What is a base fare in air travel?

The term "base fare" in air travel refers to the initial cost of a ticket before any additional fees or surcharges are applied. This amount represents the core pricing for the flight itself and does not include extras such as taxes, airport fees, or optional services like baggage or seat selection. Understanding base fare is crucial for travelers as it allows them to differentiate between the initial ticket price and the final amount they would pay after all supplemental charges are included. This distinction is beneficial for budget planning and comparing ticket prices across different airlines.