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)
#1441
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
When travelling on a B789 from Mexico to the US or even on a US domestic flight I could choose the seats in Premium Economy for free as a BA Emerald Card holder a couple of years ago.
What about these "upgrades" on a Basic Economy ticket now?
According to the AA website this status benefit is still valid and basic economy is not excluded.
Do they still assign a seat (because of the cheap ticket), however in the upgraded cabin category?
Or do I have to call?
What about these "upgrades" on a Basic Economy ticket now?
According to the AA website this status benefit is still valid and basic economy is not excluded.
Do they still assign a seat (because of the cheap ticket), however in the upgraded cabin category?
Or do I have to call?
#1443
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: TX
Programs: Alaska, AA, Marriott
Posts: 943
Basic Economy tickets earn zero EQM on AA. You'd need to check the chart for your FFP to see if they offer any credit for AA B fares.
#1445
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: IND/MEX
Programs: AA PPro BA Bronze SPG Gold HH GLD Hyatt Exp
Posts: 1,134
#1446
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BOS
Programs: AA PP, DL PM
Posts: 2,086
I've had to cancel a few chips and I've been glad that I booked Main Cabin because of the flexibility, but there would be situations where I would book a BE fare (e.g. a cheap flight in the near future). I believe that once earning is solely based on Loyalty Points, the only BE disadvantage for AA elites is non-changeability.
#1448
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 40
Earning loyalty points in basic economy?
In 2021 and before basic economy fares didn't earn you any EQM, EQD etc. However, accoring to the loyaly point FAQ (at the bottom of this page: https://exploreamerican.com/newaadvantage/), they do. Can someone confirm this? And at what rate? Is it the same as other fares (so $ times status) or some fraction of that? I talked to the EXP desk last night and the guy had no idea. I am calling today to hopefully get some clarify but while I wait for a call-back I thought someone on here might know. TIA!
ETA: Just spoke to the EXP desk and the rep confirmed that basic economy WILL earn loyalty points at the same rate as other fares (so $$ spent being the important thing). Firgured I would leave this thread up in case it helps anyone else.
ETA: Just spoke to the EXP desk and the rep confirmed that basic economy WILL earn loyalty points at the same rate as other fares (so $$ spent being the important thing). Firgured I would leave this thread up in case it helps anyone else.
Last edited by Louiskie; Jan 14, 2022 at 9:50 am Reason: Updating information
#1449
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
In 2021 and before basic economy fares didn't earn you any EQM, EQD etc. However, accoring to the loyaly point FAQ (at the bottom of this page: https://exploreamerican.com/newaadvantage/), they do. Can someone confirm this? And at what rate? Is it the same as other fares (so $ times status) or some fraction of that? I talked to the EXP desk last night and the guy had no idea. I am calling today to hopefully get some clarify but while I wait for a call-back I thought someone on here might know. TIA!
On the earning page at aa.com, B fares are listed along with all others, so until AA tells us otherwise I would assume they earn at the same rate as all other fares, i.e. an EXP earns 11 per dollar, etc.
#1450
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Malibu, CA
Programs: AA CK / Marriott Worthless Ambassador
Posts: 1,158
I've been looking to book our family of 5 in BE from USA to LHR. I'm CK but family has no status. Very curious. I emailed my CK rep and they are "asking their friend" in reservations...
Oy! AA? Really?
Oy! AA? Really?
#1451
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,399
Your CK rep is an Airpass salesperson and probably doesn't have a clue about reservations.
#1452
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,240
we are talking about a couple of different things -
1. the news release says “customers” are eligible for upgrades on BE tickets (as does the BE site) and does not mention having to be elite.
American is enhancing Basic Economy fares, keeping the same competitive low price, but now allowing customers to purchase products to enhance their travel experience. Customers who purchase Basic Economy tickets on Oct. 1, 2020, and beyond will be able to purchase:
1. the news release says “customers” are eligible for upgrades on BE tickets (as does the BE site) and does not mention having to be elite.
American is enhancing Basic Economy fares, keeping the same competitive low price, but now allowing customers to purchase products to enhance their travel experience. Customers who purchase Basic Economy tickets on Oct. 1, 2020, and beyond will be able to purchase:
- Upgrades
- Priority boarding
- Preferred/Main Cabin Extra seats
- Same-day confirmed flight changes
#1453
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 687
purchasing how? You can’t upfare BE, you can’t use miles + dollars. The only thing I can think of is an in-app offer but I’m not sure if those are offered to BE or not (never booked myself)
#1454
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Malibu, CA
Programs: AA CK / Marriott Worthless Ambassador
Posts: 1,158
Response
So I got this response from my Concierge Key rep. Think it holds weight if I book?
“Again, I am sorry for the delay in an answer, but I did want to get it right. From what I was told by reservations, as a status member, you may request an upgrade for all parties as long as they are booked in one PNR. If the records are booked separately or divided for any reason, you would not be able to. I hope that helps.”
“Again, I am sorry for the delay in an answer, but I did want to get it right. From what I was told by reservations, as a status member, you may request an upgrade for all parties as long as they are booked in one PNR. If the records are booked separately or divided for any reason, you would not be able to. I hope that helps.”
#1455
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,399
So I got this response from my Concierge Key rep. Think it holds weight if I book?
“Again, I am sorry for the delay in an answer, but I did want to get it right. From what I was told by reservations, as a status member, you may request an upgrade for all parties as long as they are booked in one PNR. If the records are booked separately or divided for any reason, you would not be able to. I hope that helps.”
“Again, I am sorry for the delay in an answer, but I did want to get it right. From what I was told by reservations, as a status member, you may request an upgrade for all parties as long as they are booked in one PNR. If the records are booked separately or divided for any reason, you would not be able to. I hope that helps.”
I would split the PNRs and grab upgrades one at a time as the inventory is released. This can be done using ExpertFlyer and calling in when a seat becomes available.