The pricing models of airlines are so complicated it can be really difficult to figure out which fare class is the best choice.
Airlines love this since confused customers mean increased profits, although I’m sure they’d deny that it’s deliberate.
In this post, I take a look at the difference between Basic Economy American Airlines vs Main Class American Airlines fares.
Read on to find out what’s basic about AA basic economy.
Previously an American Airlines basic economy fare did not allow you to bring a carry-on, but thankfully that changed, and bringing carry-on luggage into the cabin was reinstated.
There’s not as big a gap between the two fares as there used to be regarding baggage allowance.
I know you are busy, so I’ve summarized the difference between basic economy and economy in this table.
| AA Basic Economy class B | AA Main Cabin (Regular Economy) |
|---|---|
| Cheaper | More expensive |
| No seat selection. (Unless You Pay Extra) Seats Assigned Automatically At Check-In | Seat selection available when you book. |
| Passengers traveling on a basic economy ticket might not be able to sit together | With a regular economy ticket passengers can sit together |
| Priority boarding available but costs extra. Otherwise, you will board in the last group. Group 8 or group 9. | Priority boarding costs extra. You will be in the 2nd last boarding group. Ahead of basic. |
| You can bring a carry on but there is more chance it will be gate-checked if the overhead bins are full. This is more likely because you are in the last boarding group. | Earlier access to the overhead bin space. Less chance of a carry on gate check. |
| Flights are not changeable even for a fee except for same-day changes. Use them or lose them. | No flight change fees |
| No cancellations or refunds after 24 hours | Cancellation refunds are only possible if you bought a refundable ticket. |
| No elite qualifying miles or segments earned | Normal miles earned |
Sometimes the best way to find out what the deal is with no-frills flights is to check what travelers are saying on social media.
If there’s a catch or a scam you can always depend on people to be outraged on Twitter.
AA Basic Economy goes down reasonably well. You only need to compare what people are saying about United Basic Economy to see that what AA is doing could be a lot worse.
One of the most inconvenient American Airlines basic economy rules is that tickets are only eligible for same-day flight changes.
Not long ago everyone was celebrating that AA had got rid of change fees. Had things improved?
Basic economy is the cheapest main cabin fare class offered by AA. It’s American Airlines class below economy.
Like other airline’s basic economy fares, it’s a pricing strategy where the ticket price is cheaper but the airline will then try to “annoy” you into paying extra or just keep your money if you need to change your plans.
It’s not quite ‘bait and switch’, but it’s more like bait then disappoint you enough so you’ll decide to make the switch yourself. It’s like the dollar menu at McDonalds… cheap but not really what you wanted.
What is the difference with American Airlines basic economy vs economy?The main difference is the ability to cancel your flight or change your flight dates. Basic economy fares cannot be changed after 24 hours.
This means if your plans change you might end up with a ticket that you can’t use.
The second major difference is that you cannot choose your seat unless you pay extra. If you don’t want to pay extra AA will automatically assign you to the shittest seat their algorithm can find.
How do I know if I have basic economy on American Airlines?Basic economy is AA fare class B. Check your reservation. If the first letter of your booking code is B then you’ve booked a basic economy ticket.
How do I add a checked bag to an AA basic economy flight?You should be able to pay for a checked bag at the time of online check-in. If you have the right credit card you might be able to get a free checked bag.
Can I pick my own seat when flying AA basic economy?You can 48 hours before your departure, but there is an additional fee for seat selection. If you don’t pay this fee you seat will be allocated automatically at check-in. Hello middle seat.
How much does seat assignment cost when flying AA basic economy?It depends on which seat you want to choose and what flight you are on. It could be $10 or it could be $100… it’s not insignificant especially when it’s both ways.
Seat upgrade cost is generally proportional to the ticket cost. So it will cost more to upgrade a seat for an international flight than a short domestic flight to a local destination.
If you don’t pay the fee your seat will be assigned at check-in. Seats together are not always possible.
Can you bring a carry on with basic economy fares?Yes. While initially basic economy passengers had no access to the overhead bin this rule was changed. Basic economy passengers can bring a carry on bag ( 22 x 14 x 9 inch ) that goes in the overhead bin and one personal item ( 18 x 14 x 8 inch ) that should fit under the seat in front.
What is Main Cabin vs Regular Economy?AA Main Cabin is what some other airlines call standard or regular economy. It used to be the most basic American fare. Until they introduced Basic Economy which was more basic than the basic fare. But Basic Economy is still a main cabin fare. You’re not stored in the luggage hold or seated in the restroom or anything like that.
What is Main Cabin Extra?Normally the “Extra” is 6 inches more legroom and earlier boarding. But if you are a basic economy passenger that paid for main cabin extra seats you get the seat but not the earlier boarding. You’ll still need to board last with the other basics.
What the fee for Basic Economy checked baggage?Unless you have qualifying status the fees for checked bags for Basic Economy are the same as the fees for Main Cabin. Around $30 per bag each way.
AA Basic Economy tickets mean less flexibility for travelers and more restrictions. This is the same for all basic economy fares.
“Use it or lose it” is the main drawback closely followed by the inability to choose your own seat.
Most of the perks that you lose when you travel with a basic economy ticket can be purchased at an additional cost.
It’s a good option for passengers who want the cheapest price, don’t mind where they sit, and are confident they won’t need to change flying dates.
Basic economy flights also suit passengers that know to travel light. So much of the pecking order is about making sure you’ll be able to find a space in the overhead bin for your carry-on.
If you are flying with only under-seat luggage you’ll happily board last, avoid the scramble, and simply slide your bag under the seat.
