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)
Nov 24, 2019, 1:26 pm
#1231
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SFO/DFW
Programs: AA-EP, A3*G, UA*S
Posts: 290
But don’t IB BE book into IB O class? Which is 0.5 EQM when credited to AA.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...nes/iberia.jsp
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...nes/iberia.jsp
eticket is showing N and S.
Nov 24, 2019, 4:24 pm
#1232
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,880
Basic economy seat selection
Normally I avoid basic economy like the plague, but I did it this time because there was a $150 difference on the one-way flight.
I’m very familiar with the restrictions of basic economy, and I knew that I wouldn’t get a seat assignment until check-in. Thinking that I would be able to change my seat assignments for free after checking in, I checked in right away so I would have a better selection of open seats. Unfortunately, I learned that, unlike other airlines basic economy products, you can’t change your seat assignment for free. And so I was “randomly” (according to the American agent I spoke with) assigned the worst seat on the plane on both legs of the flights despite there being many desirable seats remaining. The American agent and her supervisor told me she literally couldn’t switch my seat for free (she said they didn’t have the tools) and that she couldn’t uncheck me in and clear my seat assignments.
So, a few observations and questions:
- Unless it’s a coincidence, it seems to me that the least desirable seats are assigned first. This leads me to think the best policy when booked on Basic Economy is to wait to check in as late as possible. Is this consistent with other people’s experience?
- Has anyone here experienced any leniency with Basic Economy (e.g., getting better seat selections)?
- The agent sincerely apologized that there was nothing she or her supervisor could do and went on to say, “we honestly hate basic economy and never recommend it to our elite passengers because it creates a bad experience for our elites”
I’m very familiar with the restrictions of basic economy, and I knew that I wouldn’t get a seat assignment until check-in. Thinking that I would be able to change my seat assignments for free after checking in, I checked in right away so I would have a better selection of open seats. Unfortunately, I learned that, unlike other airlines basic economy products, you can’t change your seat assignment for free. And so I was “randomly” (according to the American agent I spoke with) assigned the worst seat on the plane on both legs of the flights despite there being many desirable seats remaining. The American agent and her supervisor told me she literally couldn’t switch my seat for free (she said they didn’t have the tools) and that she couldn’t uncheck me in and clear my seat assignments.
So, a few observations and questions:
- Unless it’s a coincidence, it seems to me that the least desirable seats are assigned first. This leads me to think the best policy when booked on Basic Economy is to wait to check in as late as possible. Is this consistent with other people’s experience?
- Has anyone here experienced any leniency with Basic Economy (e.g., getting better seat selections)?
- The agent sincerely apologized that there was nothing she or her supervisor could do and went on to say, “we honestly hate basic economy and never recommend it to our elite passengers because it creates a bad experience for our elites”
Nov 24, 2019, 4:34 pm
#1233
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: AAdvantage Exec Platinum, Hertz #1 Club Gold Five Star, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, HHonors Silver
Posts: 2,039
You're right that, if you do Basic Economy, wait until the last possible moment to get a seat assignment (checking in as late as possible, but before the cutoff). You should though assume you will get the worst seat on the plane when buying this ticket. Anything else should be considered a bonus. In this case, you should think, "Is it worth it to pay $150 to select a seat (MCE if you're elite), or should I save that money and roll the dice on seat selection and possibly end up with the worst seat on the plane?" The answer to that is going to vary by person, but is ultimately what should drive your decision.
I also wouldn't expect any leniency with Basic Economy...there's always exceptions, but typically, you won't find agents willing to bend rules for you.
I also wouldn't expect any leniency with Basic Economy...there's always exceptions, but typically, you won't find agents willing to bend rules for you.
Nov 25, 2019, 1:31 am
#1236
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London, U.K.
Programs: bmi British Midland International Diamond Club
Posts: 3,370
I noticed same as well. It appears when booking a codeshare operated by AA, there is a window between booking and ticketing where one can select seat (or MCE if OWE/OWS) without charge. Once the ticket is issued, AA website then realize this is a BE fare and will no longer allow seat change without fee. Now we’re you able to keep the assignment and flew in it?
Nov 25, 2019, 7:12 am
#1237
Join Date: Apr 2004
Programs: AA Plat/2MM, DL Silver, UA Silver (via Marr), Marr LTT, HH Gold (via cc), Hyatt Disc
Posts: 1,039
Very limited experience with BE, but did see that you can purchase a seat assignment 7 days prior to flight. Checked yesterday for my 12/1 BOS-MIA flight and bought a window seat for $17. Was very happy to ensure not being in a middle seat for that price.
Nov 25, 2019, 12:00 pm
#1238
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,880
An update: the agent I spoke with on the phone suggested I try getting my seats changed at the airport and she said that she would put notes in my itinerary for the gate agent.
The gate agent’s first reaction to my request was, “I can’t do that for you without a charge on this kind of ticket.” I explained that I had called in and the agent suggested I have my seats switched at the airport and had documented that in my itinerary. The agent shooed me away but said she’d take a look at the notes. I ended up getting an aisle seat.
I’m pleased with the outcome, but annoyed with how difficult it was to get a simple request taken care of. I guess this isn’t news, but my takeaway from this experience is that American’s frontline employees are much less empowered to go the extra mile for customers than Delta’s frontline employees. That and shame on me for booking Basic Economy.
The gate agent’s first reaction to my request was, “I can’t do that for you without a charge on this kind of ticket.” I explained that I had called in and the agent suggested I have my seats switched at the airport and had documented that in my itinerary. The agent shooed me away but said she’d take a look at the notes. I ended up getting an aisle seat.
