I remember wondering the exact same thing the first time I booked a Delta Basic Economy ticket. I was trying to save some money on a quick trip to visit family, and the Basic Economy fare was noticeably cheaper. But then I started second-guessing myself, wondering if I’d made a mistake—especially about what I could actually bring on the plane. I had read mixed information online, and some people made it sound like you couldn’t bring anything but a small personal item.
When I got to the airport, I asked the gate agent just to be sure. She told me that Delta does allow a regular carry-on bag and a personal item in Basic Economy, just like the other economy fares. The main difference is that you board last and can’t pick your seat ahead of time. On my flight, I managed to find space in the overhead bin, but I will say it was a little stressful because by the time I boarded, most bins were already full.
After that experience, I started boarding as early as I could and made sure my carry-on wasn’t too bulky. So yes, you can bring one—it’s allowed—but be prepared for a bit of a scramble for overhead space if you’re one of the last to board.
