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Delta is having an interesting few weeks. From leading the way in canceled flights to launching a new class that strips many perks away from existing customers, Delta is certainly making headlines. Earlier in the month, Delta also announced a new set of basic classes, including Business Basic.

This new class series quickly became a controversial announcement. Reddit forums associated with Delta have been up in arms about the changes, calling it a stripping of many of the key reasons why people would book business on Delta in the first place. In a time when budget airlines, like Spirit, are falling by the wayside, heritage carriers are attempting to move into more affordable patches. Many wonder, will this end up with brands shooting themselves in the foot with loyal customers?

So, what has changed with this new business basic class, and why has it upset so many people? Let’s dive in and find out more.

Delta’s New Basic Business Class Doesn’t Include Lounge Access Or Seat Selection

Announced recently, Delta has launched basic versions of many of its premium categories. Originally, customers were excited as the airline hinted at more affordable rates for the premium seating and flying experiences. However, while the ticket prices are lower, the perks have also been slashed.

Key characteristics of these new basic premium packages mean that customers will have:

• No access to the Delta One Lounge
• No seats assigned after check-in
• Reduced checked bag allowance
• Lower mileage earnings
• No complimentary or paid upgrades
• No same-day confirmed or same-day standby travel changes
• No complimentary changes or cancellations

The main reason why many people upgrade to business is to enjoy these kinds of perks. Having a roomier, lie-flat seat is lovely, but having lounge access, more miles, and more bags are the real value adds for loyal customers.

Delta’s New Premium Cabin Tier Comparison

The removal of these perks makes the package closer to economy, with a sizable upcharge for a lie-flat seat and a nicer in-flight meal. Reddit users were quick to point out that while the ticket may say “business,” the basic business class doesn’t feel like a business class experience.

“Imagine paying thousands of dollars for a business class ticket, but you can’t select your seat to sit with your spouse, you’re barred from the quiet sanctuary of the Delta One Lounge, and you’re treated like a basic economy passenger until you step onto the plane. The value proposition just completely falls apart,” one commenter said.

Basic business fares launched for sale on July 8, but won’t actually be experienced in-flight until September. There’s also a basic First Class, which strips back key perks. The ticket price is lower at the moment, but with dynamic prices and the baseline cost of airfare rising with the removal of Spirit and other budget carriers, you could end up paying what you’re paying for full business now, for basic business in a few months or years.

Customers Are Less Than Impressed With Delta’s Basic Business Class

Customers were quick to point out that by adding another fare class, it’s likely that Delta will increase the standard fares over time, rather than offering reduced ticket prices for reduced services. It’s more of a long-game approach to increasing revenue than a budget offering for customers.

One traveler on Reddit shared:

“Translation: this basic class will be slightly cheaper then regular for the first year or so until everyone forgets about it, at which point basic will be the same price as regular and regular will be priced even higher.”

Other customers were quick to label the switch in fares and classes as debundling. This is a phenomenon that’s happening across cruises and heritage airlines in response to spiraling costs. Initially, these flights and cruise lines would be nearly all-inclusive. You may have to pay for Wi-Fi or premium spirits, but everything else comes with the ticket.

Slowly, airlines and cruise lines have removed perks and started selling them as add-ons, often without dropping the base fare accordingly. Suddenly, a flight that was $300 a few years ago costs $500 with the same add-ons, without factoring in inflation.

Another traveler agreed, noting:

“It’s all getting ridiculous. I call it the great debundling of everything. Every purchase has so many tiers and decisions to make it’s just absurd.”

There is also a growing concern from business and corporate travelers, whose corporate policies may force them to buy these stripped-down tickets.

One traveler highlighted:

“Many companies have strict policies that force employees to book the ‘lowest available fare’ in business class. Now, corporate flyers will be forced into Basic Business—arriving at the airport with no lounge access to wash up or work, no ability to change flights if a meeting runs over, and potentially stuck in a random seat. It completely defeats the purpose of business travel wellness.”

While airlines could’ve gotten away with this kind of premium-ification a few years ago, travelers have gotten savvy about it. Prices are soaring everywhere; it’s unavoidable due to the cost of living. However, paying for things that used to be free hurts. While Delta is offering Business Basic at a cut rate for now, travelers are skeptical that it’ll stay that way for long.

Why Is Delta Adding Basic Business Class?

According to Delta, the airline is adding basic fares to give more options to its clients. However, many dedicated Delta flyers are skeptical about the true motives.

According to CNBC, in an earnings call last year, Delta’s former president, Glen Hauenstein, said,

“Segmentation that we’ve done in the main cabin is kind of the template that we’re going to bring to all of our premium cabins over time because different people have different needs.”

This is a claim that’s been shared across many airlines, especially budget ones. Ryanair in Europe famously makes you pay for carry-on luggage that’s larger than a personal item. However, the base fares are often less than a dinner in a restaurant. They’re due to be forced to include a “proper” sized carry-on in the coming years, which will drive the base fare up, making travel less accessible for many, especially those who have learned to pack light for these affordable fares.

If Delta keeps the Basic Business fares lower than the current standard fares for Business and doesn’t raise all standard fares in the next few months, then yes, this is a great option for customers who want onboard comfort but don’t need excess luggage or lounge access. It could be a great option for business travelers who aren’t staying in a destination for long, or people who pack light.

It’s also a good way for Delta to tempt people out of economy while giving them just a taste of business for less. Basic Business is still considerably more expensive than economy, but the jump isn’t quite so large, considering you get a lie-flat seat. On long-haul trips, this could be the difference between arriving fresh and having the first few days plagued by jet lag.

What Delta’s Basic Business Class Shift Indicates For Premium Flying

This shift further indicates what we already know. Premium travel operators — both airlines and cruises — are debundling at terrific rates, adding extra classes and fares to give the illusion of more options, while stripping back perks that were previously included as standard. It’s going back to a bare-bones approach, where slowly the prices will increase again, and suddenly travelers are paying the same ticket price for a dramatically reduced service.

By creating these restrictive tiers, airlines can offer a lower “lead-in” price to stay competitive in search results while protecting their standard margins on fully inclusive tickets. While a decade ago the idea of a long-haul international business class ticket without lounge access or seat selection would have been highly unusual, it is fast becoming the new industry standard.

To many, Delta is offering a cut-rate business class with fewer perks for a reduced price. However, this is a great option for people who want comfort without the frills of extra miles, free cancellation, or lounge access.

So why aren’t passengers booking Delta Air Lines’ new Basic Business Class? At the end of the day, the backlash is about the consistent cuts to service and that there are no guarantees that these fares will remain low, thereby pushing up the overall cost of flying.