I’m pleased with the outcome, but annoyed with how difficult it was to get a simple request taken care of. I guess this isn’t news, but my takeaway from this experience is that American’s frontline employees are much less empowered to go the extra mile for customers than Delta’s frontline employees. That and shame on me for booking Basic Economy.
Nov 25, 2019, 12:19 pm
#1239
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
An update: the agent I spoke with on the phone suggested I try getting my seats changed at the airport and she said that she would put notes in my itinerary for the gate agent.
The gate agent’s first reaction to my request was, “I can’t do that for you without a charge on this kind of ticket.” I explained that I had called in and the agent suggested I have my seats switched at the airport and had documented that in my itinerary. The agent shooed me away but said she’d take a look at the notes. I ended up getting an aisle seat.
I’m pleased with the outcome, but annoyed with how difficult it was to get a simple request taken care of. I guess this isn’t news, but my takeaway from this experience is that American’s frontline employees are much less empowered to go the extra mile for customers than Delta’s frontline employees. That and shame on me for booking Basic Economy.
The gate agent’s first reaction to my request was, “I can’t do that for you without a charge on this kind of ticket.” I explained that I had called in and the agent suggested I have my seats switched at the airport and had documented that in my itinerary. The agent shooed me away but said she’d take a look at the notes. I ended up getting an aisle seat.
I’m pleased with the outcome, but annoyed with how difficult it was to get a simple request taken care of. I guess this isn’t news, but my takeaway from this experience is that American’s frontline employees are much less empowered to go the extra mile for customers than Delta’s frontline employees. That and shame on me for booking Basic Economy.
Nov 25, 2019, 12:43 pm
#1240
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,880
I don't understand your beef. You bought a BE fare. You can either pay for a seat assignment or play the seat lottery. If the latter then any free seat change isn't being done within airline policy. GAs are suppose to charge for seat assignments. No shame on booking BE and it's probably worth it if you still pay for seat, even possibly a MCE seat if available.
1. That the warning with Basic Economy is that “seats [are] assigned at check-in” – it doesn’t clearly indicate that you have to pay to change your seat assignments after check-in.
2. Apathetic frontline staff or lack of empowerment to bend rules to provide excellent customer service (vs. my experience with Delta).
3. The general transactional mentality (and this isn’t unique to American) that elite status doesn’t matter when booked on basic economy.
Nov 25, 2019, 1:47 pm
#1241
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
My beef is simple:
1. That the warning with Basic Economy is that “seats [are] assigned at check-in” – it doesn’t clearly indicate that you have to pay to change your seat assignments after check-in.
2. Apathetic frontline staff or lack of empowerment to bend rules to provide excellent customer service (vs. my experience with Delta).
3. The general transactional mentality (and this isn’t unique to American) that elite status doesn’t matter when booked on basic economy.
1. That the warning with Basic Economy is that “seats [are] assigned at check-in” – it doesn’t clearly indicate that you have to pay to change your seat assignments after check-in.
2. Apathetic frontline staff or lack of empowerment to bend rules to provide excellent customer service (vs. my experience with Delta).
3. The general transactional mentality (and this isn’t unique to American) that elite status doesn’t matter when booked on basic economy.
Nov 25, 2019, 2:15 pm
#1242
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,880
Why should a frequent flyer be stuck in a middle seat when there are plenty of aisle and window seats available that are going to go to other Basic Economy passengers with no status who just happened to check in later? Within 24 hours, I think elites should be able to select any seat for free. And if that’s not the written policy, I think it’s a very reasonable gesture for a customer service agent to help a frequently flyer get a better seat.
Last edited by rucksack; Nov 25, 2019 at 2:20 pm
Nov 29, 2019, 5:55 am
#1243
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 19,180
Another quick question. We are on a BE fare down to Kew West today. Upthread I was told that we would be Boarding Group 2. It is still showing as Group 9. It’s assigned us to random seats. As BA Gold (OW Emerald) can I get this changed at the airport? Would I have to pay? (It’s only a short flight.
Finally which Lounges does I my status allow us?
Many Thanks
Finally which Lounges does I my status allow us?
Many Thanks
Nov 29, 2019, 7:12 am
#1244
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,601
Another quick question. We are on a BE fare down to Kew West today. Upthread I was told that we would be Boarding Group 2. It is still showing as Group 9. It’s assigned us to random seats. As BA Gold (OW Emerald) can I get this changed at the airport? Would I have to pay? (It’s only a short flight.
Finally which Lounges does I my status allow us?
Many Thanks
Finally which Lounges does I my status allow us?
Many Thanks
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ic-economy.jsp
indicates that only AAdvantage elite members and AA credit-card holders get preferred boarding on Basic Economy fares -- not oneworld elites in other FFPs.
Preferred seating on BE fares is not offered to elites -- not even elites in the AAdvantage program. You can always request different seats at the ticket counter or gate, but don't be disappointed if you get turned down.
I think that OWE is entitled to Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge access, even on BE tickets, but I'm not an expert in that area, so I hope that another FTer can confirm.
Nov 29, 2019, 7:21 am
#1245
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: AA Platinum, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 93
I’m a PLT with a standard economy fare, traveling with my fiancée who bought a basic economy fare on a separate reservation.
is it acceptable for us to board together in Group 3, or does she need to board later with Group 9?
is it acceptable for us to board together in Group 3, or does she need to board later with Group 9?