Brussels Airlines Launches Economy Basic Fare, Reshaping How Travellers Fly

Brussels Airlines has launched a new entry-level Economy Basic fare with limited baggage allowance across its European routes

Brussels Airlines has introduced a new entry-level fare called Economy Basic, marking a notable shift in how the Belgian carrier structures its ticket pricing. The change, which took effect for bookings from 28 April 2026 for travel beginning on 19 May, forms part of a coordinated move by the parent company, the Lufthansa Group, to adopt a more unbundled, customisable approach to short and medium-haul flying across Europe.

The Economy Basic fare is Brussels Airlines' new lowest-priced ticket option, sitting below the existing Economy Light fare. It is designed primarily for passengers travelling light — day-trippers, business commuters, or anyone making a short hop across Europe with minimal luggage.

The key distinction from previous entry-level fares is what is no longer included by default. Under the new Economy Basic tier, passengers are entitled to one personal item only — such as a small backpack, handbag, or laptop case — that must fit under the seat in front. A standard overhead cabin trolley bag is no longer part of the package. Travellers who wish to bring one must either pay an additional fee or upgrade to a higher fare tier. Checked baggage, seat selection, and rebooking are similarly not included at this entry level but can be added as optional extras.

Rather than being replaced, the Economy Light fare remains available and has, in fact, been improved. It now includes a paid rebooking option, adding a degree of flexibility that was previously unavailable at that price point. Travellers who need a standard cabin bag alongside their personal item will find Economy Light the more suitable starting point.

In total, Brussels Airlines now offers four clearly defined Economy fare tiers, giving passengers a broader — if more complex — range of choices depending on their needs.

Brussels Airlines is not acting alone. The Economy Basic fare is being introduced simultaneously across the entire Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa City Airlines, and Air Dolomiti. The group has framed the change as offering clearer, more transparent pricing — allowing passengers to pay only for the services they actually require, rather than subsidising inclusions they may never use.

This model of unbundled pricing has long been the standard among Europe's low-cost carriers. Its adoption by a full-service airline group of this scale, however, signals a meaningful shift in mainstream European aviation.

The launch of Economy Basic reflects a broader truth about modern air travel: airlines are increasingly moving towards a pick-and-mix pricing model, where the base fare covers the seat and little else. For travellers, this makes it more important than ever to read fare conditions carefully, compare total costs, and book with a clear understanding of what is — and is not — included.

Crystal Travel's team of specialists is available to help UK travellers navigate these changes, ensuring every booking is made with full clarity on pricing, baggage allowances, and the best fare option for each journey.