Jan 18, 2017, 9:12 pm
Last edit by: IADCAflyer
What is Basic Economy?
Basic Economy is (generally) the lowest, "no-frills" Main Cabin (Economy) fare on American Airlines and their Atlantic Joint Business partners (British Airways, Iberia, and Finnair). Basic Economy fares on American Airlines book into the As the lowest fare, it has some special restrictions that other Main Cabin fares do not.
What are the Restrictions?
You can read American Airlines' web page summarizing Basic Economy for the exact details, but there are a few points that likely matter most to FlyerTalkers:
* exceptions apply for American Airlines elite-level frequent flyers as noted below.
Despite these restrictions, Basic Economy can be a good value in certain circumstances.
Are the seats or service any different?
Once you are on the airplane, the experience (seats / drinks / snacks) will be identical to regular Main Cabin.
How can I tell if I have a Basic Economy fare?
Your reservation on aa.com may say it. Basic Economy fares on American Airlines flights book into the B booking class, though Basic Economy fares on BA/IB/AY and their AA* codeshares can book into almost any revenue booking class.
I have an AA credit card, what does that get me?
Yes, if you have an American Airlines credit card that comes with preferred boarding or a free checked bag on domestic itineraries, you will receive those benefits. Additionally, if you have a Citi Executive card, you may use the Admirals Club as normal.
I have AA elite status, what does that get me?
You WILL get the following elite benefits when you buy a Basic Economy fare (note this is not an exhaustive list, basically everything not expressly forbidden is allowed):
Families with children over 13 will have to pay for seat assignments to be seated with their children.
I am flying on a British Airways, Iberia, or Finnair airplane, is anything different?
If you do not have AA or oneworld elite status, the restrictions are quite similar and you should expect to pay for everything: paid checked bags, paid seat selection, and no changes / cancellations. Depending on available fare classes, you may have an opportunity to earn additional redeemable miles or elite qualifying dollars by booking a BA / IB / AY flight number instead of an AA flight number; check your options and the partner earning charts on AA for each respective airline (British Airways, Iberia, Finnair).
If you have status, buckle up, because it gets technical, though there are some opportunities to cherry pick benefits and save money. This has been already summarized in the counterpart to this thread on the British Airways forum., so we will not reproduce it here. Note the following correspondences between status levels:
Basic Economy is (generally) the lowest, "no-frills" Main Cabin (Economy) fare on American Airlines and their Atlantic Joint Business partners (British Airways, Iberia, and Finnair). Basic Economy fares on American Airlines book into the As the lowest fare, it has some special restrictions that other Main Cabin fares do not.
What are the Restrictions?
You can read American Airlines' web page summarizing Basic Economy for the exact details, but there are a few points that likely matter most to FlyerTalkers:
- Your first checked bag will cost money on a Basic Economy fare*.
- Your seat will be automatically assigned when you check in and unchangeable, unless you pay to change your seat. You may pay to reserve a seat any time after booking*.
- No elite upgrades to first class, or complimentary access to preferred seats (green on the seat map) or Main Cabin Extra (orange on the seat map)*.
- You will board last, in Group 9 for domestic flights or Group 8 for international flights*. On a full flight, this likely means you will have to gate check your carry-on bag (which is free)*.
- You will earn 50% EQMs per mile flown and 0.5 EQS per segment. You will earn full RDMs (based on fare flown) and EQDs.
- Changes are not permitted (worldwide from 01APR21).
- In IRROPS, Basic Economy customers will not be re-accommodated on other airlines, and will have to wait for the next American Airlines flight (or BA/IB/AY for INTL).
* exceptions apply for American Airlines elite-level frequent flyers as noted below.
Despite these restrictions, Basic Economy can be a good value in certain circumstances.
Are the seats or service any different?
Once you are on the airplane, the experience (seats / drinks / snacks) will be identical to regular Main Cabin.
How can I tell if I have a Basic Economy fare?
