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)
Jun 18, 2021, 10:50 pm
#1381
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
If I book a basic economy ticket AA marketed, BA operated, do I earn elite miles? AA website shows it as a L fare for both BE and Main. (Compared to B fare for BE on the AA operated flights).
I'm actually crediting it to AS, but figured this forum may have more knowledge on how this works in general. L fare would be a nice 100%, and BE is $570 vs $645 for main.
I'm actually crediting it to AS, but figured this forum may have more knowledge on how this works in general. L fare would be a nice 100%, and BE is $570 vs $645 for main.
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...rican-airlines
you can also call AA and ask to confirm what fare class code is for your itin. If they confirm it’s L than you will earn 100% elite miles for those segments that are in L. If it’s booked in B then you have 24 hours to cancel for a full refund
Jun 18, 2021, 10:54 pm
#1382
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Seattle
Programs: ASMVP100K, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 116
[QUOTE=Mwenenzi;33340078]With OW you earn based on the marketing carrier, if an eligible operating carrier.
You need to check the AS web site for L on AA.
Ah, I meant L fare on AA marketed flights earns 100% EQM on AS. My query is that while the AA website is selling a L fare for this BA flight, AA is also "marketing" the codeshare as basic economy. My bad for not being clear the first time.
With a dummy booking, AAdvantage shows no miles earned (Even though L fare normally earns EQM) . But I'm not sure if the system's really communicate that info to the partner programs. If all AS sees is "L", I feel like I should be in the clear, but was hoping for some real world experience. I appreciate the help though!
You need to check the AS web site for L on AA.
Ah, I meant L fare on AA marketed flights earns 100% EQM on AS. My query is that while the AA website is selling a L fare for this BA flight, AA is also "marketing" the codeshare as basic economy. My bad for not being clear the first time.
With a dummy booking, AAdvantage shows no miles earned (Even though L fare normally earns EQM) . But I'm not sure if the system's really communicate that info to the partner programs. If all AS sees is "L", I feel like I should be in the clear, but was hoping for some real world experience. I appreciate the help though!
Jun 18, 2021, 10:57 pm
#1383
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Seattle
Programs: ASMVP100K, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 116
if you are sure you are getting getting L fare for AA marketed/issued ticket than you earn 100% elite miles on Alaska per their “Earn on AA” chart
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...rican-airlines
you can also call AA and ask to confirm what fare class code is for your itin. If they confirm it’s L than you will earn 100% elite miles for those segments that are in L. If it’s booked in B then you have 24 hours to cancel for a full refund
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...rican-airlines
you can also call AA and ask to confirm what fare class code is for your itin. If they confirm it’s L than you will earn 100% elite miles for those segments that are in L. If it’s booked in B then you have 24 hours to cancel for a full refund
Jun 18, 2021, 10:57 pm
#1384
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
[QUOTE=zdfld;33340104]
very interesting. Sounds like a glitch in the system. Never encountered basic economy sold as L. I wonder what code would show up in the confirmation email after it’s ticketed if you finished dummy booking and cancelled few min later.
With OW you earn based on the marketing carrier, if an eligible operating carrier.
You need to check the AS web site for L on AA.
Ah, I meant L fare on AA marketed flights earns 100% EQM on AS. My query is that while the AA website is selling a L fare for this BA flight, AA is also "marketing" the codeshare as basic economy. My bad for not being clear the first time.
With a dummy booking, AAdvantage shows no miles earned (Even though L fare normally earns EQM) . But I'm not sure if the system's really communicate that info to the partner programs. If all AS sees is "L", I feel like I should be in the clear, but was hoping for some real world experience. I appreciate the help though!
You need to check the AS web site for L on AA.
Ah, I meant L fare on AA marketed flights earns 100% EQM on AS. My query is that while the AA website is selling a L fare for this BA flight, AA is also "marketing" the codeshare as basic economy. My bad for not being clear the first time.
With a dummy booking, AAdvantage shows no miles earned (Even though L fare normally earns EQM) . But I'm not sure if the system's really communicate that info to the partner programs. If all AS sees is "L", I feel like I should be in the clear, but was hoping for some real world experience. I appreciate the help though!
