A guide to business travel: economy classes explained. 

It’s important to know what’s what. In the US, there are numerous airline competitors. For the purpose of this article, we’ll compare United Airlines and Delta Airlines and their various economy classes. Each airline labels the tiers of economy class differently, but if you’re looking at United, you’re probably seeing Basic Economy, Economy, Economy (Refundable), and Premium Economy or Economy Plus.

What’s the deal? If you’re traveling in economy class, aren’t you getting the same seats? Sure. The seat might be the same among the various rate categories, but you’re paying for convenience, freedom, and flexibility. Let’s dive a little deeper:

Basic as it comes.

If you’re looking for savings over flexibility, then a basic economy fare is for you. Be warned, you basically get just the seat. Refunds, changes, baggage allowance and even earning miles will likely be off the table, although some can be bought for a higher fee than normal. When you’re comparing apples to apples, Basic Economy for both United and Delta looks like this:

A word to the wise? Only book a basic fare if there’s no other choice.

Standard is better.

The grass is ‘a bit greener’ on the Economy Standard side. You might be eligible for credits, higher change fees, and some loyalty point eligibility, but you’ll still be missing out on flexibility and included perks. Let’s compare Economy Standard for United and Delta:

But you might be wondering:

What is the difference between standard economy vs flexible economy?

United’s standard Economy class is their second most restrictive fare. Standard Economy is non-refundable but eligible for a credit, has no change fee, and you’ll pay extra for baggage. With the more flexible Economy you’ll have a class of service that includes seat selection, one free checked bag, and lower change fees; and, you can opt in for a refundable fare!

The FLEXibility you need

If basic economy is all about savings, then flex fares are all about comfort and getting bang for your buck. With seat selection included in your fare, you can forget the dreaded middle seat. Changes usually have a reduced fee and standby is usually free. You’ll still have to pay for checked bags but you’ll score 100% frequent flyer miles. If you’re looking to hit that next tier through business travel, economy flex fare is worth the splurge.

Let’s compare flexible Economy fares for United vs Delta:

More perks with Premium

Most economy classes have their top-tier offering for those who are okay to pay. Premium Economy is the hassle-free fare that delivers all the perks and little extras to make business travel a breeze. From the airport experience to walking off the airplane, you’ll feel that VIP spring in your step.

Premium Economy isn’t quite that Business Class experience, but it gives you a little more comfort, and more conveniences than your standard economy fares.

With Delta’s Comfort+ fares, you can expect two rate levels, Comfort+ and Comfort+ Refundable. Both fares include:

• A larger seat with extra legroom
• Priority services for an expedited airport process
• Complimentary beer, wine & snacks
• Dedicated overhead bin space
• Seat selection
• Full SkyMiles Earn

What are the differences between Comfort+ and Comfort+ Refundable?

With standard Comfort+, the fare is non-refundable but credit-eligible, and changes are subject to a difference in fare. With Comfort+ Refundable, you’ll enjoy full refundability and free stand-by for any available same-day flight.

What does United’s Premium Economy experience include?

United’s Premium Economy fare has one rate level.

The fare includes:

• A premium seat
• Snacks and beverages (incl. wine, beer) * conditions apply
• 2 free checked bags
• Priority screening
• Priority boarding
• Priority baggage
• Mileage Plus earn

What are the differences between United’s Premium Economy and Economy Plus?

United’s Economy Plus fare is non-refundable but credit-eligible, while changes are subject to a fare difference. Premium Economy is totally refundable and you’ll get the benefits as noted above.

Take it from the experts in economy-class economics

Sandy Pineau, a Travel Consultant for Corporate Traveler based in Vancouver, Canada, offered some sage advice on booking economy:

"I avoid Basic fares at all costs...in fact, I never put my clients on a Basic fare because they're just too restrictive. Most travelers are booked in Standard, but I also have a lot of clients who I book in Flex or above. Certain travelers have a higher need for last-minute changes so Flex fares make more sense. Plus, Flex fares also help to keep a passenger's airline status which is crucial. The sooner they get to a higher level of airline status, the more comfortable they'll be on their future flights."