There has been quite a bit of buzz surrounding the unbundling of premium cabins on Delta Air Lines over the past couple of years. We’ve seen hints through past earnings calls and targeted surveys sent to customers.
This would mean Delta’s lowest fare in a premium cabin could have restrictions similar to Basic Economy.
During Delta’s recent 2025 earnings, President Glen Hauenstein explained that the airline is prepared to make the next move following the unbundling of Main Cabin and Comfort+ in 2025.
He stated that the carrier is prepared to “move that up the ladder,” and added that we could see the changes in 2026. The concept of “Comfort Basic” has exceeded expectations so far for the airline, and it expects similar success for its premium cabins.
The unbundling would involve First, Premium Select, and Delta One, both on domestic and international flights. This move essentially takes the concept of Basic Economy and implements it into premium seats.
Passengers could see:
- Restrictions, including fees, on seat selection
- Limitations on earning miles and MQDs
- Restrictions on lounge access
- Change fees and non-refundable fares
- No priority boarding
There’s still a while until we can firmly know what pricing and limitations could look like. If Basic Economy is any indicator, however, the above list is some of what passengers could expect.
Note that this isn’t a new concept in the airline industry. Airlines like Qatar, Finnair, and others already have unbundled premium fares. Some of the fare types they offer have restrictions on lounge access, seat selections, and refunds.
I have a few thoughts:
- Pricing. Though Delta executives suggest that passengers can simply pay less for a ticket with these Basic fares, I don’t see a scenario where the airline willingly makes changes to its prices where it generates less revenue. In other words, I hope it doesn’t mean a substantial increase in cost to book the equivalent Delta One fare today, but again, I just don’t see how that happens.
- Return of change fees. This is without a doubt a chance to bring back change fees, something the industry hasn’t seen since the pandemic.
- Effects on the U.S. airline industry. I don’t think it’ll be a surprise to see American and United follow suit with the unbundling of premium fares once Delta implements them and proves success.
Bottom Line
There is still a lot of info to wait for, but it does seem that “Basic” First and Business on Delta will be coming soon, possibly in 2026. Either way, this could mark a major change in premium air travel in the United States, especially as the move could garner the attention of American and United.
Featured image by the author.
