If you're a status member, your bag benefit applies if higher based on status?
Sep 19, 2022, 6:40 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AUS, LAX
Programs: AA EXP - 2.2 MM, Admirals Club, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Avis Presidents, National Exec
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If you're a status member, your bag benefit applies if higher based on status?
As the title says, all of the notes on Basic Economy restrictions state this:
"If you're an AAdvantage status member, your bag benefit applies if higher based on status."
Humbly, and I consider myself a bit of a linguist, this just doesn't comprehend to anything intelligible. "if higher based on status" in particular is confusing.
I think the intent of this is saying that even if you book Basic Economy, you can check bags for free? Anyways, considering buying Basic Economy for my family (3 total). Single PNR, all AA metal, and I have status. We will be checking bags, and I want to ensure I'm not going to get hosed when I show up at the airport.
Here's a screenshot
Confusing verbiage
"If you're an AAdvantage status member, your bag benefit applies if higher based on status."
Humbly, and I consider myself a bit of a linguist, this just doesn't comprehend to anything intelligible. "if higher based on status" in particular is confusing.
I think the intent of this is saying that even if you book Basic Economy, you can check bags for free? Anyways, considering buying Basic Economy for my family (3 total). Single PNR, all AA metal, and I have status. We will be checking bags, and I want to ensure I'm not going to get hosed when I show up at the airport.
Here's a screenshot
Confusing verbiage
Sep 19, 2022, 6:48 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 550
Yes you should get the normal bag allowance you are used to based on your PPro Status. You also will get your MCE seats you are used to. The only real restriction for an elite is that the ticket is non-refundable and non-changable, so unless a schedule change happens you are stuck with what you booked.
Sep 19, 2022, 6:49 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Executive Platinum/Million Miler, Marriott Titanium Elite-Lifetime, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,198
As the title says, all of the notes on Basic Economy restrictions state this:
"If you're an AAdvantage status member, your bag benefit applies if higher based on status."
Humbly, and I consider myself a bit of a linguist, this just doesn't comprehend to anything intelligible. "if higher based on status" in particular is confusing.
"If you're an AAdvantage status member, your bag benefit applies if higher based on status."
Humbly, and I consider myself a bit of a linguist, this just doesn't comprehend to anything intelligible. "if higher based on status" in particular is confusing.
Sep 19, 2022, 7:23 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AUS, LAX
Programs: AA EXP - 2.2 MM, Admirals Club, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Avis Presidents, National Exec
Posts: 1,581
MathMusic,
Thanks, that's what I was after. I never flew BE pre-pandemic because it really sucked. No MCE/seats, no EQM, etc. However, now it seems BE is just really pre-pandemic Economy Main, but you can't pay a change fee. Given how cheap these flights are, basically any pre-pandemic change fee would've cost the same as the ticket, so effectively no changes from old Economy Main for a status member. I was able to get MCE for all three of us!
Thanks!
Thanks, that's what I was after. I never flew BE pre-pandemic because it really sucked. No MCE/seats, no EQM, etc. However, now it seems BE is just really pre-pandemic Economy Main, but you can't pay a change fee. Given how cheap these flights are, basically any pre-pandemic change fee would've cost the same as the ticket, so effectively no changes from old Economy Main for a status member. I was able to get MCE for all three of us!
Thanks!
Sep 19, 2022, 7:25 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AUS, LAX
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I get what you're saying now, that makes sense. They should've worded it like you did. All "status" members have a bag benefit though, so it seems weird to even mention it. It still sounds really awkward and weird to me.
Sep 19, 2022, 7:30 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Executive Platinum/Million Miler, Marriott Titanium Elite-Lifetime, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,198
I see what you're saying. Like most things AA, it could be better worded.
Sep 19, 2022, 10:54 am
#7
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I agree that the choice is words is needlessly convoluted. BE has no checked bags, so a simple "Your AAdvantage status checked baggage allowance will apply" or something like that would be much clearer.
Sep 19, 2022, 11:53 am
#8
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: AUS, LAX
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Sep 19, 2022, 10:07 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,159
But OP's screenshot says BE includes a checked bag for "select cities in the Caribbean".
Sep 20, 2022, 10:54 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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That said, Gold and up get 1 bag at least, so "Your AAdvantage status checked baggage allowance will apply" would still work and be clearer, IMO.
Sep 20, 2022, 11:57 am
#12
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Anywhere
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 674
Except that then someone would ask, "wait, do I get 1 bag for flying to the selected Caribbean city, and 1 bag for being Gold, so I get 2"? Thus, adding the "if higher" makes sense. (I'm just making this up, I have no idea why they put it there.)