“Basic”, “value”, “saver”. These are some of the names for the lowest-tiered fares from US airlines.
These fares are designed to be a lower-priced ticket option, but they come with more restrictions, especially when it comes to baggage.
Understanding exactly what each airline includes (or excludes) can save you from surprises at the gate.
Below is a side-by-side look at how major U.S. airlines treat carry-on and personal items for Basic Economy customers.
Alaska Airlines
Fare Name: Saver Fare
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: Yes
Allegiant
Fare Name: Allegiant Basic
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: No
Note: Carry-ons are not included for any fare type on Allegiant flights.
American Airlines
Fare Name: Basic Economy
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: Yes
Avelo Airlines
Fare Name: Standard Bundle
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: No
Note: Carry-ons are not included for any fare type on Avelo flights.
Breeze Airways
Fare Name: No Flex Fare
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: No
Note: Carry-on fees start at $35.
Delta Air Lines
Fare Name: Delta Main Basic
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: Yes
Frontier Airlines
Fare Name: Basic
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: No
Note: Always pay for your carry-on during booking, as it will be much cheaper than checking it at the gate.
Hawaiian Airlines
Fare Name: Saver
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: Yes
JetBlue
Fare Name: Blue Basic
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: Yes
Southwest Airlines
Fare Name: Basic
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: Yes
Spirit Airlines
Fare Name: Value
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: No
Note: Always pay for your carry-on during booking, as it will be much cheaper than checking it at the gate.
Sun Country Airlines
Fare Name: Standard Bundle
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: No
Note: Always pay for your carry-on during booking, as it will be much cheaper than checking it at the gate.
United Airlines
Fare Name: Basic Economy
Personal item included: Yes
Carry-on included: No
Note: Carry-on is free if traveling to South America, across the Atlantic, or across the Pacific (not including Hawaii).
Do Basic Tickets Include Free Checked Bags?
Along with carry-on policues, the checked bag limits for each airline can be confusing. The simple answer is no US airline currently includes a free checked bag with a basic, lowest-level ticket on domestic flights.
They are not part of the base price and must be purchased separately. Higher class tickets will often come with a checked bag, so it’s always a good idea to check the details of each ticket price.
There are some exceptions to this, however. You may still get a free checked bag on a low fare ticket if:
- You are an elite frequent flyer status.
- You use a qualifying co-branded airline credit card.
- You are flying international. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, for example, allow a free checked bag when flying transatlantic.
Even carriers that once had more generous policies have tightened them. Southwest Airlines, long known for its “no change fees and two free checked bags” premise, changed its approach in May 2025 and no longer includes free checked bags with its lowest fare category.
The economics behind this uniform rule are pretty straightforward. Checked baggage fees are a major source of ancillary revenue for airlines, helping to keep headline ticket prices competitive while charging separately for optional services.
In 2024, checked bags generated $7.27 billion in revenue for US airlines, up from $7.07 billion in 2023. That means this policy is not going away anytime soon.
It’s Good to Know What These Tickets Really Mean For Your Bags
When you book these tickets, the biggest question isn’t about your seat, it’s your bag.
Understanding personal item limits, carry-on dimensions, and airline enforcement policies is very important before you get to the airport.
It’s the simplest way to avoid surprise fees and gate-check headaches.