Which basic economy fares include a carry-on?

American Basic Economy, Delta Main Basic, Southwest Basic, Alaska Saver, JetBlue Main Base and Hawaiian Main Cabin Basic. United Basic Economy and WestJet UltraBasic allow only a personal item on most routes.

Is basic economy worth it?

For a solo trip with a carry-on and fixed plans, usually yes. If you need to sit together, check a bag on an airline that charges for carry-ons, or might change plans, the next fare up often costs less in the end.

Can I upgrade from basic economy?

Usually not with miles or status upgrades. Some airlines let you pay to move up to a regular fare before you fly; see each guide.

2026 · 8 airlines

Basic economy, compared

Basic economy on 8 airlines compared for 2026: carry-ons, seats, changes and miles, with what changed this year.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Quick answer

Most U.S. basic economy fares still include a full-size carry-on; United Basic Economy and WestJet UltraBasic are personal-item only on most routes. All of them restrict seats and changes, and in 2026 United, Delta and Alaska stopped awarding miles to most members on their basic fares.

Carry-on included: 6 of 8
Personal item only: United Basic Economy and WestJet UltraBasic
Biggest 2026 changes: American's paid seats, United and Alaska's miles cuts, JetBlue's Main Base rename

What each basic fare includes

Fare	Carry-on	Free seat choice	Earns miles	Changes
American Basic Economy	Included	No: pay to choose	Reduced	Not allowed
Delta Main Basic	Included	No: assigned for you	No (most members)	Not allowed
United Basic Economy	Personal item only	No: assigned for you	No (most members)	Not allowed
Southwest Basic	Included	No: pay to choose	Reduced	Not allowed
Alaska Saver	Included	No: assigned for you	No (most members)	Not allowed
JetBlue Main Base	Included	No: pay to choose	Reduced	For a fee
Hawaiian Main Cabin Basic	Included	No: pay to choose	Not stated	Not allowed
WestJet UltraBasic	Personal item only	No: pay to choose	No (most members)	Not allowed

Summaries for regular members flying within the U.S. and Canada; status, credit cards and some long-haul routes change the picture. Each guide has the details and sources.

Airline-by-airline guides

American Basic Economy Delta Main Basic United Basic Economy Southwest Basic Alaska Saver JetBlue Main Base Hawaiian Main Cabin Basic WestJet UltraBasic

FAQ

An airline's cheapest fare, sold in the same cabin as regular economy but with fewer perks: no free seat choice, no or costly changes, last boarding, and on some airlines no carry-on or no miles.

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