Basic Economy Is Coming to Flights to Europe
Meg Butler March 02, 2018
Beginning in April, American Airlines is extending its budget Basic Economy fare class to flights to Europe with new Trans-Atlantic Basic Economy. Of course, that means no free checked bag, no ability to select your seat (or upgrade it) and you’ll be boarding in Group 8.
Passengers will, however, be able to bring one “personal item” and one larger carry-on and you’ll still be able to use the overhead bins. And, “customers flying on a domestic Basic Economy leg connecting to a trans-Atlantic Basic Economy ticket will travel under the rules of the international ticket, including the carry-on bag allowance.” So that’s something at least.
No word yet on how much American Airlines will charge for checked bags (Delta currently charges $60 on transatlantic routes) but we’ll keep you posted.
For more information head to American Airlines.
Stopped flying DL to Europe now that it is $120 more to check a suitcase. Will do same with AA now.
To Atomicfront AA's not forcing you to buy basic economy - they are just offering it to compete with budget airlines. If you think about it, on AA you can get what you want (checked bags & assigned seats) or not. On a budget airline, you don't get that choice. AA's offering more choices, not less.
I never fly US owned airlines outside of the USA. Its worth the cost to avoid them and I am cheap
This is the last straw. I've used USAir and now American for international travel for many years. First we had the shrunken seats with no leg room and the requirement to pay extra for most seats on the plane. And now this. Why would I want to fly American once this change goes into effect?
Seems stupid to do this. The reason I fly on American is that they aren't like the budget airlines that charge for assigned seats and checked bags. So what reason do I have to choose American anymore if they are like the budget airlines?