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)
#1141
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
Reports here are if the GA tries to change a BE seat they will be prompted to collect a payment. I guess it doesn't hurt to ask. And yes the moral of the story seems to be check in under T-1 and odds are by then only MCE or at least Preferred seats will be available. Kinda of defeats the purpose of BE.
#1142
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 3,649
does AA gold get seat assignment with basic econ fare?
I am going to be buying RT MCI-MIA tickets for next January to coincide with a cruise. I will fly MCI-MIA Jan. 24 and return MIA-MCI Feb. 1. Airfares to Miami seem very high, over $400 RT. and $500 for the non stop flight. To save money I am thinking about booking a basic economy ticket. I know I get free bag check and early boarding with my AA gold status but can I get seat assignments in advance? If not I have to decide if it is worth $70 more for a seat assignment. If I don't get to sit next to my husband for a few hours I will live as we will be together 24/7 on the cruise.
#1143
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SFO, MIA
Programs: AA 2MillionMiler, BA ExecutiveClub, UA MileagePlus, AS MileagePlan
Posts: 449
If you look at the description of Basic Economy, it says:
-Seats assigned at check-in*
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*Rules apply to all passengers including AAdvantage elites
-Seats assigned at check-in*
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*Rules apply to all passengers including AAdvantage elites
#1145
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
Would it be cheaper to book the plane ticket through the cruise?
#1147
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: USA
Programs: Chase Sapphire Reserve, WFBF
Posts: 1,573
The AA nonstop MCI-MIA is on an E175, which means no middle seats. I would consider booking basic economy if your dates are certain (as it would be with a cruise). Keep in mind you'll only earn half as many EQM though.
#1148
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
I am going to be buying RT MCI-MIA tickets for next January to coincide with a cruise. I will fly MCI-MIA Jan. 24 and return MIA-MCI Feb. 1. Airfares to Miami seem very high, over $400 RT. and $500 for the non stop flight. To save money I am thinking about booking a basic economy ticket. I know I get free bag check and early boarding with my AA gold status but can I get seat assignments in advance? If not I have to decide if it is worth $70 more for a seat assignment. If I don't get to sit next to my husband for a few hours I will live as we will be together 24/7 on the cruise.
#1149
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,763
It might, only if you would take whatever airline / routing the cruiseline gives to you. If you want to choose your own airline / routing / date, you pay a Deviation Fee - and that may negate whatever saving you might get.
If there is any irrop you would be better off booking directly with the airlines. I also assume OP does not commit the mistake of booking the flight to arrive on the sail date. Also trying to book a revenue ticket 6 months in advance almost always would pay high price.
If there is any irrop you would be better off booking directly with the airlines. I also assume OP does not commit the mistake of booking the flight to arrive on the sail date. Also trying to book a revenue ticket 6 months in advance almost always would pay high price.
#1150
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 3,649
No. I am seeing $400 + RT fares and the cruise line wants $650 for air. Also, I want to fly in the day before the cruise and if you book cruise air you will be flying the day of the cruise departure and have to take the flights they give you. In January, flying to Miami from Kansas City the day of a cruise could be cutting it close due to weather delays.
#1151
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 3,649
I had not noticed this-great catch
I don't care about earning AA miles as I am no longer accumulating them. I used them all up last year and am trying not to fly AA anymore. My airline of choice now is UA but they don't have much in the MIA market. AA has the only nonstops from MCI.
Last edited by susiesan; Jul 21, 2019 at 12:08 pm
#1152
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: DTW / SJC
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 764
#1153
Paid Seat Selection now begins 7 days (previously 48 hours) prior to flights within North America, see: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ic-economy.jsp
I have updated the wiki accordingly.
I have updated the wiki accordingly.
Last edited by Beltway2A; Jul 24, 2019 at 10:00 am Reason: Updated Wiki
#1154
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
it seems as though the number of paxs that buy BE fares and end up in MCE is out of whack. I wonder what kind of tweaks will come. I hope AA doesn't reduce the number of MCE rows to better match demand. If DL considers their version of MCE (Delta Comfort) a separate class of service will DL sit their version of BE paxs in Delta Comfort if other Y seats are full? Or do they do a cabin roll?
#1155
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
Yes. DL, UA, and AA all seem to do it. It seems to be the rare flight when many seats in Comfort+ or the equivalent are empty, but when they are, its more operationally efficient to seat the passengers still waiting for a seat assignment and who have yet to board there, than those already boarded or on the jetbridge.