Your reservation on aa.com may say it. Basic Economy fares on American Airlines flights book into the B booking class, though Basic Economy fares on BA/IB/AY and their AA* codeshares can book into almost any revenue booking class.
I have an AA credit card, what does that get me?
Yes, if you have an American Airlines credit card that comes with preferred boarding or a free checked bag on domestic itineraries, you will receive those benefits. Additionally, if you have a Citi Executive card, you may use the Admirals Club as normal.
I have AA elite status, what does that get me?
You WILL get the following elite benefits when you buy a Basic Economy fare (note this is not an exhaustive list, basically everything not expressly forbidden is allowed):
- 1/2/3 checked bag fees waives, depending on status.
- Priority check-in / security / boarding.
- Lounge access, if applicable.
- No same-day standby or same-day confirmed flight changes, paid or otherwise.
As it does today, American’s reservations system will check for families traveling with children 13 and under a few days before the flight, and attempt to seat each child with an adult. This is the same process we follow for Main Cabin customers.
I am flying on a British Airways, Iberia, or Finnair airplane, is anything different?
If you do not have AA or oneworld elite status, the restrictions are quite similar and you should expect to pay for everything: paid checked bags, paid seat selection, and no changes / cancellations. Depending on available fare classes, you may have an opportunity to earn additional redeemable miles or elite qualifying dollars by booking a BA / IB / AY flight number instead of an AA flight number; check your options and the partner earning charts on AA for each respective airline (British Airways, Iberia, Finnair).
If you have status, buckle up, because it gets technical, though there are some opportunities to cherry pick benefits and save money. This has been already summarized in the counterpart to this thread on the British Airways forum., so we will not reproduce it here. Note the following correspondences between status levels:
- AA Gold - BA Bronze - oneworld Ruby
- AA Platinum or Platinum Pro - BA Silver - oneworld Sapphire
- AA Executive Platinum or Concierge Key - BA Gold - oneworld Emerald
- If you are a Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Executive Platinum elite, you can generally book Iberia or Finnair-operated Basic Economy flights and not notice any baggage or seating restrictions, as long as they were not marketed by BA.
- If you do not care about your seat assignment, you can book AA-operated flights with an IB or AY flight number and still receive a checked bag if you are Platinum or higher. You may earn more or fewer RDMs, EQMs, and EQDs.
- If you do not need to check a bag, you can book BA-operated flights with any flight number, and can choose your seat (7 days in advance for Gold, at booking for Platinum and higher, Exit Rows for EXP).
Basic Economy Fare as of 2017 (also AY, BA, IB), incl. elite benefits (Master thread)
Feb 26, 2017, 6:42 pm
#331
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
There's a vast difference between "more than 10" and "nationwide." Since someone was authoritatively recommending that we make major changes to our spending and travel habits in anticipation of a nationwide rollout, I was wondering whether he had any concrete information.
I quoted a source in post 326
Feb 26, 2017, 11:02 pm
#332
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,237
There's a vast difference between "more than 10" and "nationwide." Since someone was authoritatively recommending that we make major changes to our spending and travel habits in anticipation of a nationwide rollout, I was wondering whether he had any concrete information.
How about you tell me what the threshold is (# of routes) where you would make major changes to your spending/travel habits, and I'll tell you whether you should or shouldn't.
Mar 1, 2017, 4:11 am
#333
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
WaPo did a not very deep article comparing some fares using AA's and UA's Basic Y fares.....
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifes...1a5_story.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifes...1a5_story.html
Mar 1, 2017, 6:55 pm
#334
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,753
Or for Delta's basic economy fares.
O is the lowest fare inventory, followed by Q, then N. This is the order they're displayed in the city pair availability.
In 2016 I flew almost exclusively on bargain basement fares (only one trip with a roundtrip airfare of over $130 or so... it's possible that my spending habits contributed to AA's move to a revenue-based FFP), and they were all on O.
