Award and Basic Economy: carry on luggage in overhead bin?
Nov 26, 2018, 10:23 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 39
Award and Basic Economy: carry on luggage in overhead bin?
During a recent trip, I read that AA has changed the carryon policy that if I were to buy the basic ticket, I can't put the carry on in the overhead bin. I have booked a reward ticket, can anyone let me know how can I find out whether I can put the carryon luggage in the overhead bin? I had looked at the ticket and was not able to find out. If I can't I may have to buy a smaller carry on. TIA
Nov 27, 2018, 7:15 am
#6
Join Date: May 2017
Location: ORD
Posts: 369
Nov 27, 2018, 7:40 am
#7
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Both award and Basic Economy (now) allow a full size carryon bag that fits in the overhead bin and a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. But practically speaking, Basic Economy generally is Boarding Group 9 and the likelihood is strong the carryon will Be Gate Checked to your final destination, as it’s likely the bins will be full. (Of course, this is possible on nearly all bookings, including award bookings, if one is boarding in one of the last groups.)
Nov 27, 2018, 8:55 am
#8
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
Both award and Basic Economy (now) allow a full size carryon bag that fits in the overhead bin and a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. But practically speaking, Basic Economy generally is Boarding Group 9 and the likelihood is strong the carryon will Be Gate Checked to your final destination, as it’s likely the bins will be full. (Of course, this is possible on nearly all bookings, including award bookings, if one is boarding in one of the last groups.)
Nov 27, 2018, 9:20 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL, NYC
Programs: AA PLT, DL SLV, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH DIA
Posts: 10,060
Luckily, elites still board with their respective group even on BE fares. But yes, handing over baggage to the gate agent to have it checked in is often the best option when your boarding group is past 6.
