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 31, 2019, 4:12 pm
#1021
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
I’d say you have a better luck asking an agent at the hub. At the outstations they will probably not gonna give it to you if you ask but always worth a try.
Mar 31, 2019, 4:51 pm
#1022
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,816
Mar 31, 2019, 5:28 pm
#1023
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
Mar 31, 2019, 7:04 pm
#1024
Join Date: Mar 2019
Programs: Marco Polo Club (Cathay Pacific)
Posts: 3
Say I have a OW Ruby status, and I purchase a BE ticket on AA website, LHR-JFK. Part of the return flight is operated by British Airways, would I still get a free checked bag allowance for that leg?
Apr 1, 2019, 6:32 am
#1026
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
It's been reported that some GA have tried to change BE seats but have been prompted to ask for payment. A little OT but I wonder if AA would consider taking the last few rows, configuring with a seat pitch of 28-29 inches and dedicate that solely to BE fares (a separate class).
Apr 1, 2019, 7:36 am
#1027
Join Date: May 2017
Location: ORD
Posts: 369
It's been reported that some GA have tried to change BE seats but have been prompted to ask for payment. A little OT but I wonder if AA would consider taking the last few rows, configuring with a seat pitch of 28-29 inches and dedicate that solely to BE fares (a separate class).
Sunday was the first time I've flown BE AND boarded with Group 9 (the last two times, I was flying with my wife and our infant and they let us preboard) and they were really aggressive about forcing Group 9 to check small rollaboards. I had my backpack and my wife's CPAP and was worried there wouldn't be room in an overhead for the machine, but there were several half-empty overhead bins. I suspect they were being so aggressive so they didn't have to gate check any bags that were already in the overhead bin to make room for bags that couldn't be gate checked.
Apr 1, 2019, 8:24 pm
#1028
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,658
A problem is that AA doesn't enforce MCE seating. A month ago I was on a transcon flight on a 738. No EXP upgrades (of course) and I was seating in an exit row with an empty middle seat.
But right after doors closed - a guy moved up from the back and took the middle seat. I noticed his boarding pass and it said BASIC ECONOMY and his was in the last row of seats.
Now the FA's came around and looked at the seat maps during food/beverage service. EXPs get offered a free food item and free drink, although MCE get free drinks now. This FA could have questioned the person in the middle seat but they did not.
On UA, the FA's check at the beginning of the flight and even throughout. So if someone move to a MCE (E+) seat FA would ask to see their boarding pass and then ask for payment. If no payment they must move back.
If AA is not going to enforce MCE - they why offer it as an elite upgrade or for purchase.
But right after doors closed - a guy moved up from the back and took the middle seat. I noticed his boarding pass and it said BASIC ECONOMY and his was in the last row of seats.
Now the FA's came around and looked at the seat maps during food/beverage service. EXPs get offered a free food item and free drink, although MCE get free drinks now. This FA could have questioned the person in the middle seat but they did not.
On UA, the FA's check at the beginning of the flight and even throughout. So if someone move to a MCE (E+) seat FA would ask to see their boarding pass and then ask for payment. If no payment they must move back.
If AA is not going to enforce MCE - they why offer it as an elite upgrade or for purchase.
Apr 1, 2019, 8:31 pm
#1029
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
A problem is that AA doesn't enforce MCE seating. A month ago I was on a transcon flight on a 738. No EXP upgrades (of course) and I was seating in an exit row with an empty middle seat.
But right after doors closed - a guy moved up from the back and took the middle seat. I noticed his boarding pass and it said BASIC ECONOMY and his was in the last row of seats.
Now the FA's came around and looked at the seat maps during food/beverage service. EXPs get offered a free food item and free drink, although MCE get free drinks now. This FA could have questioned the person in the middle seat but they did not.
On UA, the FA's check at the beginning of the flight and even throughout. So if someone move to a MCE (E+) seat FA would ask to see their boarding pass and then ask for payment. If no payment they must move back.
If AA is not going to enforce MCE - they why offer it as an elite upgrade or for purchase.
But right after doors closed - a guy moved up from the back and took the middle seat. I noticed his boarding pass and it said BASIC ECONOMY and his was in the last row of seats.
Now the FA's came around and looked at the seat maps during food/beverage service. EXPs get offered a free food item and free drink, although MCE get free drinks now. This FA could have questioned the person in the middle seat but they did not.
On UA, the FA's check at the beginning of the flight and even throughout. So if someone move to a MCE (E+) seat FA would ask to see their boarding pass and then ask for payment. If no payment they must move back.
If AA is not going to enforce MCE - they why offer it as an elite upgrade or for purchase.
I really have no problem if someone moves next to me, even tho I’d rather have middle seat open.
I had a choice long time ago to either fly aa or ua. And this is one of the things that made me
loyal.
Apr 1, 2019, 9:51 pm
#1030
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,816
A problem is that AA doesn't enforce MCE seating. A month ago I was on a transcon flight on a 738. No EXP upgrades (of course) and I was seating in an exit row with an empty middle seat.
