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)
May 30, 2019, 10:07 pm
#1096
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 7
Recently bought a transatlantic basic economy flight and have a quick question about seat selection AFTER check-in.
At the time of purchase, the only seats available for the TATL segment were MCE and preferred seats, and so went with basic econ since if I wanted a decent seat in advance I was going to have to pay either way.
On a 332, so really just want to avoid the middle seats in the center section (currently only 4 of the >50 available seats). The flight is a week away.
If during online check-in the odds aren't in my favor and I'm assigned a center seat, I don't mind paying the ~$100 AA wants for a MCE or aisle/window seat. However, will I be allowed to upgrade at that point or once I check-in does my option to buy a decent seat go away? Thanks for any advice/experience here as I was unable to find in the thread.
At the time of purchase, the only seats available for the TATL segment were MCE and preferred seats, and so went with basic econ since if I wanted a decent seat in advance I was going to have to pay either way.
On a 332, so really just want to avoid the middle seats in the center section (currently only 4 of the >50 available seats). The flight is a week away.
If during online check-in the odds aren't in my favor and I'm assigned a center seat, I don't mind paying the ~$100 AA wants for a MCE or aisle/window seat. However, will I be allowed to upgrade at that point or once I check-in does my option to buy a decent seat go away? Thanks for any advice/experience here as I was unable to find in the thread.
Last edited by gobears787; May 30, 2019 at 10:17 pm Reason: typo
Jun 14, 2019, 9:59 am
#1098
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: san jose,calif
Programs: AA explat,Adm Club,Priority Club, and all nonsense in my comic book mind.
Posts: 746
I'm not sure they will be able to do that. The new Sabre enhancements disallow a lot of the things they used to be able to do.. which would be an additional reason they can't.
A travel agent CAN change from Basic Economy to Economy, with no change fee, just the difference in airfare. Finding an agent that can do it or is willing to find out how to do it is one thing, plus they will charge of course for the reissuing. This is for American Airlines only, no other airlines.
I had it done for me on an International Ticket, so I can refer you to someone who can do it and knows how. PM me if you need help.
RD
A travel agent CAN change from Basic Economy to Economy, with no change fee, just the difference in airfare. Finding an agent that can do it or is willing to find out how to do it is one thing, plus they will charge of course for the reissuing. This is for American Airlines only, no other airlines.
I had it done for me on an International Ticket, so I can refer you to someone who can do it and knows how. PM me if you need help.
RD
Jun 18, 2019, 5:26 pm
#1099
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: $9 Fare Club
Posts: 1,482
Unfortunately looks like I'll be checking in T-6hrs for a transatlantic courtesy of my initial connection so I guess the best I can hope for is one of the twosies on the A332, if as you say the Desk/Gate agents can't help. If there's a saving grace at least the A332 is one of the better configs crossing the Atlantic.
Shall closely consider a BE fare again for long haul, its frustrating that the US3 among others have unpacked economy but kept the original pricing for the most part. Particularly as an Elite, the 50% cuts to EQD/EQM should serve as sufficient deterrent tbh.
Jun 25, 2019, 1:49 pm
#1100
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Prisoner of EWR
Programs: Lifetime AA Plat, UA status-less after 15 years
Posts: 149
Basic economy international rules .. so many asterisks!
OK, Lifetime Platinum here, but have been using UA for the past few years (EWR). Also have the AA Executive credit card.
Been moving back toward AA a bit lately and am pretty confused by all the latest rules... there are so many footnotes and asterisks on each "benefit" I can't figure it out
I searched the forums here, and haven't found clear answers
On international flights, if I purchase basic economy do we get either Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats either at time of purchase or at time of seat selection?
I've seen some info here on BA codeshare as an example, but if I do a split itinerary between AA and BA metal as an example, does the BA seating system know I'm OW Sapphire? and does it matter?
And what about baggage if we check?
Been moving back toward AA a bit lately and am pretty confused by all the latest rules... there are so many footnotes and asterisks on each "benefit" I can't figure it out
I searched the forums here, and haven't found clear answers
On international flights, if I purchase basic economy do we get either Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats either at time of purchase or at time of seat selection?
I've seen some info here on BA codeshare as an example, but if I do a split itinerary between AA and BA metal as an example, does the BA seating system know I'm OW Sapphire? and does it matter?
And what about baggage if we check?
Jun 25, 2019, 2:00 pm
#1101
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,027
OK, Lifetime Platinum here, but have been using UA for the past few years (EWR). Also have the AA Executive credit card.
Been moving back toward AA a bit lately and am pretty confused by all the latest rules... there are so many footnotes and asterisks on each "benefit" I can't figure it out
I searched the forums here, and haven't found clear answers
On international flights, if I purchase basic economy do we get either Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats either at time of purchase or at time of seat selection?
I've seen some info here on BA codeshare as an example, but if I do a split itinerary between AA and BA metal as an example, does the BA seating system know I'm OW Sapphire? and does it matter?
