ukchris

I'm looking to book a short trip for three, I am an EP, my fiancee is Plat and we're taking my mother with us (zero status). Basic economy fares are appealing in terms of price, while as a typical traveler I'd likely avoid them I am curious as to what EP benefits would apply, I'll be booking all three tickets on one itinerary.

From what I have read as an EP/Plat we'd get carry on bags so that shouldn't be an issue, do we still get to choose seats or would we have to roll the dice or buy-up in the last 48 hours? It's a short flight, only an hour and no middle seats so it wouldn't be the end of the world but it'd obviously be nice to choose seats and potentially get upgrades (although I doubt that is likely for three on one itinerary.

Does anyone have any experience flying basic economy with status that they'd care to share?

Chris.

dantheflyingman

Basic Economy fairs are not eligible for upgrades, even as an ExPlat.

ukchris

Thanks Dan, any insight on seat assignments? Upgrades aren't a concern in fact I often prefer the coach snack item to the basket in F but I'd like to get seated together at least.

adunker

You would get a carry-on with priority boarding, but not seat selection and no upgrades.

mvoight

ALL Basic fare passengers get carry-on now, assuming there is space. If no space, they can gate check.
(Just want to make sure people understand this in not a priority item anymore)
OP would also get the checked luggage allowance for the status they hold

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

Would an EXP board in Group (and thereby likely forced to check bags or have bags away from their seat)? I'm assuming no seat assignment to check in and maybe something like 29B.

ukchris

I'm thinking I'll just roll the dice on the basic economy, worst case we have random seats for an hour long flight, I believe we'll board Group 2 so shouldn't have a carry on issue and it'll save me $180 for a nice dinner out while we're away!

IADCAflyer

There are two benefits you're not going to get. #1 50% EQMs, and #2 seat selection. #1 doesn't bother me that much as you know what you're getting into. #2 can be an issue if the flight is full. With three of you, chances are decent you'll get split up and at least one of you will get a middle. If its a mainline jet flight, you run the risk of having a BP that says 26B on it. Not something you like to see...

enviroian

What boarding group is BE? 16?

IADCAflyer

This is tongue in cheek, right?

LovePrunes

He he said there are no middle seats on the aircraft

IADCAflyer

Yeah, there is almost no downside then. I once considered a BE fare for as short trip to JFK that would have been on a E-145. With a 1x2 configuration, there is little to worry about other than being stuck next to the engine in row 18.

So, go for it, if you want.

C17PSGR

Then .... if you are flying with four kids on DL's BE fare, you can go the news media and complain that you were split up ...

PHL

Elites on BE fares still board with their respective group, so that at least gives a high likelihood of having overhead space for any luggage.

But *NOBODY* on BE fare gets a seat assignment until they check in. So yes, it's quite possible it will be towards the back and a middle seat.

And yes, earning 1/2 segment and EQM credit is a consequence too but that's probably not a big deal if you've got your status cemented for next year.

aztimm

Rather than have everyone re-hash everything here, you may want to review this thread (especially the Wikipost, which is very thorough):
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...er-thread.html

We'll eventually merge the threads.


aztimm