New 'Unbundled' Business Class Launch From Delta Air Lines Is Bad News for Travelers

Business class is a fun way to fly. It typically includes lots of perks that economy doesn't, including lounge access at the airport, a higher quality meal, and a much larger seat. It also costs quite a bit more, although you can often get a better deal if you have a travel rewards card.

Normally, a business-class ticket includes all the benefits of flying business class. Delta Air Lines could be planning to change that with its own business-class product, and it's worrisome news for travelers.

Delta's plans for unbundling business class

Delta President Glen Hauenstein hinted at unbundling business class on a July earnings call. When an analyst asked about the possibility of unbundling the front cabin, Hauenstein replied "we've talked conceptually about that" and "I think we'll be giving you more details as we go."

There haven't been firm details shared yet on how this would work. In all likelihood, it would be similar to how basic economy and regular economy tickets work.

Delta would offer a basic business class. Online forum users are already derisively referring to this as "Delta One Half," a play on the name of its first-class product, Delta One. Basic business class would presumably include the seat and the meal. It'd be pretty awkward during meal service if flight attendants had to skip over people.

It wouldn't include all the typical business-class amenities. Here are some of the features that might not be included, or that may only be available for an additional fee:

• Airport lounge access
• Seat selection before your flight
• Free checked baggage
• Priority service at the airport

Basic business class is bad for travelers

The optimistic view of basic business class is that it will be a more affordable option for people who don't need all the bells and whistles. Instead of paying for it all, you only pay for what you need.

The more likely outcome is that basic business class costs the same amount as regular business class once did. You pay the same price for an inferior product, or you pay a premium for what used to be included with every business-class ticket.

As someone who likes flying business class, two of the biggest perks are how comfortable and easy it is. I don't need to worry about restrictive checked baggage requirements. I can go through faster priority lanes at the airport and relax in a nice lounge before my flight. I get to select seats in advance to ensure my wife and I are sitting together, instead of getting stuck with whatever's available.

Those are all benefits that could require paying extra with an unbundled business class. Pricing and other details aren't available yet, so I could be pleasantly surprised. But I think this will be better for the airline's profit margins than for its passengers.

Consider a travel card to save on business-class airfare

It's expensive to fly business class. That probably won't change even if U.S. airlines start to offer a basic option.

One of the best ways to save is with credit cards that earn travel rewards. If you're loyal to an airline, you could get an airline credit card with it. You'll earn miles on your spending, and you can redeem those miles for award tickets.

Some travel cards earn points you can transfer to multiple airlines. These give you much more flexibility. For example, you could get a card that allows you to transfer your points to United, Iberia, and British Airways, allowing you to book airfare with all of those airlines.

Unbundled business class might not be a great change for travelers. But with a travel credit card, you could still at least use rewards to save on your airfare.