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)
#1216
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,601
Are you sure about that? The AA Basic Economy webpage says that AAdvantage elite members are not subject to the no-free-checked-bags restriction on Basic Economy flights between North America and Europe, but is silent as to those with elite status through some other oneworld FFP:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ic-economy.jsp
(See the double-dagger footnote near the bottom of the page.)
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ic-economy.jsp
(See the double-dagger footnote near the bottom of the page.)
#1217
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,995
Agrred.
@Strawb , you should be able get a refund, at lease for one bag.
https://www.oneworld.com/travel-bene...world-priority
There is only an exclusion for British Airways’ 'Hand Baggage Only/Basic' fares.
@Strawb , you should be able get a refund, at lease for one bag.
https://www.oneworld.com/travel-bene...world-priority
***Extra baggage allowance for Sapphire frequent flyers
As a Sapphire frequent flyer, the following special baggage privileges will apply when you fly on oneworld airlines:
On international or domestic itineraries using the baggage allowance "weight" system - 15 kgs in addition to the ticketed Economy baggage allowance.
On international itineraries, that include domestic sectors, using the baggage allowance “piece” system – one additional bag*, weighing up to 23kgs, up to a maximum of two pieces.
On purely domestic itineraries, using the baggage allowance "piece" system, for tickets with no ticketed baggage entitlement - the assurance of one piece of checked baggage, weighing up to 23 kgs.
Customers travelling in First and Business Class cabins will, in most cases, receive an even greater free checked baggage allowance.
Note: This benefit is not available on British Airways’ 'Hand Baggage Only/Basic' fares.
*In accordance with the individual policy of the oneworld airline operating the flight.
**Priority baggage handling is not currently available on flights operated by British Airways.
As a Sapphire frequent flyer, the following special baggage privileges will apply when you fly on oneworld airlines:
On international or domestic itineraries using the baggage allowance "weight" system - 15 kgs in addition to the ticketed Economy baggage allowance.
On international itineraries, that include domestic sectors, using the baggage allowance “piece” system – one additional bag*, weighing up to 23kgs, up to a maximum of two pieces.
On purely domestic itineraries, using the baggage allowance "piece" system, for tickets with no ticketed baggage entitlement - the assurance of one piece of checked baggage, weighing up to 23 kgs.
Customers travelling in First and Business Class cabins will, in most cases, receive an even greater free checked baggage allowance.
Note: This benefit is not available on British Airways’ 'Hand Baggage Only/Basic' fares.
*In accordance with the individual policy of the oneworld airline operating the flight.
**Priority baggage handling is not currently available on flights operated by British Airways.
#1218
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 2,070
AA Basic Economy TATL Seat Select Cost
Something I found perplexing on a BE ticket I was helping my friend book to Europe. I was doing a dummy booking yesterday on a flight JFK-FCO in basic economy, when going to the seat selection part of the reservation the seat map showed the below. I told him to pay the $12 pp for his and his +1 to get the seats in the back after he booked it with Chase UR.
Today he tells me the seats are now significantly more, as shown on the seat map below. He booked the ticket through the Chase UR portal, but I don't understand why the seats are significantly more. There isn't anywhere on AA that has a standardized chart of how much a seat should cost. Seems a little bait and switch. Unless they charge more buying through an OTA which would be a first for me.
Today he tells me the seats are now significantly more, as shown on the seat map below. He booked the ticket through the Chase UR portal, but I don't understand why the seats are significantly more. There isn't anywhere on AA that has a standardized chart of how much a seat should cost. Seems a little bait and switch. Unless they charge more buying through an OTA which would be a first for me.
#1219
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Something I found perplexing on a BE ticket I was helping my friend book to Europe. I was doing a dummy booking yesterday on a flight JFK-FCO in basic economy, when going to the seat selection part of the reservation the seat map showed the below. I told him to pay the $12 pp for his and his +1 to get the seats in the back after he booked it with Chase UR.
...
Today he tells me the seats are now significantly more, as shown on the seat map below. He booked the ticket through the Chase UR portal, but I don't understand why the seats are significantly more. There isn't anywhere on AA that has a standardized chart of how much a seat should cost. Seems a little bait and switch. Unless they charge more buying through an OTA which would be a first for me.
...
Today he tells me the seats are now significantly more, as shown on the seat map below. He booked the ticket through the Chase UR portal, but I don't understand why the seats are significantly more. There isn't anywhere on AA that has a standardized chart of how much a seat should cost. Seems a little bait and switch. Unless they charge more buying through an OTA which would be a first for me.
Will report back when I understand it better.
EDIT to add: seems like I might be on the wrong track above
Last edited by JonNYC; Nov 20, 2019 at 6:08 pm Reason: maybe not
#1220
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,601
Agrred.
