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 18, 2017, 1:10 pm
#106
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
As with the current system, gate agents will have wide discretion. Depending on the length of the boarding line, they may say "all passengers, all groups" may board now, once they are done with the First/Business, Exec/Plat/Gold
I cover it here:
https://twitter.com/xJonNYC/status/821538827084988416
(not all members of all groups included therein):
Then 5,6,7,8,9
No idea how they'll be called.
https://twitter.com/xJonNYC/status/821538827084988416
(not all members of all groups included therein):
Then 5,6,7,8,9
No idea how they'll be called.
Jan 18, 2017, 1:12 pm
#107
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Jan 18, 2017, 1:58 pm
#108
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Any news on how BE will earn for other airlines? For example, Tier Points on BA?
It's been well over 1500 flights and over 22 years since I've had a middle seat in a 3+ seat row. (I've had A319 exit row seats on United and 737 seats on Southwest where the window seat next to me does not exist) I'm not inclined to start now. I will be falling back to PLT on segments after 2017 and am lifetime Gold, so the main issue for me is the seat assignment.
Given the way it is played out, there are actually a few flights where I'd use it because there's no reason not to do so. Mostly E145 flights where I really don't care about a half a segment, maybe a really short E175 flight as well.
It's been well over 1500 flights and over 22 years since I've had a middle seat in a 3+ seat row. (I've had A319 exit row seats on United and 737 seats on Southwest where the window seat next to me does not exist) I'm not inclined to start now. I will be falling back to PLT on segments after 2017 and am lifetime Gold, so the main issue for me is the seat assignment.
Given the way it is played out, there are actually a few flights where I'd use it because there's no reason not to do so. Mostly E145 flights where I really don't care about a half a segment, maybe a really short E175 flight as well.
Jan 18, 2017, 2:09 pm
#109
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
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From AA's email:
Not just that it can fit underneath the seat but flat out no access to overhead bins. How will that be enforced? And AA seriously expects GAs/FAs to carry this out? I could see if came down to full bins and they're trying to squeeze more in but on empty flights with bin space available? AA can't get their employees to carry out the PDB policy consistently. "Sorry sir/sorry ma'am, your suit jacket/nice coat needs to go on the floor in front of you." Right...
1 item that fits under seat (no access to overhead bins)
Jan 18, 2017, 2:15 pm
#110
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So now, all three legacies have some version of a rock bottom fare which everybody swears that nobody will buy and will cause the commercial air business to go into a tailspin (economically, not physically). There is then a rant about the fact that these fares are not really new lower fares, simply the lowest fares and that is somehow wrong.
The fact is that DL made a go of it, the fares apparently work, UA is introducing them, and now AA.
The DL website does a great job of disclosure and it's hard to book one without knowing that you're buying something bottom of the barrel. But, people apparently do.
The OH issue is a red herring. More often than not, if you are in the last BG on a typical full narrow body, there won't be much if any OH space so it really doesn't matter whether the rules permit a carry-on or not. If the aircraft is empty and the GA lets the BE's in BG 100 board with an extra bag, nobody is going to care.
Businesses have a choice. When DL launched its product, there were some missteps at some businesses. Now, if a business has people flying one of these fares, it's intentional.
The fact is that DL made a go of it, the fares apparently work, UA is introducing them, and now AA.
The DL website does a great job of disclosure and it's hard to book one without knowing that you're buying something bottom of the barrel. But, people apparently do.
The OH issue is a red herring. More often than not, if you are in the last BG on a typical full narrow body, there won't be much if any OH space so it really doesn't matter whether the rules permit a carry-on or not. If the aircraft is empty and the GA lets the BE's in BG 100 board with an extra bag, nobody is going to care.
Businesses have a choice. When DL launched its product, there were some missteps at some businesses. Now, if a business has people flying one of these fares, it's intentional.
Jan 18, 2017, 2:15 pm
#111
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 41
The benefit would be the frequent flyer miles, albeit at reduced amounts. I won't consider the fares unless I stand to save close to $100 round trip.