Then again, the IROPS handling isn't really as big of an issue as it might seem at first. People in line at service desks or calling on the phone will still be served in the order they appear, and considering that AA only interlines with United, Alaska, and Hawaiian domestically nowadays, it's not like there are many other options on OA to begin with.
In 2016 I flew almost exclusively on bargain basement fares (only one trip with a roundtrip airfare of over $130 or so... it's possible that my spending habits contributed to AA's move to a revenue-based FFP), and they were all on O.
Then again, the IROPS handling isn't really as big of an issue as it might seem at first. People in line at service desks or calling on the phone will still be served in the order they appear, and considering that AA only interlines with United, Alaska, and Hawaiian domestically nowadays, it's not like there are many other options on OA to begin with.
Mar 1, 2017, 8:21 pm
#335
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
So am I understanding that if you buy BE, then Plats can't choose MCE?
Edit: Found the text on this site
Basic Economy fare tickets aren't eligible for complimentary/discounted access to Main Cabin Extra seats.
Edit: Found the text on this site
Basic Economy fare tickets aren't eligible for complimentary/discounted access to Main Cabin Extra seats.
Just got off with AA again and the csr told me to simply pay up to the reg coach fare. I said if I worked for AA and needed to get a hotel room and I wouldnt earn any credit or pts or get any elite benefits unless I booked a non-standard room for extra $$$, I take it no one would care at AA that Im spending more of AAs money then I had to. She says its different,I said no it aint except you want me to have my company and clients pay more then have to.
She says this is how it will be with all carriers. I said so I will give my $$$ to Jet Blue,Alaska or Delta and end up in a seat of no choice but w/o lifetime status as with AA and UA I dont expect anything more then that. Some nice TY from AA for having been loyal over the past decades
Seems all carriers new motto is we couldnt care 1 bit that you were loyal to us before today, now we simply look at how loyal (by buying more expensive fares) you are each and everyday.
Mar 1, 2017, 8:39 pm
#336
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,604
Its actually alot worse then no MCE at all. You cant even pick any seat till either check-in or at the airport = with flights full you can count on a middle seat in a non-reclining row.
Just got off with AA again and the csr told me to simply pay up to the reg coach fare. I said if I worked for AA and needed to get a hotel room and I wouldnt earn any credit or pts or get any elite benefits unless I booked a non-standard room for extra $$$, I take it no one would care at AA that Im spending more of AAs money then I had to. She says its different,I said no it aint except you want me to have my company and clients pay more then have to.
She says this is how it will be with all carriers. I said so I will give my $$$ to Jet Blue,Alaska or Delta and end up in a seat of no choice but w/o lifetime status as with AA and UA I dont expect anything more then that. Some nice TY from AA for having been loyal over the past decades
Seems all carriers new motto is we couldnt care 1 bit that you were loyal to us before today, now we simply look at how loyal (by buying more expensive fares) you are each and everyday.
Just got off with AA again and the csr told me to simply pay up to the reg coach fare. I said if I worked for AA and needed to get a hotel room and I wouldnt earn any credit or pts or get any elite benefits unless I booked a non-standard room for extra $$$, I take it no one would care at AA that Im spending more of AAs money then I had to. She says its different,I said no it aint except you want me to have my company and clients pay more then have to.
She says this is how it will be with all carriers. I said so I will give my $$$ to Jet Blue,Alaska or Delta and end up in a seat of no choice but w/o lifetime status as with AA and UA I dont expect anything more then that. Some nice TY from AA for having been loyal over the past decades
Seems all carriers new motto is we couldnt care 1 bit that you were loyal to us before today, now we simply look at how loyal (by buying more expensive fares) you are each and everyday.