And what about baggage if we check?
Been moving back toward AA a bit lately and am pretty confused by all the latest rules... there are so many footnotes and asterisks on each "benefit" I can't figure it out
I searched the forums here, and haven't found clear answers
On international flights, if I purchase basic economy do we get either Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats either at time of purchase or at time of seat selection?
I've seen some info here on BA codeshare as an example, but if I do a split itinerary between AA and BA metal as an example, does the BA seating system know I'm OW Sapphire? and does it matter?
And what about baggage if we check?
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...er-thread.html
- Long-Haul Basic Economy ticket
- AA/BA/AY/IB Long Haul basic unbundled / HBO fares announced
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...erated-aa.html
and
BA Seat Selection Issues for AA Flyers - charges, seating, award, etc.
Jun 25, 2019, 2:32 pm
#1102
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
OK, Lifetime Platinum here, but have been using UA for the past few years (EWR). Also have the AA Executive credit card.
Been moving back toward AA a bit lately and am pretty confused by all the latest rules... there are so many footnotes and asterisks on each "benefit" I can't figure it out
I searched the forums here, and haven't found clear answers
On international flights, if I purchase basic economy do we get either Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats either at time of purchase or at time of seat selection?
I've seen some info here on BA codeshare as an example, but if I do a split itinerary between AA and BA metal as an example, does the BA seating system know I'm OW Sapphire? and does it matter?
And what about baggage if we check?
Been moving back toward AA a bit lately and am pretty confused by all the latest rules... there are so many footnotes and asterisks on each "benefit" I can't figure it out
I searched the forums here, and haven't found clear answers
On international flights, if I purchase basic economy do we get either Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats either at time of purchase or at time of seat selection?
I've seen some info here on BA codeshare as an example, but if I do a split itinerary between AA and BA metal as an example, does the BA seating system know I'm OW Sapphire? and does it matter?
And what about baggage if we check?
Jun 25, 2019, 3:23 pm
#1103
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Prisoner of EWR
Programs: Lifetime AA Plat, UA status-less after 15 years
Posts: 149
BA Seat Selection Issues for AA Flyers - charges, seating, award, etc.[/QUOTE]
Thanks, that's super helpful. I've done some domestic BE and gotten lucky, but no international yet.
I did read some of those threads that Mwenenzi posted, but either didn't find enough specificity, or the threads are simply too long to look for the real nuggets that give guidance.
On AA you won't be able to select a seat unless you pay for it. AA assigns BE starting with back middle seats but depending upon the flight load you might end up in a MCE seat albeit most likely a middle one. If you want a decent seat BE is a big gamble. With BE on AA your status is meaningless for seat assignments. Most report that when requesting a seat change at the gate GAs have been required to collect a payment.
I did read some of those threads that Mwenenzi posted, but either didn't find enough specificity, or the threads are simply too long to look for the real nuggets that give guidance.
Jun 25, 2019, 5:05 pm
#1105
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Prisoner of EWR
Programs: Lifetime AA Plat, UA status-less after 15 years
Posts: 149
Its about 25-30% on the dates I've been looking at. The absolute dollar amount isn't huge, but I figured if buying BE nets me the exact same thing via Plat status or the Exec credit card, why not just buy BE.
I've used the same approach on UA where I have Gold status and their magical credit card too and it nets me the exact same thing as if I bought regular.
I've used the same approach on UA where I have Gold status and their magical credit card too and it nets me the exact same thing as if I bought regular.
Jun 25, 2019, 6:40 pm
#1106
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MSP/DFW
Programs: Priority Club PLT, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP
Posts: 480
Another difference between international and domestic, is that with international, at anytime, you can choose and pay for a seat selection. With domestic, you can only do so within 48 hours of the flight.
Jun 26, 2019, 1:08 pm
#1107
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,952
I made a Basic Economy reservation for 3 (one of which is under 15) a couple of weeks ago for travel next spring. Checking the flights in my AA account it shows seat assignments as 26D, E, and F for both flights now. Have we already been assigned seats by AA this far in advance? I thought BE seats were assigned at check in.
Jun 26, 2019, 2:18 pm
#1108
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,815
I made a Basic Economy reservation for 3 (one of which is under 15) a couple of weeks ago for travel next spring. Checking the flights in my AA account it shows seat assignments as 26D, E, and F for both flights now. Have we already been assigned seats by AA this far in advance? I thought BE seats were assigned at check in.
Jun 26, 2019, 5:59 pm
#1109
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,952
It’s actually two one ways. One was made on the app, the other was made through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Neither had seat assignments on the confirmation email. Both have seat assignments on the aa website and app now.
Jun 26, 2019, 6:54 pm
#1110
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Valley of the Sun, AZ, USA
Programs: AA Dirt, HHonors Silver
Posts: 495
Traveling with a minor gets you seat assignments a couple of days after ticketing a BE fare. Yeah it's in the back, but at least you get to sit together - which can be a plus or minus depending on how your kid is behaving!