An Overview Of American Airlines Economy Vs Basic Economy
Do you want to fly cheap while getting basic features onboard? AA basic economy is your fare type. However, you might wonder about economy fares and their perks involved. So, let’s check American Airlines economy vs basic economy in this account.
Here, we will find how basic economy contributes to your budget trip and how you can make the most of it.
What is the American Airlines Basic Economy?
Basic economy is the lowest Main Cabin ticket all over the world. So, if you want to travel at the cheapest flight fare, American Airlines basic economy helps you. Though it comes with a set of restrictions, you can still sit comfortably and enjoy inflight entertainment. Moreover, soft drinks and snacks are free with AA basic economy.
Which are Basic Economy Restrictions on American Airlines?
Here are the limitations or restrictions that AA basic economy has.
- When travelling in an American Airlines basic economy class, you are not allowed for cancellation and change of your booking.
- Seats are assigned for free when you check-in. So, you might not sit with your travel companion in the flight.
- To change your American Airline booking with a basic economy ticket, you must rebook one but you won’t get a refund of any kind.
- Unless you have an AAdvantage elite status or an eligible AAdvantage credit card, you board the plane in the last boarding group.
- Now, AA credits only 2 miles per dollar spent on basic economy to AAdvantage members.
What are the American Airlines Basic Economy Benefits?
Are you having second thoughts about flying with basic economy fares on American Airlines flights? And why not, you might be thinking about the restrictions mentioned above. But don’t worry. Here is the silver lining to your basic economy travel.
Take a look at the benefits that you have with this fare type.
Eligible for upgrades
AA allows basic economy travelers to get upgrades as required. However, they must pay the amount required and fulfill the eligibility criteria for upgrades.
Seat selection
Select your preferred American Airlines basic economy seats any time for a fee. AAdvantage members get a complimentary seat as per their status.
Board with bags
You can bring a carry-on and a personal item onboard. However, make sure that the –
- Carry-on item fits in the overhead bin. It must be within 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) dimensions.
- Personal items (purse, small handbag, etc.) must fit under the seat in front of you. It must be within 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Additionally, you can bring along pets, instruments, etc. that fulfill the airline’s rules. However, you have to pay standard fees for these items. You are prohibited from carrying any other items.
Perks for AAdvantage and eligible AAdvantage credit cardmembers
Benefits of AAdvantage status may differ for AA flights that its partners have marketed and / or operated.
Those having eligible American Airline cards have the following privileges with basic economy fares –
- Priority or preferred boarding
- Upgrades
- Complimentary confirmed same-day flight changes for AAdvantage Executive Platinum® and AAdvantage Platinum Pro® members
- Complimentary Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seat benefits based on AAdvantage® status
Families sit together
When traveling with families including kids below 15 years of age, without assigned seats, AA assigns you seats together. However with limited seats, AA seats an adult with a child under 15.
Same-day flight changes
You can make same-day changes on select flights. However, you have to pay a fee for it, though some exceptions are there. You can get a standby for free.
Are American Airlines Basic Economy and Economy the Same?
No, basic economy and economy (standard economy) have certain differences. Let’s go through the American Airlines economy vs basic economy at a glance.
As the name suggests, basic economy is the cheapest fare. In addition to being economical, it is basic. So, expect the basic features with this fare. If you want to book a trip at the lowest fares, this is for you.
However, if you are prepared to pay a little extra to get more benefits while flying, grab an economy ticket.
When to Book American Airlines Basic Economy Vs Main Cabin?
Overall, basic economy offers you value for money perks. A few of its restrictions also offer flexibility to get more at extra charges. However, there are times when you might prefer standard economy, also known as main cabin over basic economy.
Let’s check American Airlines basic economy vs main cabin to get a better idea on this.
| Basic Economy Fares | Main Cabin Fares |
| Making flight changes and cancellations not allowed |
|
| Restrictions on carry-on baggage, seating, the last boarding group, etc. | Priority Access available for purchase |
| Lack of advantage when price drops after booking | Flexibility to be at benefit when after booking flight fares decrease. |
In Conclusion
In a nutshell, you might not find a lot of differences between standard economy and basic economy of American Airlines. However, both of these fares make a great choice for travelers as per their requirements and budget. You can pay more to get a main cabin ticket if purchasing one in advance. The ticket type allows you to cancel, change, or modify your booking. However, basic economy doesn’t offer you any of these perks. So, when it comes to the American Airlines economy vs basic economy, there is not a lot of difference. Elite status holders and members having credit cards delight in their benefits when traveling with basic economy fares of American Airlines.
You May Visit:
What is The American Airlines Seat Selection Policy?
How Can I Make an American Airlines Group Booking?