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)
Jan 19, 2017, 12:06 pm
#181
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
I agree about the overhead space. My experience is cabin crew reserve it more consistently than they give pre departure beverages.
The reason some prefer to board early is to cross a relatively empty jet bridge and avoid waiting on line - sometimes in the cold or heat - in the jet bridge while people who boarded ahead of you block the aisles whilst loading the overhead bins or chatting with their travel mates. Special Services passengers often board last to avoid rubbing elbows with even the first class cabin passengers.
The reason some prefer to board early is to cross a relatively empty jet bridge and avoid waiting on line - sometimes in the cold or heat - in the jet bridge while people who boarded ahead of you block the aisles whilst loading the overhead bins or chatting with their travel mates. Special Services passengers often board last to avoid rubbing elbows with even the first class cabin passengers.
Jan 19, 2017, 12:21 pm
#182
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
I think it's fairly simple. If you are traveling on this restricted fare, you will have explicitly accepted the conditions in ways described elsewhere in this thread (e.g. clicking 'OK' to disclaimer verbiage). If you attempt to board with a rollaboard or something else that does not fit under the seat, you will be denied boarding and asked to step aside. If another gate agent is available to assist you, you may be accommodated with the option to pay to check the bag. If you arrived at the boarding gate too late, or no one is available to assist you before departure time, I expect you will forfeit your non refundable, non changeable fare, and you will have learned your lesson. If these conditions seem unfair or harsh to anyone, I recommend that person avoid the fare.
as some others pointed out the early boarding extra time and assistance group will be an interesting process for AA. If they actually police the no rollerboard deal think about what has to happen. They have to bring them over to the desk. Process a payment etc. Do they hold up general boarding until that is all done. On some routes it can be a number of people.
I just can't imagine 9 groups and the clusters around the boarding area with all of this.
What still baffles me is someone with only a personal item or none at all needing to board as quick as possible? Why not wait until the very last second to board. What could possibly be gained?
I just can't imagine 9 groups and the clusters around the boarding area with all of this.
What still baffles me is someone with only a personal item or none at all needing to board as quick as possible? Why not wait until the very last second to board. What could possibly be gained?
Jan 19, 2017, 12:26 pm
#183
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
Don't assume United is not on the same path. Ever since the 1980s deregulation, the airlines have been in a steady game of follow the leader with give backs and fare hikes.
After 10 years of being elite. I am done..I know in the eyes of AA this is supposed to be a good thing. AA nickel and dimes their elites to no end. I hope someone wakes up and realizes they are making dumb decisions. I just got granted a Gold challenge with United. See ya AA.... you bunch of bozos
looks like i have to change my name now
looks like i have to change my name now
Jan 19, 2017, 12:37 pm
#184
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I didn't catch if this got picked up anywhere, but; while these fares are ineligible for Same-Day Flight Change or Same-Day Standby, customers on these tix who arrive after the check-in cutoff time but before departure of their flight may be eligible to SDFC to a later flight for $75 if available, otherwise Late Arrival Standby may be offered.
Jan 19, 2017, 12:51 pm
#185
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
That is a good catch, especially for non-elites. I will need to do the math but if the basic economy fare is $100 or so less than the next cheapest fare, then this standby allowance may make it acceptable for me in certain instances. Is it safe to assume paying the $75 would get a confirmed seat on a different same day flight if the seat is available?
I didn't catch if this got picked up anywhere, but; while these fares are ineligible for Same-Day Flight Change or Same-Day Standby, customers on these tix who arrive after the check-in cutoff time but before departure of their flight may be eligible to SDFC to a later flight for $75 if available, otherwise Late Arrival Standby may be offered.
Jan 19, 2017, 1:16 pm
#186
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: LAX, LGB, SNA
Programs: AA EXP OWE, DL DM ST+, AS MVPG, UA, BA, WN CP, Hyatt E, Ritz Plat, HH GM
Posts: 3,185
That is a good catch, especially for non-elites. I will need to do the math but if the basic economy fare is $100 or so less than the next cheapest fare, then this standby allowance may make it acceptable for me in certain instances. Is it safe to assume paying the $75 would get a confirmed seat on a different same day flight if the seat is available?
Jan 19, 2017, 1:34 pm
#188
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
I see your point. I wouldn't assume it. I sometimes try to get cheaper fares by booking early departures with long layovers before the connecting flight. I've had a lot of luck standing by for earlier connections that would have cost much more with a confirmed booking. I'm wondering if I use the basic economy fare on such a connecting itinerary, would I be allowed to standby for an earlier departure to avoid the long layover (and the much higher fare)? I hope no one from American's yield management area is reading this. LOL! 
Jan 19, 2017, 1:43 pm
#189
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 294
90% of my travel is business, booked through our travel agencies website, which lists the lowest fare (although not the code). Would I be correct in speculating the lowest fare listed will now be basic economy?
If so, I see no reason to maintain status on AA or even fly them. I'd never purchase this fare for personal travel.
If so, I see no reason to maintain status on AA or even fly them. I'd never purchase this fare for personal travel.
Jan 19, 2017, 1:48 pm
#190
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
If your employer made you use this fare, I expect you would have approval for checked bag fees and change fees. For example, if you had to leave hours or days after your scheduled return flight, I expect your employer would be responsible for the forfeited cheapo fare plus the cost of a new return ticket. These are the reasons why travel managers would avoid these kinds of fares. Non-refundable is one thing, non refundable and ineligible for changes is quite another.
Another point to consider is avoiding American will not necessarily be an effective way to avoid this type of fare. History shows that what one airline adopts is what all the others adopt before very long (e.g. checked baggage fees, change fees, eliminate free inflight snacks in main cabins, restore free inflight snacks in main cabins, etc. etc.)
Another point to consider is avoiding American will not necessarily be an effective way to avoid this type of fare. History shows that what one airline adopts is what all the others adopt before very long (e.g. checked baggage fees, change fees, eliminate free inflight snacks in main cabins, restore free inflight snacks in main cabins, etc. etc.)
90% of my travel is business, booked through our travel agencies website, which lists the lowest fare (although not the code). Would I be correct in speculating the lowest fare listed will now be basic economy?
If so, I see no reason to maintain status on AA or even fly them. I'd never purchase this fare for personal travel.
If so, I see no reason to maintain status on AA or even fly them. I'd never purchase this fare for personal travel.
Jan 19, 2017, 1:52 pm
#191
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,575
90% of my travel is business, booked through our travel agencies website, which lists the lowest fare (although not the code). Would I be correct in speculating the lowest fare listed will now be basic economy?
If so, I see no reason to maintain status on AA or even fly them. I'd never purchase this fare for personal travel.
If so, I see no reason to maintain status on AA or even fly them. I'd never purchase this fare for personal travel.
Jan 19, 2017, 1:55 pm
#192
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: NYC,MIA,XFL
Programs: AA EXP, B6 Mosaic, DL PM
Posts: 863
If your employer made you use this fare, I expect you would have approval for checked bag fees and change fees. For example, if you had to leave hours or days after your scheduled return flight, I expect your employer would be responsible for the forfeited cheapo fare plus the cost of a new return ticket. These are the reasons why travel managers would avoid these kinds of fares. Non-refundable is one thing, non refundable and ineligible for changes is quite another.
Jan 19, 2017, 1:55 pm
#193
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
A simple, "I'm sorry but no" has always worked for me. I think it would work just as well in the main cabin as it does in first when people ask me to switch with them in the last row so they aren't separated from a companion for two hours.
I haven't had to utilize it yet, but I have a strategy for the next time somebody in a middle seat asks me for my aisle seat so they can sit with their travelling companion.
"Sir, I'd like to help, but I paid $35 for this better aisle seat. If you can reimburse me for that expense, I'd be happy to help you out."
Either one of two things will happen: the man will hand me $35 (and I'd be willing to sit in the middle for $35), or he'll give up or bother somebody else. Seems fair.
"Sir, I'd like to help, but I paid $35 for this better aisle seat. If you can reimburse me for that expense, I'd be happy to help you out."
Either one of two things will happen: the man will hand me $35 (and I'd be willing to sit in the middle for $35), or he'll give up or bother somebody else. Seems fair.
Jan 19, 2017, 1:59 pm
#195
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
Yes, I agree. So the employer would be responsible for the forfeited fare plus the cost of a new return ticket in this scenario. I think this makes the fare very inconvenient for businesses and not worth the risk for a $25 to $50 savings when you could lose hundreds.