Jeb Brooks, the 141st dining stranger, is quoted in a Washington Post article today on the slow dismantling of basic economy perks, specifically the major airlines’ decision to stop letting budget passengers earn frequent-flier miles.
Jeb and his wife Suzanne spent a day in April 2025 testing basic economy across three airlines for their YouTube travel channel Greener Grass, and the experience wasn’t stellar. Delta gate-checked their bags, middle seats throughout, and a United fare that crept above regular economy once bag fees were added. He told the Post he’d be “doubtful” to book basic economy for anything other than research purposes.
You can read the full Washington Post piece here, and my dinner with Jeb here.