But right after doors closed - a guy moved up from the back and took the middle seat. I noticed his boarding pass and it said BASIC ECONOMY and his was in the last row of seats.
Now the FA's came around and looked at the seat maps during food/beverage service. EXPs get offered a free food item and free drink, although MCE get free drinks now. This FA could have questioned the person in the middle seat but they did not.
On UA, the FA's check at the beginning of the flight and even throughout. So if someone move to a MCE (E+) seat FA would ask to see their boarding pass and then ask for payment. If no payment they must move back.
If AA is not going to enforce MCE - they why offer it as an elite upgrade or for purchase.
But right after doors closed - a guy moved up from the back and took the middle seat. I noticed his boarding pass and it said BASIC ECONOMY and his was in the last row of seats.
Now the FA's came around and looked at the seat maps during food/beverage service. EXPs get offered a free food item and free drink, although MCE get free drinks now. This FA could have questioned the person in the middle seat but they did not.
On UA, the FA's check at the beginning of the flight and even throughout. So if someone move to a MCE (E+) seat FA would ask to see their boarding pass and then ask for payment. If no payment they must move back.
If AA is not going to enforce MCE - they why offer it as an elite upgrade or for purchase.
In this respect I have seen that United is much more on point. The stick to their rules and make sure they're applied more equally. I like both airlines and see why each have their segment of the market.
that’s exactly what makes AA more customer friendly compared to UA. MCE is not a separate class of service. No reason to deny seat MCE seat to someone after door is closed. Maybe that person will purchase it next time. Maybe not. But it’s not like they let anyone to sit in FC for free.
I really have no problem if someone moves next to me, even tho I’d rather have middle seat open.
I had a choice long time ago to either fly aa or ua. And this is one of the things that made me
loyal.
Apr 2, 2019, 5:45 am
#1031
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
This is a good point as it's actually going to be a problem if people know they can get a free drink by moving to MCE--especially the alcoholics out there.
In this respect I have seen that United is much more on point. The stick to their rules and make sure they're applied more equally. I like both airlines and see why each have their segment of the market.
I don't think that not enforcing rules is being 'more customer friendly'. That leads to favortism and eventually corruption as people get ahead at the expense of others. If there's going to be free drinks in MCE, they need to show their boarding pass for it. Otherwise, they can move to the seat and sit, but no free drinky.
In this respect I have seen that United is much more on point. The stick to their rules and make sure they're applied more equally. I like both airlines and see why each have their segment of the market.
I don't think that not enforcing rules is being 'more customer friendly'. That leads to favortism and eventually corruption as people get ahead at the expense of others. If there's going to be free drinks in MCE, they need to show their boarding pass for it. Otherwise, they can move to the seat and sit, but no free drinky.
Apr 2, 2019, 9:53 am
#1032
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: SPG, AA, United
Posts: 1,816
It's the proverbial you get what you pay for. Those in MCE seats either have paid for them or earned them through status. Those in BE have made a decision to forgo certain amenities in exchange for a lower fare. IMHO AA should take the last few rows, reduce the pitch and call it a separate class-BE. As it is on full flights BE often end up in MCE albeit a middle seat.
Apr 2, 2019, 2:25 pm
#1033
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Rowland heights, CA USA
Programs: PAL million miler (1.6 M ), AA Platinum ( almost 1 M)
Posts: 434
Hi guys, I know this subject has been posted somewhere, but I need an answer ASAP, I tried to google it but cant find an answer. I am an AA exec platinum, I know if i purchaes aa basic, I wont get any of the perks as AA exec.. But if I purchased an Iberia/ BA plane ticket basic ticket from LHR to BCN . It says on there that you wont be able to check in a luggage, unable to choose seat but if I am an emerald, will I be able to check in luggage fr free, choose a seat in advance even my ticket is basic? I dunno the rules of Iberia/BA.. thanks much
Apr 2, 2019, 2:37 pm
#1034
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,955
Why? Just to punish people who buy BE? You are not going to move enough seats to be able to fit another row. I highly doubt AA would reconfigure the whole plane to give each economy seat another 1/2" of legroom. I guess they could make an additional row toward the back MCE without re configuring the whole plane, but I am not sure it would be very popular.
Apr 2, 2019, 2:45 pm
#1035
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,606
Hi guys, I know this subject has been posted somewhere, but I need an answer ASAP, I tried to google it but cant find an answer. I am an AA exec platinum, I know if i purchaes aa basic, I wont get any of the perks as AA exec.. But if I purchased an Iberia/ BA plane ticket basic ticket from LHR to BCN . It says on there that you wont be able to check in a luggage, unable to choose seat but if I am an emerald, will I be able to check in luggage fr free, choose a seat in advance even my ticket is basic? I dunno the rules of Iberia/BA.. thanks much
As to what, if any, benefits a oneworld Emerald gets on a BA or IB Basic Economy fare, I'm afraid that you're asking in the wrong place. Regulars on the BA and IB forums should be able to tell you what, if anything, a OWE gets on those fares.