the next available flight. 

SkyMiles Rewards

Basic Economy: In any way, you will not earn Skymiles or Medallion Qualifying Segments, Dollars, or Miles. 

Main Cabin: You will continue earning redeemable SkyMiles, which can be used for future travel purposes.

Complimentary Snacks & Beverages

Basic Economy: Passengers are offered a wide range of packed snacks and complimentary beverages like Starbucks coffee, tea, soda cans, and water bottles.

Main Cabin: On short flights, enjoy mouth-watering snacks, delicious snack boxes, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Passengers on long-haul flights receive complimentary or special meals tailored to religious necessities.

Same-Day Standby 

Basic Economy: No same-day standby option. Not even for passengers who hold elite membership status

Main Cabin: Offers the facility to opt for same-day standby to those passengers who have purchased a Main Cabin ticket and hold elite status.