Basic (or light) fares are the cheapest but most restricted: usually no checked bag, no free changes, no refund and paid seat selection. Flexible fares cost more but include baggage, allow date changes with low or no fees, and often refund on cancellation. When you book with us, you'll see exactly what each fare includes side by side before paying.
What basic fares strip out
- Checked baggage — often cabin bag only.
- Date changes — locked, or changeable only for steep fees.
- Refunds — non-refundable if you cancel.
- Seat selection — paid, with seats otherwise assigned at check-in.
- Sometimes boarding priority and other small comforts.
What flexible fares add back
A flexible fare typically bundles a checked bag, free or cheap date changes, a refund route if you cancel, and often free seat selection. The price gap varies by route and airline, but it is usually far smaller than the cost of buying those pieces separately after booking a basic fare.
How to choose
Ask yourself three questions. Are your dates certain? Are you travelling with more than a cabin bag? Are you booking for a family that needs to sit together? Two or three "yes" answers usually point to a flexible fare — one common trap is that adding bags and seats to a basic fare can end up costing more than the flexible fare would have.
Where you'll see the rules
Each fare's inclusions are displayed before payment, so the comparison is done for you at booking time. Search live fares to Dubai now — online ticketing opens shortly and the waitlist is on every result. More fare questions are answered in flights help.