Icelandair Introduces International Basic Economy
Joe Cortez October 06, 2017
Seats come at a lower price, but increase charges for checked luggage.
Icelandair will be the first international carrier not dedicated to the low-cost space to offer a “basic economy” seat, targeting weekend flyers and business travelers. In a press release, the airline announced the launch of Economy Light, a lower-cost option for those traveling on short itineraries with only carry-on luggage.
Like other basic economy options, travelers with a heavily discounted tickets will only be allowed to carry on one bag, with a total weight of 22 pounds. However, the product will differentiate itself by offering better in-flight amenities. Those flying Economy Light will be able to pre-select seats during booking and enjoy non-alcoholic beverages at no additional charge.
“This option is designed for travelers taking a short weekend getaway or a quick business trip abroad,” Guðmundur Óskarsson, senior vice president at Icelandair, said in a statement. “The new fare is also perfect when traveling with family members that don´t require additional luggage such as children or couples who can pack together.”
The only hidden cost of the fare is a major one, applied when checking luggage aboard the carrier while flying Economy Light. According to Travel Weekly, basic economy flyers will have to pay $69 to check a bag from the U.S. to Reykjavik one way, or $95 to check one piece of luggage to Europe one way. Checking one bag could add $190 in fees for a round-trip ticket.
Icelandair’s new class of service is expected to compete directly with low-cost carriers Norwegian Air and WOW Air for international passenger traffic. By 2018, the Reykjavik-based carrier will serve 14 American cities – one more than WOW Air.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
Wow ok... so they're just selling tickets without a checked bag. Not really economy basic when they still offer the same service as everyone else with an economy ticket.
Here we go (eye roll).....other carriers soon to follow.
As far as I can tell this is nothing like "basic economy." You get normal carry-on (one bag, same as regular economy), pre-selected seats, and the same on board experience. The only difference is you pay to check luggage, just as you do on almost all US domestic flights - and on some non-LCC international carriers, like Aer Lingus.