Do you really believe it's realistic that First passengers would willingly sit and watch the entire aircraft load before them? How would that work with the "first class passengers are welcome to board at any time?"
It depends on the route.
It seems clear the enforcement would take place at the gate and check in counters. Once someone has a roll aboard on the aircraft, they will be allowed to use the over head. In other words, if you have the restricted fare you would be prevented from boarding with anything that does not fit in under the seat.
I can't imagine ever booking one of these fares. To me the biggest benefit of being lifetime Platinum is the ability to get exit row seats at no charge. I'll pay the higher fare or fly someone else. As another poster mentioned, Southwest is a better option than these fares.
My impression is that currently boarding group and carry-on are not enforced at the gate more often than not. Unless gate agents are suddenly start enforcing those at a gate for a flight with basic economy, it is possible that there is good chance passengers on basic economy can get away with carry-on restriction? Or IT department can add a function so that when a passenger with basic economy board then gate scanner make one big noise to remind gate agent…
How are they going to really implement the baggage thing?
AA Page says
" Baggage restrictions
Each person can board with 1 item such as a purse or small handbag that fits under the seat. You won't have access to overhead bins.
All other items must be checked at ticket counters. If you take them to the gate you'll pay an extra $25 gate service fee per item plus the applicable bag fee."
The big loophole now for baggage is that if you have more than are allowed to check free, you can check it free at the gate. They're always asking for volunteers to check to save overhead space. Suddenly now certain people will get charged? We'll see.
And it says on the AA.com page that elite and credit card holders will be exempt from the "no overhead space available." Can you imagine the DYKWHIA drama that will now be playing out in the aisle where someone is wanting to put something overhead (If there's even any room left) but nobody knows if they're "entitled" to?
I'm just gonna keep doing MCE and hopefully ignore all this.
AA Page says
" Baggage restrictions
Each person can board with 1 item such as a purse or small handbag that fits under the seat. You won't have access to overhead bins.
All other items must be checked at ticket counters. If you take them to the gate you'll pay an extra $25 gate service fee per item plus the applicable bag fee."
The big loophole now for baggage is that if you have more than are allowed to check free, you can check it free at the gate. They're always asking for volunteers to check to save overhead space. Suddenly now certain people will get charged? We'll see.
And it says on the AA.com page that elite and credit card holders will be exempt from the "no overhead space available." Can you imagine the DYKWHIA drama that will now be playing out in the aisle where someone is wanting to put something overhead (If there's even any room left) but nobody knows if they're "entitled" to?
I'm just gonna keep doing MCE and hopefully ignore all this.
Last edited by JY1024; Jan 18, 2017 at 4:34 pm Reason: Merged consecutive posts - pls use multi-quote function!
Jan 18, 2017, 2:29 pm
#112
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 691
if first class would be guaranteed and reserved the allotted bin space, then there would be no reason to board early.
Jan 18, 2017, 2:33 pm
#113
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The "no overhead" won't be policed on the plane (closed overheads, separate valet carts, etc), but at boarding time. The GA won't let anybody with a "Group 9" boarding pass get on the jetbridge with two items (or one larger than a personal item).
Which is why it's simple to enforce the "doesn't apply to elites and credit cards" exception. Boarding passes for any of those passengers don't have Group 9, they have their early boarding designation (EXP/Plat/Gold/Priority)
Which is why it's simple to enforce the "doesn't apply to elites and credit cards" exception. Boarding passes for any of those passengers don't have Group 9, they have their early boarding designation (EXP/Plat/Gold/Priority)
At least unlike with animal, there isn't an allowance for "emotional support" carry-on luggage, right?
Jan 18, 2017, 2:36 pm
#114
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: FNT, but DTW if I can't help it
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Jan 18, 2017, 2:44 pm
#115
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Jan 18, 2017, 2:56 pm
#116
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
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“It's not a new discount, it's a set of new features for our lowest fares.”
— AA President Robert Isom
Still with the ability to use TSA Pre✓, and more legroom and seats that recline on all flights, plus Wi-Fi and power outlets on some flights.
