Summary

  • Basic economy tickets on American Airlines come with disadvantages, such as unfavorable boarding positions and limited flexibility.
  • Earning frequent flyer miles and status is less fruitful with basic economy tickets compared to standard economy tickets.
  • Basic economy passengers on American Airlines face high baggage fees and cannot choose their seats without incurring a fee.

Booking a basic economy ticket on American Airlines can be one of the best ways to score a deal on the US-based legacy carrier. However, passengers must be aware of exactly what they are purchasing when they decide on this fare class, as privileges are extremely restricted, and the travel experience is certainly not glamorous. American’s product is better than some others in the industry, as the carrier offers significantly more benefits in basic economy than other fellow legacy carriers.

There are a number of negative aspects that come along with a basic economy ticket, including extremely little flexibility and weak baggage offerings. In this article, we will take a deeper look at five things you need to be aware of before purchasing an American Airlines basic economy ticket. Depending on the importance and value of these for you – basic economy may or may not be worth the savings.

1

Unfavorable boarding position

Boarding groups: 8 and 9

Key disadvantages:

  1. Passengers may have to gate-check their baggage
  2. Passengers will be unable to settle in early for the flight

It is not surprising that passengers on basic economy tickets will be restricted to the plane’s worst boarding groups and will likely be among the last to take their seats. For those traveling with a carry-on bag (which is, yes, something you are allowed to do on an American basic economy ticket), this may require a luggage gate-check, which can significantly slow down the arrival procedure.

As a result, this restriction immediately identifies two groups of passengers that should attempt to avoid basic economy at all costs. First, those who are traveling on tight timelines should not seek out basic economy due to the potential of having to gate-check a bag.

American Airlines Boeing 737-800

Photo: Greg K_ca | Shutterstock

Second, those who would like to settle in for their flight by boarding early will find that the basic economy simply does not fulfill their needs. Passengers who fly on this kind of ticket while in possession of an American Airlines Citibank co-branded credit card will be moved up from the final boarding group to group 5, according to Thrifty Traveler.

2

Earning miles and status

Weaker earnings potential

Standard economy mile accrual:

5 miles per dollar

Basic economy mile accrual:

2 miles per dollar

One of the biggest drawbacks to flying in basic economy is a lack of accrual potential for both AAdvanatge miles, which can be used to book other flights, and for status-earning Loyalty points.

American Airlines Airbus A321 landing

Photo: Philip Pilosian | Shutterstock

For some passengers, this difference is minimal, but for those who are seeking to upgrade their status by the end of the year, this could prove a major drawback. The difference in mileage accrual may be acceptable with the lower amount paid. But the restricted status credits will become a major limitation for those who fly frequently on basic economy tickets.

Related

The Different Tiers Of American Airlines’ AAdvantage Program

Earning status is an important part of the AAdvantage program for those that fly frequently.

AAdvantage is addressing this to a certain extent. A new lower tier requiring just 15,000 Loyalty Points is being introduced. This is achievable with low levels of flying or credit card spending, but it doesn’t offer the strong benefits of the higher tiers. It will increase the boarding group and provide choices of other benefits, including preferred seats.

Status tier:

Loyalty point threshold:

New AAdvantage tier (unnamed)

15,000

AAdvantage Gold

40,000

AAdvantage Platinum

75,000

AAdvantage Platinum Pro

125,000

AAdvantage Executive Platinum

200,000

Some airlines (most notably Delta) restrict passengers’ ability to earn miles at all when flying basic economy, demonstrating another place where American is offering a more competitive product in this fare class. An American Airlines credit card will certainly help you accrue more miles.

3

High baggage fees

Free luggage allowance: a personal item and a carry-on bag

Baggage fees for a flight within the US:

Price ($)

First checked bag:

$30

Second checked bag:

$40

Third checked bag:

$150

Fourth checked bag:

$200

Unlike some other basic economy products, American does allow a traveler to bring a full-sized carry-on with them. As a result, the carrier’s most restrictive fare class still offers a far more comfortable travel experience than any ultra-low-cost airline.

Read more about American Airlines economy class baggage policies

Baggage claim

Photo: Travel man | Shutterstock

However, if you plan on bringing carry-on baggage, it’s a good idea to take a long and hard look at American’s baggage fees for those on basic economy tickets. While fees are standardized for flights within the US and Canada, many international journeys will have different fee structures.

Related

American Airlines Scores Record Full Year Revenue Of $53 Billion

American Airlines exceeded initial market projections amid improved operational performance and sustained demand through 2023.

As always, an American Airlines credit card will greatly improve your basic economy experience. Most American cards will offer a passenger a free first-checked bag, even if the flight was not purchased on the card in question.

4

No free seat selection

Typical seat selection fee: $10

Basic economy passengers have two options:

  1. Purchase seat selection for a fee
  2. Allow seats to be assigned randomly at check-in

One of the biggest downsides when it comes to booking a basic economy ticket is the inability to choose one’s seat. For a family attempting to sit together, reserving multiple different seats can certainly add up.

American Airlines cabin

Photo: American Airlines

In this situation, a credit card alone will not allow you to select a seat for free. However, the airline does offer status-based seat upgrades to those traveling in basic economy.

5

No flexibility or refunds

Exception: Within 24 hours of booking

A final downside of flying basic economy that passengers should be aware of is the lack of flexibility that accompanies their ticket. The carrier does not offer any flight adjustments and offers no refunds in the event of a cancelation.

An American Airlines Airbus A321 Flying in the sky.

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

While regular economy fares typically include the flexibility to adjust same-day travel times for a fee and destinations just for the difference in fare, basic economy tickets do not offer any of these benefits. There are a couple of exceptions to this:

  • Changes and cancelations can be made within 24 hours of bookings (if the booking is more than two days before travel). This is standard policy on most tickets.
  • Changes can be made on the day of travel. Anyone can standby for earlier flights, and AAdvantage members can standby for a later flight. This is free for domestic, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands flights. Confirmed changes are possible for this and some international routes but for a fee.

At the end of the day, booking a basic economy ticket offers just a random economy seat on a single flight at just one time, and there is virtually no opportunity to change that without paying a significant amount extra.

What are your thoughts? Do you often fly on basic economy tickets with American Airlines? Do you find the restrictions frustrating or costly? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

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