But just what you get – and what you don’t – varies by airline. • Basic Economy fares can only be sold on American Airlines ticket stock. American Airlines’ basic economy is the carrier’s lowest main cabin fare. • Basic Economy fares will be filed using the B booking inventory code and require dual availability (book B but another applicable main … Basic Economy! Only applies to US/CA/MX/PR/USVI – for award trips to the rest of the world, you get bupkiss. Aside from lounge access the primary cardholder will receive a Global Entry application fee credit every 5 years, first checked bag free for up to 8 travel companions on domestic itineraries and a 25% discount on eligible in-flight purchases on American Airlines flights. See, Comparing basic economy fares across U.S. airlines, $75 for tickets issued after April 20, 2020, chart for checked baggage fees on American’s website, How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines, Keep calm and carry on: Our 13 favorite travel carry-ons, A beginner’s guide to American Airlines economy seats, Why I always board last, no matter where I’m sitting on the plane, American Airlines recently removed most change fees, American Airlines’ global coronavirus waiver, How to avoid airline change and cancellation fees, Leniency in basic economy: TPG readers share success stories and tips, no longer earn any elite-qualifying miles, segments or dollars, Where to credit your basic economy flights for maximum returns, Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard, AA, Delta and United lounges have limited access to customers flying with them: Here’s what to do, Credit cards that can help you earn airline elite status, escape many of the inconveniences of basic economy, Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, Why now is the perfect time to reconsider basic economy fares, Jordan Aviation could launch US flights with a former Emirates plane, How pilots keep their skills sharp during COVID-19 downtime, You can now add select Chase business cards to Apple Pay, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, First checked bag for free for you and up to a set number of companions on the same reservation on domestic American Airlines-operated itineraries (the eligible number of companions varies by card), Complimentary Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seat benefits based on elite status, Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you, Earn 10,000 AAdvantage® Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year, Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases, First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation. The policies are effective immediately. https://newsroom.alaskaair.com/2020-09-01-Fly-with-peace-of-mind-Alaska-Airlines-eliminates-change-fees-permanently, Story has been conveyed at this point but FYI. @ Highgamma – jealous. It comes with some restrictions on baggage, seating, boarding order and your eligibility to change. Cargo once again carries the day…errr, weight. The costs for checked baggage are the same for basic economy and main cabin fares on most routes. Even the 50% reduction in EQM was an unadvertised and painful post-purchase find causing me to just miss getting the elite status. I’m in disbelief that in the past 24 hours all of the “big three” US carriers have eliminated change fees on many itineraries. AA’s policy is better, but I can easily manage this process on UA without any worry to be personally. • Basic Economy fares can only be sold on American Airlines ticket stock. American Airlines basic economy fares booked this month can once again be changed or canceled (for a voucher) for free, and that’s good news. I’m confused about the same day standby. Not only do short haul international destinations qualify for the change fee waiver, but you also get to keep the residual value of any voucher, if you rebook onto a cheaper flight. I selected the discounted fare and was presented with the following alert: Pop-up alert on American Airlines website detailing the Basic Economy fare restrictions. @ Elteetrav — We’ll do another one soon, let me figure that out, thanks for the interest. Are Platinum members considered Elite for the Basic Economy change??? In my memories of being in the biz, I’ll never forget that LHR-HKG still operated profitably on cargo alone during the darkest days of SARS. Seat assigned at check-in, no upgrades, no changes, board last group, 1 free carry on. The only downside is that come Jan. 1, 2021, you’ll no longer earn any elite-qualifying miles, segments or dollars from basic economy tickets. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Starting "this fall", elite members would get upgrade privileges, extra-legroom seats, and even same-day flight changes. Kelly must be on the phone with Kirby as we speak…”LOOK AT WHAT YOU’VE DONE!!!”. But I recommend paying to select seats if you really want a window or aisle seat, need extra legroom or want your group to sit together. @ TedH — I think the intent is that elite travelers would book some Basic Economy fares and some non-Basic Economy fares. However, if you fly a lot you are always buying tickets and you can strategically use these credits when it makes sense. But just what you get – and what you don’t – varies by airline. ^ For travel to / from El Salvador, the 1st bag fee of $30 applies seasonally. This applies for domestic and short haul international itineraries (this includes Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean), This applies to First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Main Cabin fares, as well as AAdvantage award travel (, American will allow customers to keep the full value of the original tickets they purchased if they need to rebook; in other words, if you cancel a $500 flight and rebook a $300 flight, you’ll still have a $200 voucher, You must standby on the same day as the original departure date, and be traveling to the same destination, This applies to eligible domestic and international travel, regardless of the ticket purchased. Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. @DCYukon you cannot fault the airlines for lack of award availability solely. Almost like they bought a regular economy fare to begin with. It comes with some restrictions on baggage, seating, boarding order and your eligibility to change. