2026 basic economy guide
Delta Main Basic: what's included
Delta Air Lines's cheapest fare: what you get, what you give up and when it's worth paying more.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Quick answer
Delta Main Basic includes a full-size carry-on. No seat choice before the flight: a seat is assigned after check-in or at the gate, and a group may be split up. No changes, same-day changes included. General SkyMiles members earn no miles on Main Basic.
- Carry-on
- Yes: a full-size carry-on (22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm)) and a personal item.
- Checked bags
- On U.S.
- Seat selection
- No seat choice before the flight: a seat is assigned after check-in or at the gate, and a group may be split up.
- Boarding
- Zone 8, the last, unless you have Medallion status or another priority.
- Changes
- No changes, same-day changes included.
- Cancelling
- Free within 24 hours of booking.
What changed: Main Basic doesn't earn SkyMiles for general members; Medallion members still earn miles and status.
Delta Main Basic rules
- Carry-on
- Yes: a full-size carry-on (22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm)) and a personal item.
- Checked bags
- On U.S. and short-haul international flights, the first checked bag on Delta costs $45 and the second $55.
- Seat selection
- No seat choice before the flight: a seat is assigned after check-in or at the gate, and a group may be split up.
- Boarding
- Zone 8, the last, unless you have Medallion status or another priority.
- Changes
- No changes, same-day changes included.
- Cancelling
- Free within 24 hours of booking. After that it's non-refundable; on some tickets you can cancel for a fee and keep the rest as credit, but only if you cancel before departure, or the whole fare is lost.
- Miles and points
- General SkyMiles members earn no miles on Main Basic. Medallion members still earn miles and status credit.
- Upgrades
- Not eligible for paid or complimentary upgrades, or for Comfort and preferred seats, even with Medallion status.
Is Delta Main Basic worth it?
Fine if…
You're flying solo with a carry-on, your plans are fixed and you don't collect SkyMiles.
Pay for the next fare up if…
You might change the trip, want to earn miles or need to sit with someone.
FAQ
Yes: a full-size carry-on (22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm)) and a personal item.
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Basic economy rules change often and can differ by route and where you bought the ticket; check the fare rules when you book.
- Delta Professional: Basic Experiences (Main Basic)
- Delta: onboard experience and SkyMiles earning by fare
- Delta Air Lines: official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
Cheap fares, without the guesswork
Pick your home airports and we'll email you when fares drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.
Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime