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)
Mar 6, 2017, 3:14 pm
#346
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
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And then I wonder how the DOT will look at "forced" refunds if there are a lot of complaints about difficulty in re-booking.
Mar 6, 2017, 7:13 pm
#347
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
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
Mar 6, 2017, 7:51 pm
#348
Join Date: Aug 2010
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Posts: 1,477
Mar 7, 2017, 1:48 pm
#350
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,161
I wonder if now regular economy customers will also be charged the bag fee + gate service fee (lame btw) if they board with baggage? Previously, customers got around the checked bag fees by carrying their bags through security and to the gate, then gate-checked for free. Would this change?
Mar 7, 2017, 2:09 pm
#351
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AA 1.6MM EXP; UA GS; SPG LTG,Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
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I wonder if now regular economy customers will also be charged the bag fee + gate service fee (lame btw) if they board with baggage? Previously, customers got around the checked bag fees by carrying their bags through security and to the gate, then gate-checked for free. Would this change?
If the bag does NOT fit the sizer - then I would hope AA would absolutely charge the gate service fee regardless of status, and the bag fee if the pax was not otherwise entitled to the additional checked bag.
But - I would only be in favor of this if it is enforced uniformly, at the gate, and by personnel accountable to AA.
Mar 7, 2017, 2:10 pm
#352
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AA, WN, UA, Bonvoy, Hertz
Posts: 2,491
I wonder if now regular economy customers will also be charged the bag fee + gate service fee (lame btw) if they board with baggage? Previously, customers got around the checked bag fees by carrying their bags through security and to the gate, then gate-checked for free. Would this change?
I would expect Basic Economy customers will be charged at the gate to do any type of gate check.
This link supports my notes: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...rvice-fees.jsp (Gate service fee is listed).
Rasheed
Mar 7, 2017, 3:45 pm
#353
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
All passengers (except Basic Economy passengers) should still be able to check as much as they want, regardless of size, at the gate counter for free (so long as they were able to get it past security). This policy should apply even if the flight is not full. I have seen no note to indicate otherwise. I recommend doing it proactively rather than being 'caught' during boarding.
I would expect Basic Economy customers will be charged at the gate to do any type of gate check.
This link supports my notes: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...rvice-fees.jsp (Gate service fee is listed).
Rasheed
I would expect Basic Economy customers will be charged at the gate to do any type of gate check.
This link supports my notes: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...rvice-fees.jsp (Gate service fee is listed).
Rasheed
I do not see anything to suggest that there is a waiver of baggage fees for those on other fares applicable should they get an bag that is over the size limit for a carry on piece to the gate; I cannot see anything that would suggest a waiver of $25 ( or higher ) checked bag fee
Last edited by Dave Noble; Mar 7, 2017 at 3:51 pm
Mar 9, 2017, 3:02 pm
#354
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Here and there
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,551
If your corporate travel system is forcing you into these fares, you need to be working with your traveler managers to update policies. Focus on the costs to the company - including poor IROPs handling - that come with BE fares. Don't mention the negative impact to your frequent flyer account. Remember these fares are new - it will take corporate policy some time to catch up in lot of places.
Delta, United and American have introduced Basic Economy fares
The U.S. legacy airline suppliers, Delta, United and American, have recently introduced a new product in the market, Basic Economy fare, which provides access to economy class seating, but reduces the services included in a traditional fare.
As a reminder, Basic Economy fares are not tailored for corporate business travelers and restrictions may vary by airline:
...
Due to the highly restrictive nature of these fares, xxx has decided to not utilize these types of fares and have blocked them from both CWT and GetThere.
The U.S. legacy airline suppliers, Delta, United and American, have recently introduced a new product in the market, Basic Economy fare, which provides access to economy class seating, but reduces the services included in a traditional fare.
As a reminder, Basic Economy fares are not tailored for corporate business travelers and restrictions may vary by airline:
...
Due to the highly restrictive nature of these fares, xxx has decided to not utilize these types of fares and have blocked them from both CWT and GetThere.
Mar 14, 2017, 11:50 am
#356
Moderator: American AAdvantage
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Posts: 62,948
Added to the Wikipost:
NOTE: During OSO / IROPS, some are being inadvertently rebooked from Main Cabin / Economy into Basic Economy (losing better seating, upgrade options, etc.) See AA Errors Reticketing into Basic Economy Fare
NOTE: During OSO / IROPS, some are being inadvertently rebooked from Main Cabin / Economy into Basic Economy (losing better seating, upgrade options, etc.) See AA Errors Reticketing into Basic Economy Fare
Mar 14, 2017, 2:00 pm
#357
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SoCal (ONT), PVD/BOS, JAX, RSW
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All passengers (except Basic Economy passengers) should still be able to check as much as they want, regardless of size, at the gate counter for free (so long as they were able to get it past security). This policy should apply even if the flight is not full. I have seen no note to indicate otherwise. I recommend doing it proactively rather than being 'caught' during boarding.
I would expect Basic Economy customers will be charged at the gate to do any type of gate check.
This link supports my notes: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...rvice-fees.jsp (Gate service fee is listed).
Rasheed
I would expect Basic Economy customers will be charged at the gate to do any type of gate check.
This link supports my notes: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...rvice-fees.jsp (Gate service fee is listed).
Rasheed
"For those of you in Group 9, which is our Basic Economy fare, you are only allowed 1 personal item to be stored under the seat. If you have more than 1 carryon item, you need to come up to the podium and have the extra items checked, after paying the fee. If you are in Groups 7 and 8, you will still be allowed to check your carryon bags free of charge."
Mar 24, 2017, 3:28 am
#359
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 38
This is about hand baggage. For years customers have abused the hand baggage policy - bringing copious amounts of baggage to the gate, then complaining that the flight hasn't left on time - all because the crews are trying to find an ounce of space to store everything. Aircraft do not have the overhead space available to store everything, and gate checking is not efficient. There are a lot of complexities involved - under wing crews having to manage all the bags that are checked at the gate for one - when they should have been loaded after the customer checked in. The basic fare is a way of managing the amount of hand baggage being taken on board. I think a lot of premium customers would agree that the overhead space has now become quite a valuable element of their journey and I have seen a lot of dialogue from those customers asking airlines to 'sort out' their hand baggage problem.