Via One Mile at a Time, Delta is eliminating free checked bags for Basic Economy passengers to certain international destinations.
So depending on your route, jumping on a Basic Economy fare across the Atlantic might not be nearly as good of a deal!
Here are the details.
Delta Changes Their Basic Economy Fare Baggage Policy
Link: Everything to Know About Delta Baggage Fees
Delta is eliminating free checked bags on Basic Economy fares from the US or Canada to Europe or North Africa. This applies to flights booked after December 6, 2017, and for travel as of April 10, 2018.
This change does NOT affect other Delta fare classes. And Basic Economy fares already come with a lot of restrictions. You can’t choose your seat before check-in or make changes to your ticket, and you’re not eligible for upgrades.
Basic Economy fares are supposed to offer folks a cheaper option. But now, on some routes, you’ll have to consider baggage fees when you’re figuring out the best deal for you.
Lowering Delta’s Basic Economy Baggage Fees
Link: Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
Link: Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express
Link: Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express
If you have certain AMEX Delta co-branded credit cards, Delta will reimburse checked baggage fees for you and up to 8 other travelers on your reservation up to $50 per round-trip, per person. So even if you purchase a Basic Economy ticket, this should in theory help to soften the checked baggage fee.
You can NOT use this perk for bags that are overweight or oversize.
Bottom Line
Delta is eliminating free checked bags for some international Basic Economy fares.
If you’re traveling from the US or Canada to Europe or North Africa on a Basic Economy fare, you’ll need to pay to check a bag.
This change does not apply to other Delta fare classes. And you can still get a free checked bag with certain AMEX Delta co-branded credit cards.