For many years, airlines have promised that remaining a loyal customer will eventually pay off. But for many travelers, sticking with just one is starting to feel less worthwhile.
Most recently, Delta Air Lines has faced criticism for rolling out a revamped fare structure that breaks its Main Cabin tickets into multiple tiers. While Delta says these changes are designed to give passengers more control, some flyers argue it’s doing the complete opposite.
As airlines like Delta continue to redefine what’s included in the basic fare, travelers online are debating whether brand loyalty still makes sense in an era when they feel they’re paying more for a lot less.
Delta Says New Fare Categories Offer More Choice And Control For Passengers
Passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight, standing in the aisles with baggage, preparing to disembarkCredit: Shutterstock
Under the update, which has been in effect since October 1, Delta’s seat offerings were reorganized and renamed. The biggest shift affects Delta Main, where the airline has removed the standalone “Basic Economy” label in order to improve the ticketing experience.
“As we listen and learn about what our customers want when it comes to their travel, we know that clarity and choice are paramount. Our reimagined shopping experience gives customers more options and flexibility to pick the travel experience that works best for them, and a full picture of all the benefits of flying with Delta,” said Eric Phillips, S.V.P. and Chief Digital Officer, in a news release.
Delta Main is now divided into three tiers: Main Basic, Main Classic, and Main Extra.
The lowest-priced option, Main Basic, has many of the same restrictions as the previous Basic Economy, including last boarding priority, no lounge access, and no Delta Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) earnings. Main Classic is a step-up in seat selection, early boarding, and MQDs. At the higher end, Main Extra gives travelers the most flexibility. It features higher priority boarding, increased mileage earning, and seat selection.
While Delta claims this change gives travelers more flexibility, passengers are also questioning whether loyalty to the airline still even makes sense.
Delta’s New Ticket Structure Leaves Some Loyal Flyers Frustrated
Passengers at a Delta Air Lines check-in desk at an airportCredit: Unsplash
The fare tiers Delta Air Lines introduced late last year are already facing strong criticism online, particularly from loyal flyers who say the system feels too complex. On Reddit, several commenters described the rollout as a disappointing degradation in value, with some calling it “a new low” for the airline.
“It’s so user-friendly, they had to put EIGHTEEN footnotes on it.”
“Do they really think it’s an ‘experience’? Talk about putting lipstick on a pig. You’re not fooling anyone unless you’re talking about a poor experience, Delta.”
“This is a new low. At least there are other options. They think they have status queens by the balls, but I’ll pass on this degradation in value.”
“Honestly, Delta has gotten outrageous for my regular flight.”
Delta isn’t the only airline that made operational changes in 2025. Several other airlines eliminated perks last year, leaving passengers feeling ripped off.
Passengers Say Several Other Airlines Are Charging More While Stripping Away Perks
United Airlines Boeing 737 on departure taxiing past a Delta Air Lines plane at Seattle Tacoma airport, Seattle, Washington, WA, USACredit: Shutterstock
The pattern of airlines asking passengers to pay more while offering less in return isn’t unique to Delta.
United Airlines, for example, recently changed how economy passengers purchase food on longer flights. Travelers must now preorder fresh meals through the airline’s app or website before departure. While United says the shift improves efficiency and reduces food waste, the change also means economy passengers can no longer buy hot meals on board unless they plan ahead.
“This is a major downgrade. If you stand by or SDC, no food for you. If you book last minute, no food for you. If you weren’t planning on eating but end up feeling hungry onboard… no food for you,” wrote one traveler on Reddit.
Southwest Airlines also faced backlash after rolling back several long-standing policies. Over the past year, the airline introduced checked bag fees, made basic fares more restrictive, and moved away from open seating.
Travelers online say the changes reflect a gradual decline in overall value. In other words, what were once standard perks are now offered as optional upgrades that further push the true cost of flying to new highs.
