Delta Air Lines has now rolled out its new ‘Comfort Basic’ fare type, a lower-tier option to fly on the airline’s extra-legroom seats in its economy Main Cabin. The fare offers the onboard perks of a Delta Comfort seat at a lower price point, in exchange for certain restrictions.

First announced at the beginning of this month, Delta’s new fare type is already on sale in select domestic markets as of November 19. The carrier has also suggested it will offer similar ‘Basic’ options in other cabins moving forward. So what can passengers expect when buying a Comfort Basic fare?

Delta’s ‘Comfort Basic’ Fare Now Available On Select Routes

Comfort Basic is Delta’s new unbundled fare option for its extra-legroom Delta Comfort product, going live on a select few domestic routes before a planned expansion. According to the airline, Comfort Basic was created for customers looking for an enhanced Main Cabin travel experience « without needing the greater flexibility and benefits provided by higher-tier Comfort fares. »

First announced on November 6, the carrier is essentially trialing Comfort Basic ahead of a wider network rollout. The airline has been steadily warming to the concept of unbundled fares, and is now expected to roll out similar fare types in Premium Select and Delta One. Delta noted on its website,

« Delta Comfort Basic is a new travel experience within the Delta Comfort product line, designed for customers who want the extra legroom and premium onboard experience of Delta Comfort—but at a lower price point, and with a few familiar restrictions. »

Three Different Comfort Fares

As Delta has done with its Main Cabin, there are now three tiers to Delta Comfort fares — Basic, Classic and Extra. With a Comfort Basic fare, passengers will still be getting the extra legroom, complimentary beverages, dedicated overhead space and Zone 3 boarding, as well as SkyClub access (if eligible).

But there are several concessions to make for the lower price. Firstly, there’s no seat selection until check-in, so you are more likely to end up in a middle seat. Flight changes and cancellations are also no longer free of charge, and there are no Same-Day Change rights.

The reality for Comfort Basic fare holders is that they will almost certainly be seated in a middle seat, a likelihood that will put off many who don’t see the comfort of a middle seat. But for those who don’t mind the middle seat and still value the priority perks and free drinks, a Comfort Basic option could be worth the price markdown.

Delta One Basic Could Be Next

Like other airlines in the country, Delta has been steadily adopting the unbundling trend, and has suggested it could offer a similar fare option for its business cabin. Currently, rivals American Airlines and United Airlines don’t offer a basic version of their extra-legroom seats, so Delta has beaten them to the punch there.

But offering a Basic fare in its business cabin could be a tougher proposition, risking the displeasure of loyal, high-revenue customers. There are many critics of the unbundling phenomenon, who suggest it is ultimately a strategy to get people to pay more for what they already get with a standard fare. The concept started among low-cost carriers before ultimately catching on with full-service airlines.