Many aviation professionals feel that the Basic Economy fare that carriers such as American Airlines (AA) have are a riposte to the fares offered by Low-Cost Carrier.
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As low-cost carriers offer cheap fares that come with some restrictions on services, something similar could be said about AA's basic economy too.
Photo: Nate Hovee | Shutterstock
But what do passengers get for their money in basic economy on the flag carrier of the US? Let's find out.
The basics of American Airlines' basic economy
According to The Points Guy, AA "began selling basic economy fares in 10 markets in 2017". In introducing this fare type, the carrier had trod the paths followed by Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
The same publication also revealed that this fare type is the "carrier's lowest-priced main cabin fare". With the low prices associated with the basic fares come some restrictions on the following:
✕ Remove Ads Boarding order Eligibility to cancel (or change) your flight Mileage earning Seating Photo: American Airlines
Upgraded Points shared how unflexible the basic economy fare is on American Airlines in the following way:
"When you book a Basic Economy fare, you're booking a fully inflexible ticket -- so choose exactly the flight you want at exactly the right time, as your only option to change a ticket the same day will be to participate in a same day change program, which has limited inventory. This can especially be critical to business travelers who rely on ticket changes to survive on business trips (though the lack of changeability would probably be okay with most leisure travelers)."
✕ Remove Ads Carry-on policy in AA's basic economy
Passengers of American Airlines traveling in basic economy can bring only one carry-on item and one personal item onboard. Here are the limits to the size of these:
Item on board
Maximum size (inches)
Carry-on item
22 x 14 x 9*
Personal item
18 x 14 x 8 **
*must fit in the overhead bin
**must fit under the seat in front of you
Photo: American Airlines
In its review of the Basic Economy fare, the carrier writes the following about the carry-on bag policy:
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A gate service fee, in addition to the standard checked bag fee will be assessed if arriving at the gate with a carry-on bag that does not fit under the seat. One personal item such as a purse, backpack or briefcase that fits under the seat will continue to be allowed. Payment of checked bag fees at the gate and the gate service fee are required by credit card or debit card only.
What is American Airlines' baggage policy?
On domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific flights, you can check up to ten bags on AA flights, while you can check up to five bags if you are traveling from/through/to Brazil, South America, and Mexico/ Caribbean/ Central America.
Photo: American Airlines Related American Airlines' Baggage Policy In Economy Class: A Complete Guide
The carrier allows passengers up to three complimentary checked bags depending on their elite status.
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The following table gives us an idea of how much a baggage fee AA will charge (in USD) depending upon the region where the flights are headed to:
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Region
Bag 1
Bag 2
Bag 3
Bag 4+
Transatlantic
0/75
100
200
200
Transpacific
0/75
100
200
200
South America (except Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Suriname)
0/60
100
200
200
Panama / Colombia / Ecuador / Peru
0/45
100
200
200
Guyana and Suriname
35
45
200
200
U.S. (including HI / AK), Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands
40
45
100
200
Canada and Mexico
35
45
200
200
One thing to note is that these prices do not include the taxes applicable. The carrier also notes that you could save some time and money on baggage fees if you:
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"Pay for your checked bags online within 24 hours of departure and receive the best price available for travel on domestic flights within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, and select markets in the Caribbean and Central America. For tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024, save $5 on the 1st checked bag fee for travel within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands."
Boarding and Priority in basic economy at AA
American Airlines' boarding groups are arranged according to the type of fares purchased by passengers. Passengers with basic economy fares will receive either of the following:
Group 9 boarding Or Group 8 on select international flights Photo: American Airlines ✕ Remove Ads
Regardless, these two are the last to board the aircraft, and according to Upgraded Points, the likelihood of having fully occupied overhead bin space for the basic economy passengers is extremely high:
"Outside of elite status or holding a designated AAdvantage credit card, there is no way to avoid this. Group 9 boarding really isn't for the faint of heart -- you're forced to wait around the gate area until the very end, and when you board the plane, there simply won't be storage room for any bags."
Seat Selection for basic economy on American Airlines
In many cases, seat selection options for basic economy passengers are virtually non-existent. Passengers of this fate type who have not paid for seat selection are most likely to end up in the economy seats that have not been chosen or in middle seats.
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However, some passengers who have checked in the aircraft really late have reported having secured the Main Cabin extra seats when all the economy seats in the back have been fully occupied by travelers. Despite tales of success, there are a few cautionary tales, though:
"There is a risk, however: if you wait to check in without any seat assignment and there's truly no seat to assign you, you could be involuntary denied boarding if the aircraft is oversold. Don't wait if you really have to travel! If you're an AAdvantage elite, you'll still be able to select Main Cabin Extra seats for free at your designated window. "
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