@Strawb , you should be able get a refund, at lease for one bag.
https://www.oneworld.com/travel-bene...world-priority
There is only an exclusion for British Airways’ 'Hand Baggage Only/Basic' fares.
@Strawb , you should be able get a refund, at lease for one bag.
https://www.oneworld.com/travel-bene...world-priority
There is only an exclusion for British Airways’ 'Hand Baggage Only/Basic' fares.
#1221
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,995
On international itineraries, that include domestic sectors, using the baggage allowance “piece” system – one additional bag, weighing up to 23kgs, up to a maximum of two pieces.
#1222
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 2,070
Not a lawyer or anywhere close. But isnt this against some law of price differentiation for the same product, especially when no rules stipulate (that ive found) there should be a price differentiation? Next they’ll say bags cost more since they used an OTA.
#1224
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,995
As written, it is a poor translation from French: (https://fr.oneworld.com/-kc0e/avanta...world-priority)
What it means is the additional piece allowance is for journies that use the piece system. Both international and domestic.
Sur les itinéraires internationaux, comprenant des vols intérieurs, qui utilisent la franchise bagages « à la pièce » : vous bénéficierez d'un bagage supplémentaire* pesant jusqu'à 23 kg, jusqu'à un maximum de deux pièces.
#1225
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,424
I'm told this might be related to something I tweeted tonight (in which there most definitely -is- a differentiation between BE tix bought via AA.com vs anywhere else.) Haven't confirmed that there is/can be that price difference, but I suspect that that is more likely than the price having gone up overnight.
Will report back when I understand it better.
EDIT to add: seems like I might be on the wrong track above
Will report back when I understand it better.
EDIT to add: seems like I might be on the wrong track above
#1226
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London, U.K.
Programs: bmi British Midland International Diamond Club
Posts: 3,370
Aloha flyertalkers, we arrived in Kauai late yesterday afternoon. Thank you for your replies. Our itinerary is AA international to AA domestic on one ticket. We are two pax, and checked one case per pax for LHR-LAX-LIH. I know my free allowance would have been 2 bags per pax as per my status. At LAX our bags were checked through without payment needed, as expected. I took the opportunity to explain to the AA agent that we were charged for our bags on our flight from LHR and asked her if this was correct. She said I shouldn't have been charged on Basic Economy as I have Sapphire status.
A bonus on our AA109 flight LHR-LAX - we had seats 32JL assigned. At the gate, having checked Expertflyer 45 mins before departure, I noticed 2 vacant middle rows very close by, still in Main Cabin Extra (34 and 35DEGH). Asked the gate agent to move us into each row and we each bagged a full flat Y bed for the 11hr flight. Luxury. You can't get a more luxurious flat bed in Y. I slept so good.
We are flying back from LAX-LHR next week on BA and have prepaid for one checked bag.
A bonus on our AA109 flight LHR-LAX - we had seats 32JL assigned. At the gate, having checked Expertflyer 45 mins before departure, I noticed 2 vacant middle rows very close by, still in Main Cabin Extra (34 and 35DEGH). Asked the gate agent to move us into each row and we each bagged a full flat Y bed for the 11hr flight. Luxury. You can't get a more luxurious flat bed in Y. I slept so good.
We are flying back from LAX-LHR next week on BA and have prepaid for one checked bag.
Last edited by Strawb; Nov 21, 2019 at 4:43 am
#1227
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,601
As written, it is a poor translation from French: (https://fr.oneworld.com/-kc0e/avanta...world-priority)What it means is the additional piece allowance is for journies that use the piece system. Both international and domestic.
#1228
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,639
Sounds like your situation mirrors mine, AA operated flights booked and marketed by one of the other Transatlantic Joint Venture carriers. Obviously BA and IB give free seat selection for Elite members but not AA. Still, wasn't expecting this and I'm happy I managed to secure good MCE seats booking just one month ahead. Only for LAX-LIH (A321S ) no exit rows available except row 24 with toilets in front (no thank you) so settled for row 8.
#1229
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SFO/DFW
Programs: AA-EP, A3*G, UA*S
Posts: 290
Tried to search but couldn't find an answer -- do IB-marketed AA-metal flights booked in basic economy earn 100% EQM (or whatever the chart indicates for the respective fare code)? The site still gives me a warning about 0.5 EQM but I thought it was only for AA marketed flights.
Thanks
Thanks
#1230
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,639
Tried to search but couldn't find an answer -- do IB-marketed AA-metal flights booked in basic economy earn 100% EQM (or whatever the chart indicates for the respective fare code)? The site still gives me a warning about 0.5 EQM but I thought it was only for AA marketed flights.
Thanks
Thanks
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...nes/iberia.jsp