Originally Posted by
snackyx
If I book a basic economy ticket but have AA status (EXP) does the status override the basic economy restrictions? Do I get to choose a seat at booking? Can I still choose a Main Cabin Extra seat at booking? Luggage restrictions? Boarding group?
Thanks in advance for any clarification.
As other have mentioned, you would get the benefits. But you will earn about 30% of the miles you would for a Main ticket, so if Loyalty Points and Redeemable Miles are of importance to you then you will need to evaluate the delta in cost. To see how many miles you will get for a flight, you can login and go through the booking process all the way up to the Review and Pay screen. It is presented there. ... or just ballpark it by taking the fare and multiply by 11 as EXP. As an example, looking at short flight in BE for $192 will earn 722 LPs/Award miles. The same flight in Main is $221, and will earn 2112 LPs/Award Miles.
If you do go the BE route, and the price is the same for round trip vs two one ways (not sure if it ever is), you could consider purchasing the two one ways. (lets say something comes up and you are forced to modify your outbound... you will only lose that ticket, and not both directions)