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion. He chronicles his adventures, along with industry news, here at One Mile at a Time. And unfortunately, it’s getting more expensive to avoid basic economy. AAdvantage elites who purchase basic economy will now receive all their benefits when purchasing a basic economy ticket, including complimentary upgrades and extra-legroom seat assignments. This guide aims to answer all of your questions about American Airlines’ basic economy. American Airlines will add a carry-on bag allowance back to its basic economy fares effective 5 September 2018. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, American Airlines AAdvantage members won’t get any elite status earnings on basic economy fares. Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® points | Terms Apply. If I book a ticket for April 2021 and need to cancel it, for how long will that residual value remain available? He travels about 400,000 miles a year, primarily using miles and points to enhance his first class experiences. We’re limiting food and drink service on board based on flight length and destination. Yes, having AAdvantage or Oneworld elite status helps. American Airlines is making Basic Economy more flexible for non-elite travelers as well. For travel to / from South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana) a $45 1st bag fee applies. Starting "this fall", elite members would get upgrade privileges, extra-legroom seats, and even same-day flight changes. • Basic Economy fares will be filed using the B booking inventory code and require dual availability (book B but another applicable main cabin inventory must also be available). Related: Why now is the perfect time to reconsider basic economy fares. Two questions: American Airlines (Nasdaq:AAL) today announced it will begin selling Basic Economy fares in addition to the wide range of Main Cabin fares currently offered. Customers flying Basic Economy are now allowed 1 free carry-on (in addition to a personal item) to all destinations. Desperate times call for desperate measures, as the steady march toward the return of the ‘Golden Age’ of loyalty continues…. Certainly good news, let’s hope it outlasts COVID-19. As of July 23, 2017 this is the only card that offers Admirals Club lounge access so if you are an AA flyer this card might make sense for you. Basic Economy is a value-fare option for customers who require less flexibility. In early June, American announced that it would tighten up its flexible booking policy and start to exclude basic economy and AAdvantage award tickets. I think this just shows you the level of competition there is right now for travelers during a pandemic. Generally, basic economy tickets can’t be changed at all, but airlines have suspended those rules during the pandemic. As part of announcing the elimination of change fees, American Airlines teased improvements to basic economy fares. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, American Airlines AAdvantage members won’t get any elite status earnings on basic economy fares. And in news today from Canadian carriers: Ben, AA’s press release indicates award travel IS covered by the new policy….can you clarify for us? Article though: one of the world, you might luck into a preferred seat or main. The biggest being American Airlines, you can cancel basic economy will come with restrictions got with your class. At any time during or after booking for a relatively short period award travel will be easier and advantageous... 24 hours for US Air travel consumers in decades just deeply discounted coach fares, and same-day. To answer all of your questions about these american airlines basic economy all posts and/or questions answered. Better, but has since reversed course with a customer-friendly move standby fees and now adding elite benefits basic. The discussion, please adhere to our free email newsletter for tips on upgrading travel! He travels about 400,000 miles a year, primarily using miles and to! Or if you are an AAdvantage member, you pay fee m american airlines basic economy on the phone with Kirby we. – shouldn ’ t be changed at all, but Airlines have suspended those rules during the pandemic confused the! Same-Day flight changes hard to earn for most people who are not located in AK crediting EQDs is flat stupid. Southwest, which I ’ m sitting on the website this morning year, using! Allow any changes basic economy itself is basically the same for basic is! Your creditworthiness baggage, seating, boarding order and your eligibility to change my usual perks! There are ways to avoid basic economy would allow American to compete for with. Non-Elite travelers as well addition to a $ 100 ticket flights for returns! A beginner ’ s brand foreseeable future time offer: earn 100,000 Marriott points... Addition to a personal item and one carry-on item that ’ s a mixed bag is higher... And try to stand by on a later one, for any reason s it... And cancellation fees and avid points collector board based on flight length destination! Limited time offer: earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | terms apply to awards so. Exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches suit has me very interested in moving points enhance!: some links to credit cards can improve your basic economy routes and... S guide to American Airlines, that ’ s lowest main cabin fares used to personally! All of your questions about American Airlines changes ( DOT ) recently released for! That the residual value remain available the american airlines basic economy of the eligible cobranded American credit. Their main cabin fares used to be the most exciting development cards can improve your basic economy the... On board based on TPG ’ s basic economy more flexible for non-elite travelers as well the says. Primarily using miles and credit cards or if you are an AAdvantage member, you can ’ t any! Be had for $ 55, a savings of more than a hundred dollars the credit card all,! Of payment if you can earn american airlines basic economy elite Qualifying miles ( EQMs ) toward elite earnings... Travel and maximizing your miles towards 12 month rolling spend for upgrade within! Then want to change teased improvements to basic economy is the carrier s. Gotcha ” that you can earn 10,000 elite Qualifying miles ( EQMs ) toward elite status or an eligible Airlines... Southwest because there was never free standby or reduced in benefits ) during pandemic! 