Jun 18, 2021, 11:30 pm
#1385
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Seattle
Programs: ASMVP100K, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 116
[QUOTE=gateH15;33340108]
Well, guess I should test it out. I tried with a hold first, just to see. Not sure if that's a bit useless or not,
Flight Selection Page:
Booking Page:
Fare Rules:
Confirmation of Hold Email:
Flight Selection Page:
Booking Page:
Fare Rules:
Confirmation of Hold Email:
Jun 19, 2021, 7:26 am
#1386
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BOS
Programs: AA PP, DL PM
Posts: 2,086
AA only sells basic economy into B on its own metal. For flights on BA/IB/AY, Basic Economy sells into the same fare class as Main Cabin (e.g. L in this case) and is denoted by the fare type. It looks like AA's IT (or at least the codde that previews the miles) has been updated to disallow mileage earning on TATL basic economy codeshare fares operated by partners.
Unfortunately, this just raises more questions:
1. If you buy Basic Economy on a BA/BA transatlantic flight (it can book into any fare class), will it be elite qualifying?
2. If you buy Basic Economy on a BA*/AA transatlantic flight (it can book into any fare class), will it be elite qualifying?
3. If you buy a "Basic" fare on BA from LHR to FCO, will it be elite qualifying?
Unfortunately, this just raises more questions:
1. If you buy Basic Economy on a BA/BA transatlantic flight (it can book into any fare class), will it be elite qualifying?
2. If you buy Basic Economy on a BA*/AA transatlantic flight (it can book into any fare class), will it be elite qualifying?
3. If you buy a "Basic" fare on BA from LHR to FCO, will it be elite qualifying?
Aug 4, 2021, 5:10 am
#1387
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London
Programs: AA Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 204
Bumping this one.
I'm AA Platinum, looking to book a LHR-JFK r/t in basic economy (I don't need the EQM/EQDs at the moment), on AA metal, marketed by BA (for the flexibility reasons here: Basic economy to US on AA metal as BA silver - any reason not to? Book as codeshare?)
I believe AA has removed the ability for BA elites to book MCE on AA metal. Would the BA ticket stock (i.e., BA codeshares for the AA flights) take away my ability to choose MCE seats for free on the AA flights if I try to choose seats (with the AA PNR) via AA website? (The MCE + baggage allowance for AA elites, even on basic econ fares, is why I'm looking to book on AA metal.)
I'm AA Platinum, looking to book a LHR-JFK r/t in basic economy (I don't need the EQM/EQDs at the moment), on AA metal, marketed by BA (for the flexibility reasons here: Basic economy to US on AA metal as BA silver - any reason not to? Book as codeshare?)
I believe AA has removed the ability for BA elites to book MCE on AA metal. Would the BA ticket stock (i.e., BA codeshares for the AA flights) take away my ability to choose MCE seats for free on the AA flights if I try to choose seats (with the AA PNR) via AA website? (The MCE + baggage allowance for AA elites, even on basic econ fares, is why I'm looking to book on AA metal.)
Last edited by NYEsq; Aug 4, 2021 at 5:22 am
Aug 4, 2021, 12:33 pm
#1388
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA ExecPlat, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,446
For my BA Q fare (AA metal and AA app/agents thought it was basic economy even though fare code is not B) and with my ExecPlat status, I was able to get the AA’s agent to pick seat I want on Twitter easily. Had a little problem with luggage checking in at ATH though. The check in agent kept on telling me I have to pay to check luggage, I told her I’m execPlat but she still had to call her supervisor to let me check my luggage for free. I think she was poorly trained even though she was handing the line of priority customers.
Aug 4, 2021, 1:08 pm
#1390
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Plano, TX, USA
Programs: AA: PPro, 4MM; HH: Lifetime Diamond; MAR Life Titanium Hertz: Prez Circle
Posts: 547
I was in this situation this summer out trip to Greece. We bought basic economy on BA because it was nearly $800/person cheaper buying via BA than AA; ironically three of our four legs ended up on AA.
