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As university-related travel continues to ramp up, we want to remind travelers to proceed with caution when selecting airfare options, especially Basic Economy tickets. While these fares may appear to offer budget savings upfront, they often include strict limitations that can lead to unexpected costs, logistical challenges, and frustration. And while these tickets are generally budget-friendly, they come with significant restrictions that could impact your travel plans and expenses. We highly recommend for international travel, that basic economy fares are not booked. It is best to book a refundable fare in case there are unforeseen circumstances while traveling internationally.

Key Restrictions Associated with Booking Basic Economy Fares

• No Changes or Refunds: Once booked, these tickets cannot be altered or refunded, regardless of unforeseen circumstances.ā€‹
• Seat Assignment Limitations: Seat selections are unavailable until check-in, which may result in separate seating from your travel companions.ā€‹
• Last Boarding Group: Passengers board last, often leading to limited overhead bin space and potential additional fees for gate-checked bags.ā€‹
• No Same-Day Changes or Standby: Flexibility for same-day travel adjustments is not permitted.ā€‹
• Potential Carry-On Restrictions: Some airlines may impose limitations on carry-on baggage, leading to unexpected charges.ā€‹

How to Check the Small Print of Your Ticket Restrictions - If You Missed It Earlier

While basic economy fare is available in Concur and through Christopherson Business Travel (CBT), per campus user requests, you do assume some risks when purchasing this type of airfare. If you are booking travel on behalf of someone else, make sure the traveler understands the restrictions that may impact their travel. However, if the fare meets your business need and you are willing to accept the risks of a basic economy fare ticket, just be sure to read the ā€˜fare rules and restrictions (as shown below) to ensure you understand the caveats associated with your purchase. We highly recommend that you never book basic economy for international flights due to the possibility of unforeseen circumstances as you may lose the cost of the fare and still have to purchase another ticket to get you to your destination.

Message as it appears in Concur on the page that returns your flight options, based on your search criteria:

CAUTION ON BASIC ECONOMY FARES include the following restrictions: No changes-No refunds-No seat assignment until check-in-No same-day confirmed or same-day stand-by-No paid or complimentary upgrades-No Priority Boarding for purchase-Full loss of ticket value if not used as issued

In addition, if the results include a Basic Economy airline ticket you will see an orange icon with an explanation point inside a caution sign in Concur:

If you click the orange indicator, you will see the following message popup, as it relates to Basic Economy Fares: 

To review the fare rules and restrictions you can click on the ā€œShow All Detailsā€ link under the View Fares button as shown: 

The following will appear towards the bottom of the page: 

By clicking on the blue links for Rules Benefits/Services you will be able to see all the restrictions for this ticket type.

How to Check the Small Print of Your Ticket Restrictions - If You Missed It Earlier

When you book your ticket in Concur, once you are on the ā€œSelect a method of paymentā€ screen it will alert you that you are trying to book a non-refundable ticket if you have selected Basic Economy airfare. You can click in the highlighted area (as shown below) to read the restrictions associated with your airfare. 

To ensure a smooth travel experience and avoid avoidable complications or out-of-pocket expenses, we strongly encourage all travelers and arrangers to consider the full valueā€”and potential drawbacksā€”of Basic Economy tickets.

Questions? Contact financecustomercare@ohio.edu