Even the basic product is above what Spirit and company have to offer. A slight premium ($10-$30) is justified.
Flight attendants will not be expected to police use of the overhead bin.
^
— AA President Robert Isom
Still with the ability to use TSA Pre✓, and more legroom and seats that recline on all flights, plus Wi-Fi and power outlets on some flights.
Even the basic product is above what Spirit and company have to offer. A slight premium ($10-$30) is justified.
Not just that it can fit underneath the seat but flat out no access to overhead bins. How will that be enforced? And AA seriously expects GAs/FAs to carry this out? I could see if came down to full bins and they're trying to squeeze more in but on empty flights with bin space available? AA can't get their employees to carry out the PDB policy consistently. "Sorry sir/sorry ma'am, your suit jacket/nice coat needs to go on the floor in front of you." Right...
It seems clear the enforcement would take place at the gate and check in counters. Once someone has a roll aboard on the aircraft, they will be allowed to use the over head. In other words, if you have the restricted fare you would be prevented from boarding with anything that does not fit in under the seat.
Jan 18, 2017, 2:59 pm
#117
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: AA
Posts: 104
The fine print at https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ic-economy.jsp lists the flollowing:
**Eligible cards include:
**Eligible cards include:
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World EliteTM Mastercard®
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select World EliteTMMastercard®
- CitiBusiness / AAdvantage® Platinum Select World EliteTMMastercard®
- AAdvantage® AviatorTM Silver Mastercard®
- AAdvantage® AviatorTM Red Mastercard®
- AAdvantage® AviatorTM Business Mastercard®
Jan 18, 2017, 3:29 pm
#118
Join Date: May 2008
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I don't think this is going to really change the experience that much, especially for the frequent traveler.
- I doubt there are bunch of people sitting at home saying "gosh, i've been waiting for a basic airfare so I can take that trip to Nashville to see Aunt Flo. Look what AA now offers, hallelujah! Let's buy those tickets now!"
- These will be limited to certain routes - I doubt many of the high volume business routes will see these fares
- Most companies block these fares - so if you're having to book through a site like concur (the devil of travel), you liekly won't have to worry about it
- I see that as a positive. I have to use concur, and will gladly pay more for my ticket. EQDs count!
- I will sometimes be paying $20-$40 more when there was Q (or whatever) cheap fare available that used to be main cabin but is now Basic Economy
- Some of my fellow passengers will now be even grumpier for having been subjected to this, and some gate agents will be less happy because it's yet another thing people will yell at them about. The whole experience just gets slightly worse across the board.
But again, minor for me.
Jan 18, 2017, 3:42 pm
#119
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The only "pro" for Spirit is the ability to book the close-to-zero fare and then pay $20-40 per segment for an F-style seat (although not the other F-style benefits). If you're just after the 36" x 21" seat, Spirit can be a cheap way to get it.
From what I'm viewing so far, Delta prices down to the middle range of the Spirit fares. (My aforementioned $70, one-way MCI-LAX.) Delta doesn't go down to the $0 base / $16 all-in fare. If AA goes down to that middle range as well, making it a $10-30 premium over Spirit on *most* flights, then I'd say that's good. No one expects AA to chase Spirit all the way down to $16.
Jan 18, 2017, 3:50 pm
#120
Join Date: May 2008
Location: WAS
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Any info on AA Vacations and the new Spirit Lite fares? (Let's make that name stick ^ - better = "Spite" fares ^^[claiming TM here 
]*). AA Vacations, while having horrible CS - even by AA standards of late - has had some really good deals to places I want to visit. Losing possible upgrades, 1/2 eqm, etc makes these deals a no go. JonNYC - anything?
Cheers -
* "Spit" fares is also a consideration
]*). AA Vacations, while having horrible CS - even by AA standards of late - has had some really good deals to places I want to visit. Losing possible upgrades, 1/2 eqm, etc makes these deals a no go. JonNYC - anything?Cheers -
* "Spit" fares is also a consideration
Last edited by thegrailer; Jan 18, 2017 at 3:57 pm Reason: update