If you did work for a company and needed to book a hotel room - why would that company care whether you get points or a better room? The company has paid for what is required
As far as a seat assignment goes, paying up to a fare that permits it seems to be a logical response by the agent
There is no reason for a client / company to pay more - a BE ticket will enable the member of staff to travel - that the passenger gets less freebies and giveaways is not something I would expect the company to feel a need to pay for
Last edited by Dave Noble; Mar 1, 2017 at 8:59 pm
Mar 1, 2017, 8:47 pm
#337
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,586
Just got off with AA again and the csr told me to simply pay up to the reg coach fare. I said if I worked for AA and needed to get a hotel room and I wouldnt earn any credit or pts or get any elite benefits unless I booked a non-standard room for extra $$$, I take it no one would care at AA that Im spending more of AAs money then I had to. She says its different,I said no it aint except you want me to have my company and clients pay more then have to.
Frontline CSRs don't make policy - why are you wasting their time, your time, and potentially the time of those waiting on hold debating pointless hypotheticals with them? Express your displeasure with the policy and ask the CSR to report that upward- sure, that the CSR can do.
Airlines have the right to set prices and benefits as they see fit based on what the market will bear. That's how markets work. You don't "have" to pay more - you have the option to buy the BE fare.
Oh and btw, plenty of people book hotels through 3rd party sites, don't get elite benefits, and go on to live long and successful lives...
Mar 3, 2017, 3:43 pm
#338
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,753
I found one of the MIA-PHL fares. Looks like it is filed as NUAIZNB3. I also see G, S, O & Q fares filed with the Basic Economy rule set.
I think it is the suffix on the fare filing that makes it a Basic Economy fare, not the booking class. All the fares filed in EF that I see with B1 or B3 at the end are Basic. There are also M* and N* suffixes filed.
I think it is the suffix on the fare filing that makes it a Basic Economy fare, not the booking class. All the fares filed in EF that I see with B1 or B3 at the end are Basic. There are also M* and N* suffixes filed.
Mar 4, 2017, 1:04 am
#340
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
The IIROP handling notes being reported here are really infuriating me, because it's something that isn't making it to the main pages about BE nor is it in the warning when I try to book a BE seat.
"Oh, sorry it's January at ORD and we had a weather cancellation. Since the cheap seats aren't available for the next week you can wait or get your $90 back, and try to find a next-day flight out for $350."
"Oh, sorry it's January at ORD and we had a weather cancellation. Since the cheap seats aren't available for the next week you can wait or get your $90 back, and try to find a next-day flight out for $350."
Mar 4, 2017, 3:43 am
#341
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,477
Mar 4, 2017, 5:50 am
#342
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: CUR
Posts: 2,170
Mar 4, 2017, 10:13 pm
#343
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: NYC,MIA,XFL
Programs: AA EXP, B6 Mosaic, DL PM
Posts: 863
The IIROP handling notes being reported here are really infuriating me, because it's something that isn't making it to the main pages about BE nor is it in the warning when I try to book a BE seat.
"Oh, sorry it's January at ORD and we had a weather cancellation. Since the cheap seats aren't available for the next week you can wait or get your $90 back, and try to find a next-day flight out for $350."
"Oh, sorry it's January at ORD and we had a weather cancellation. Since the cheap seats aren't available for the next week you can wait or get your $90 back, and try to find a next-day flight out for $350."
IROPS won't require B inventory.
Schedule changes will require B inventory - if rerouting.
Mar 5, 2017, 8:43 pm
#344
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
Mar 6, 2017, 3:07 pm
#345
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 181
The most frustrating thing about this is that Basic Economy is not tied to the lowest fare along a given route, but rather the lowest fare on a given flight along a given route
On June 20, I find for DFW-PHL:
$81 by NK484
$105 by AA1823 in BE
$152 by AA1804, still in BE
For giggles:
DFW-PHL-BOS by AA on the same date: $80 for non BE. I would hate to be the guy sitting next to someone who paid less to fly further with more benefits
On June 20, I find for DFW-PHL:
$81 by NK484
$105 by AA1823 in BE
$152 by AA1804, still in BE
For giggles:
DFW-PHL-BOS by AA on the same date: $80 for non BE. I would hate to be the guy sitting next to someone who paid less to fly further with more benefits