AA Basic economy - What is BA Gold entitled to
Feb 26, 2021, 10:13 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 10
AA Basic economy - What is BA Gold entitled to
Hello all,
This is my first time flying AA Basic economy and i'm a bit confused about what is or is not allowed
I will be booking directly on AA ( USA to central america) while using my BAEC number
I have the booking currently on hold for myself (gold) and my partner (no status)
A couple questions
1. Assigned seats - I was surprised that I was able to choose our seats for free. Is this the usual case with the BE fare? Is there a chance I can be asked to pay for these seats in the future?
2. Baggage allowance - The current booking does not say anything about baggage allowance.Does OWE get free baggage on AA BE? I do not mind paying the $30 for one bag versus difference of $120 for BE vs Main cabin
3. Tier points / Avios - This booking shows up as economy / booking code B. The British airways avios calculator has the B code as earning lowest tier points and avios. However I also read somewhere that Basic economy fares earn no points. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks for all your help as always. Please move this to the appropriate thread if it already exists
This is my first time flying AA Basic economy and i'm a bit confused about what is or is not allowed
I will be booking directly on AA ( USA to central america) while using my BAEC number
I have the booking currently on hold for myself (gold) and my partner (no status)
A couple questions
1. Assigned seats - I was surprised that I was able to choose our seats for free. Is this the usual case with the BE fare? Is there a chance I can be asked to pay for these seats in the future?
2. Baggage allowance - The current booking does not say anything about baggage allowance.Does OWE get free baggage on AA BE? I do not mind paying the $30 for one bag versus difference of $120 for BE vs Main cabin
3. Tier points / Avios - This booking shows up as economy / booking code B. The British airways avios calculator has the B code as earning lowest tier points and avios. However I also read somewhere that Basic economy fares earn no points. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks for all your help as always. Please move this to the appropriate thread if it already exists
Feb 26, 2021, 11:46 am
#2
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,735
There is a bit of detail in these threads:
Economy Basic and Gold Perks?
Guide to AJB Basic Economy fares
but in short, yes you get seat allocation (that's a more recent change),baggage allowance (an AA specific perk) and TPs/Avios at the lowest rate. AA has a different approach to that aspect in respect of its own frequent flyer scheme. While AA uses T5 then you benefit from the Gold Wing, which is somewhat better than the old T3 experience.
Economy Basic and Gold Perks?
Guide to AJB Basic Economy fares
but in short, yes you get seat allocation (that's a more recent change),baggage allowance (an AA specific perk) and TPs/Avios at the lowest rate. AA has a different approach to that aspect in respect of its own frequent flyer scheme. While AA uses T5 then you benefit from the Gold Wing, which is somewhat better than the old T3 experience.
Feb 26, 2021, 1:22 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2020
Programs: British Airways GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond & Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,609
There is a bit of detail in these threads:
Economy Basic and Gold Perks?
Guide to AJB Basic Economy fares
but in short, yes you get seat allocation (that's a more recent change),baggage allowance (an AA specific perk) and TPs/Avios at the lowest rate. AA has a different approach to that aspect in respect of its own frequent flyer scheme. While AA uses T5 then you benefit from the Gold Wing, which is somewhat better than the old T3 experience.
Economy Basic and Gold Perks?
Guide to AJB Basic Economy fares
but in short, yes you get seat allocation (that's a more recent change),baggage allowance (an AA specific perk) and TPs/Avios at the lowest rate. AA has a different approach to that aspect in respect of its own frequent flyer scheme. While AA uses T5 then you benefit from the Gold Wing, which is somewhat better than the old T3 experience.
however in this current climate I would take anything
Feb 26, 2021, 2:37 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Platinum; Hilton Gold, IHG Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 787
Feb 26, 2021, 3:36 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: BA Gold, Tesco, Nectar
Posts: 313
There is a bit of detail in these threads:
Economy Basic and Gold Perks?
Guide to AJB Basic Economy fares
but in short, yes you get seat allocation (that's a more recent change),baggage allowance (an AA specific perk) and TPs/Avios at the lowest rate. AA has a different approach to that aspect in respect of its own frequent flyer scheme. While AA uses T5 then you benefit from the Gold Wing, which is somewhat better than the old T3 experience.
Economy Basic and Gold Perks?
Guide to AJB Basic Economy fares
but in short, yes you get seat allocation (that's a more recent change),baggage allowance (an AA specific perk) and TPs/Avios at the lowest rate. AA has a different approach to that aspect in respect of its own frequent flyer scheme. While AA uses T5 then you benefit from the Gold Wing, which is somewhat better than the old T3 experience.
Also, OP won't be able to select MCE seats for free, I believe, which was a recent change? But I guess MC seat selection is still free.
Feb 26, 2021, 3:36 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,921
Feb 27, 2021, 1:24 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2019
Programs: BAEC Silver, Volare Executive / Skyteam Elite+
Posts: 672
Personally I agree, I'm a fan of the Cathay lounge and T3 fasttrack isn't an awful experience in normal times. But either way it's very much a first world problem, and I suspect if I ever get to drag the wife to Heathrow she'd be more impressed with the T5 experience. As with anything the 'new' experience is often more interesting
Sep 17, 2023, 4:02 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: BA Gold Hilton Diamond
Posts: 289
Just want to double check whether BAEC Gold will get a check in bag for an AA domestic Economy Basic Fare?
I have done a dummy booking for economy basic and main cabin, and both allows me to book a seat for free (including MCE) but don't know if I get a free check in bag? The fare difference isn't huge £120 vs £183, but no point spending an extra £63 unless I have to.
I have done a dummy booking for economy basic and main cabin, and both allows me to book a seat for free (including MCE) but don't know if I get a free check in bag? The fare difference isn't huge £120 vs £183, but no point spending an extra £63 unless I have to.
Sep 17, 2023, 4:15 am
#11
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: London
Programs: BAEC, QRPC, Amex MR, World of Hyatt, IHG one rewards, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, etc…
Posts: 680
Just want to double check whether BAEC Gold will get a check in bag for an AA domestic Economy Basic Fare?
I have done a dummy booking for economy basic and main cabin, and both allows me to book a seat for free (including MCE) but don't know if I get a free check in bag? The fare difference isn't huge £120 vs £183, but no point spending an extra £63 unless I have to.
I have done a dummy booking for economy basic and main cabin, and both allows me to book a seat for free (including MCE) but don't know if I get a free check in bag? The fare difference isn't huge £120 vs £183, but no point spending an extra £63 unless I have to.
Yes, contrary to BA own policy, AA allow status holders (even BAEC Silver) baggage allowance on an handbag only fare.
Sep 17, 2023, 7:19 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 753
The downside of course is no changes.