Delta Drops ‘Basic Economy’ Label in Rework of Fare Categories

Delta Air Lines Inc. will stop selling tickets under the “basic economy” label that many large carriers have adopted in recent years to compete with no-frills offerings of discount competitors.

The airline on Thursday announced a reorganization of its fare categories aimed at giving passengers more options within each cabin section, with varying features such as assigned seats, the ability to change flights or loyalty benefits. Delta said it will still offer low-cost fares as a sub-category of its Delta Main tickets.

The change, which applies to flights departing on or after Oct. 1, is part of a strategy Delta ...