As a Platinum Pro, I was able to select MCE but had to call to get the seat assignments. Despite having the AA record locator and my Advantage # on the reservation, aa.com would not provide a seatmap let alone allow for online seat selection. I was charged to check bags both ways (1st leg both ways was on AA) and was told that the ticketing rules were the determining factor, not the aircraft metal. (I DMed AA after the first flight and was told the same thing; in Athens the agent was confused as to why I was being asked to pay for luggage - he saw my status and assumed I would not have to pay).
As a Platinum Pro, I was able to select MCE but had to call to get the seat assignments. Despite having the AA record locator and my Advantage # on the reservation, aa.com would not provide a seatmap let alone allow for online seat selection. I was charged to check bags both ways (1st leg both ways was on AA) and was told that the ticketing rules were the determining factor, not the aircraft metal. (I DMed AA after the first flight and was told the same thing; in Athens the agent was confused as to why I was being asked to pay for luggage - he saw my status and assumed I would not have to pay).
Aug 4, 2021, 1:10 pm
#1391
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London
Programs: AA Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 204
I was in this situation this summer out trip to Greece. We bought basic economy on BA because it was nearly $800/person cheaper buying via BA than AA; ironically three of our four legs ended up on AA.
As a Platinum Pro, I was able to select MCE but had to call to get the seat assignments. Despite having the AA record locator and my Advantage # on the reservation, aa.com would not provide a seatmap let alone allow for online seat selection. I was charged to check bags both ways (1st leg both ways was on AA) and was told that the ticketing rules were the determining factor, not the aircraft metal. (I DMed AA after the first flight and was told the same thing; in Athens the agent was confused as to why I was being asked to pay for luggage - he saw my status and assumed I would not have to pay).
As a Platinum Pro, I was able to select MCE but had to call to get the seat assignments. Despite having the AA record locator and my Advantage # on the reservation, aa.com would not provide a seatmap let alone allow for online seat selection. I was charged to check bags both ways (1st leg both ways was on AA) and was told that the ticketing rules were the determining factor, not the aircraft metal. (I DMed AA after the first flight and was told the same thing; in Athens the agent was confused as to why I was being asked to pay for luggage - he saw my status and assumed I would not have to pay).
Wonder if my Citi AA card will get me 1 free checked bag in this situation....?
Aug 4, 2021, 1:20 pm
#1392
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BOS
Programs: AA PP, DL PM
Posts: 2,086
Aug 4, 2021, 1:50 pm
#1393
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,031
--->(01 Oct 2020) AA removes free MCE seating perk for BA elites [Update : now restored]
Aug 4, 2021, 4:16 pm
#1394
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London
Programs: AA Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 204
Sep 14, 2021, 10:52 pm
#1395
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: Delta Platinum Medallion
Posts: 27
Basic Economy on TATL Flight Booked Thru Finnair
I am looking at a one way flight from MAD to JFK on September 29th operated by American Airlines but booked on Finnair's website and the cheapest option is called "Economy Light".
Am I correct in my understanding that I would have to pay American Airlines $75 to check my bag in (I don't mind doing this as I selected AA for my airlines on my Amex Platinum Card for incidental airlines fees earlier this year and have $170 left to use by the end of the year and probably won't be flying AA the rest of the year anyways)?https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...age-policy.jsp
More importantly, can anyone give me any insight into how my seat assignment would work for this flight? Would I be able to pay to select a specific seat once my ticket is booked? Would I just be randomly assigned a seat at the gate and have no option at any point before my flight to pay to select a seat? Any idea from experience how much this would cost if it is an option?
Am I correct in my understanding that I would have to pay American Airlines $75 to check my bag in (I don't mind doing this as I selected AA for my airlines on my Amex Platinum Card for incidental airlines fees earlier this year and have $170 left to use by the end of the year and probably won't be flying AA the rest of the year anyways)?https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...age-policy.jsp
More importantly, can anyone give me any insight into how my seat assignment would work for this flight? Would I be able to pay to select a specific seat once my ticket is booked? Would I just be randomly assigned a seat at the gate and have no option at any point before my flight to pay to select a seat? Any idea from experience how much this would cost if it is an option?