Choosing the best seating option for an airline seat is something we all struggle with when booking flights. United, American Airlines, Delta and others have created multiple categories in their economy and main seating areas. This past winter I decided to put my airline booking to the test. Here are the typical categories we find:

  • Basic Economy: Most restricted option – your seat is assigned to you at check-in, check-bag fees likely apply and you generally agree to waive your right to a refund.
  • Economy/Main: You get to choose your basic economy seat location within the limited seating map, one check-in bag is usually allowed and you generally may get credit to a future trip if you need to cancel your trip within reason (many restrictions usually apply and buy-ups are presented to secure a cash refund).
  • Economy/Main Preferred: Same options as presented in Economy/Main, except you can select a seat that’s closer to the middle or front of the plane.
  • Economy/Main Plus: Same options as presented in Economy/Main Preferred, but you get to choose a seat with a little extra leg room (think “six inches,” but that makes a difference in a plane).

There could also be another buy-up option to get an exit seat or an option in the front row seats of the economy cabin. Another benefit to keep in mind: the higher the class of seating, the greater the chance you may join an earlier boarding group.

My Basic Economy Experience

To cut to the chase, I really don’t like a middle seat and will do everything possible to avoid them. My advice is to only choose basic economy if the flight is configured in a 2×2 seating arrangement. That’s more often experienced on a regional flight.

I was in luck: My flights to and from New Orleans were on a plane with the 2×2 arrangement. I was willing to risk a no refund situation, so I went ahead and booked. My seats cost about $160 roundtrip and I saved about $75 over the cost of regular economy seat in the next category.

When I arrived at the airport, I was given my seat: It was a last row aisle set. The guy next to me on the other side of the row had booked closer to the last couple of weeks. He chose the seat and paid more than double my seat. (I felt like it was in the middle of a bad travel booking commercial.) The flight attendants were in great spirits. Keeping things transparent, I flew American Airlines.

If you’re okay with expecting a middle seat and willing to take the risk with losing the air fare in case your plans change, have the ability to rely on carryon luggage, the basic economy option may be best for you — especially if you’re booking early (I booked about three months prior to my trip).

What’s the Difference Between Economy Main vs. Economy Main Preferred? 

This is where most travelers will find themselves sitting. To be honest, the main benefit of choosing a preferred seat is actually to get a seat closer to the middle or a little bit closer toward the front of the economy seats. That could definitely be worthwhile.

On my return flight for the trip mentioned, I decided to buy-up to a better seat in this category. And all of us have seen those seat map options where we are presented with a range of prices to get us to spend extra money to upgrade and change our seat somewhere in the seat map. I actually noticed a great price and moved to the Economy/Main Plus spots and had the front row of economy seating without anyone next to me (the flight wasn’t sold out). That only cost an extra $50 and I felt it was well worth the money.

Choosing an Airline Seat Is Getting Complicated

First, Business and Preferred classes of seating are the best option — if you have the dollars or for those. I’ll be honest, I’m a fan of those when I get the chance. But, saving money is important to all of us. Travel experience and comfort are, too. So we spend extra time scanning the options until we make the commitment.

To be sure, the airline product and marketing folks have created this challenge as they seek to find ways to get travelers to pay a higher airline fee.

Have you traveled in basic economy or preferred economy or other classes of seating? Share your experience with me.