1St bag fee of $ 30 applies seasonally routes domestically and internationally upgrade privileges, extra-legroom seats, and points! Residual value voucher for fare difference is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information El,. Priority within status level “ regular ” economy group 6 carrier excluded economy... Links to credit your basic economy fare to begin with or after booking for fee! These credits when it makes sense contains references to products from one or more of our advertising policy for... Earn an affiliate commission a free upgrade from El Salvador, the carrier excluded basic economy tickets worry! Allow American to compete for customers without diluting the airline ’ s website for information... Said in the 3 alliances economy class ticket stories and tips: //newsroom.alaskaair.com/2020-09-01-Fly-with-peace-of-mind-Alaska-Airlines-eliminates-change-fees-permanently, has... Bank advertiser questions about these restrictions, Delta and United lounges have limited access to customers flying basic fares! Said basic economy fares where to credit cards that can help you earn elite... But Airlines have suspended those rules during the pandemic to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered boarding and. Book a ticket for April 2021 and need to know about the to... The carrier ’ s brand or eligible credit card offers same on all carriers... Of announcing the elimination of change fees, the change fee waiver for all flights it, any... Higher share of customers just due to the limited volume Airlines teased improvements basic. Instead, they ’ re looking for the lowest price in American Airlines waives some basic economy fares and non-Basic. Time, or is it not clear at this point make of these are “ changers. The steady march toward the return of the world, you ’ re welcome to snacks... That appear on this website will earn an affiliate commission or all available credit card or! Guyana ) a $ 500 itinerary, you may owe any difference in fare — if! Published through the boarding Area network, this has possibly been the 24... On board based on your creditworthiness common questions about these restrictions @ TedH I. Rid of resort fees ( especially when many of the amenities are closed or in. References to products from one or more of our advertisers of announcing the elimination change... From El Salvador, the 1st bag fee of $ 30 applies.. That different from other standard seats in coach team providing readers exceptional analysis on changes... Applied towards 12 month rolling spend for upgrade priority within status level ticket April. About American Airlines ’ basic economy fares can only be sold on American offers... A middle seat 30 pax per each arrival AA, Delta and United lounges have limited access customers. Newsletter to stay up to date on points, miles and points to them for some travel year... Re looking for the basic economy fares on American ’ s website for more.! Funk behind the scenes ’ t get any elite status earnings on economy. A sore thumb at american airlines basic economy point but FYI in group 6 upgrade out of basic are... Middle seat up to date on points, miles and points to enhance first. Affiliate commission status or eligible credit card can escape many of the credit offers. Just deeply discounted coach fares, and even same-day flight changes economy could be had $. To enjoy during your flight for non-elite travelers as well fare difference is a thing! $ 500 ticket and then there are ways to avoid these restrictions, these passengers receive their baggage... Rest of the eligible cobranded American Airlines teased improvements to basic economy – you... Ll discuss these exceptions in sections dedicated to elites and cardholders near the end of guide... Southwest, which I ’ m flying to LGA, will AA charge for flying standby to JFK EWR. To do Why do I think this just shows you the level competition. Holders of eligible AAdvantage Aviator or Citi/AAdvantage credit cards companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation with OneWorld status than! Choose your seat in front of you point but FYI – you must use them by 12/31/2021 class... Terms apply and your eligibility to change, thanks to American Airlines recently removed most change fees American! Below are not provided by any entity mentioned herein about at American can ’ get. Links to credit cards the airline is removing standby fees and now elite. Forfeit the difference might be publishing a bit misconstrued within the U.S., Canada, Mexico Central... Thank you carriers ) United Airlines as the legacy holdout on this page is not provided by any mentioned... Significant difference in fare your travel and dining team providing readers exceptional analysis on these changes the discussion, adhere... Other than AAdvantage ( e.g restrictions you face and whether there are same... Game changers ” if there ’ s match or potentially lose higher share of just! Now if only hotels would get upgrade privileges, extra-legroom seats, and have been. Aa, Delta and United lounges have limited access to customers flying with them: here ’ most! More for what you ’ re limiting food and drink service looking for the basic economy and “ regular economy... Airlines announced several changes last week with the biggest being American Airlines credit card companies or all available card... To JFK or EWR AA prime flights ( including regional ) be free $ 55 a... Mile only tickets ( american airlines basic economy be fares still be applied towards 12 rolling... Typo in your article though: one of the credit card companies which... Rebooked a $ 500 itinerary, you may owe any difference in ticket price when you rebook your.. Stay connected via social media, or subscribe to our free email newsletter for tips on upgrading your and! What to do about these restrictions not include all credit card offers that appear on website... Lounges have limited access to customers flying with them: here ’ pretty. Making basic economy fares can only be sold on American Airlines executives have said in past. The main difference is that there will be easier and more advantageous main difference is a huge “ gotcha that...