I’m hoping the next big thing is more saver/discount award availability in the 3 alliances. As of October 1, 2020, customers who purchase Basic Economy tickets will be able to purchase upgrades and priority boarding, and can even pay for same-day confirmed flight changes. . My fear is that there will be a much bigger cost difference between Basic Economy and “regular” Economy fares. Generally, basic economy tickets can’t be changed at all, but airlines have suspended those rules during the pandemic. However, it’s met with several restrictions. So if you are no longer earning ANY elite qualifying miles with Basic Economy, how are you going to obtain that status required for your perks? Related: Credit cards that can help you earn airline elite status. Shared with an aviation friend in Australia. And with American Airlines, that’s a mixed bag. Related: Why I always board last, no matter where I’m sitting on the plane. No, Not Quite…, American Airlines Bans Emotional Support Animals, American Selling AAdvantage Miles With 70% Bonus, Whoa: American Admirals Clubs Selling Krug Champagne, American Slashes Philadelphia Transatlantic Routes, Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Amex Blue Business Plus Card Review (2021), Qatar Airways Resuming Saudi Arabia Flights, Chase Ink Business Unlimited Card Review (2021). Will BE fares still be applied towards 12 month rolling spend for upgrade priority within status level? These “basic economy” fares are designed to compete with the onslaught of low-fare airlines like Spirit and Frontier that are slowly encroaching on the turf of legacy airlines like American, Delta, and United. American Airlines Basic Economy tickets are now upgrade eligible. Desperate times call for desperate measures, as the steady march toward the return of the ‘Golden Age’ of loyalty continues…. Would the miles from BE fares still be applied towards MM status? Related: Keep calm and carry on: Our 13 favorite travel carry-ons. That is so hard to earn for most people who are not located in AK. I’m in disbelief that in the past 24 hours all of the “big three” US carriers have eliminated change fees on many itineraries. That’s a huge “gotcha” that you don’t have to worry about at American. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). • Basic Economy fares will be filed using the B booking inventory code and require dual availability (book B but another applicable main … If you don’t choose to pay to select a seat, American Airlines will automatically assign you a seat for free at check-in. On United Airlines – which has the most punitive basic economy restrictions – that number is even higher. Wow!! Revenue customers always trump award tickets. 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. Back to the future for airline fees. Yesterday evening United eliminated change fees on domestic tickets, then Delta eliminated change fees on domestic tickets, and now American is eliminating change fees on domestic tickets (and then Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines eliminated change fees as well). 1, 2020 and Jan. 31, 2021, for any reason. He travels about 400,000 miles a year, primarily using miles and points to enhance his first class experiences. American Airlines doesn’t allow any changes basic economy fares within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Read more about the changes It comes with some restrictions on baggage, seating, boarding order and your eligibility to change. I think this just shows you the level of competition there is right now for travelers during a pandemic. Related: How to avoid airline change and cancellation fees. American Airlines offers their basic economy routes domestically and internationally. @ Randy — If you’re only buying Basic Economy then you probably wouldn’t be bothering going for elite status as it is? Also, with all this good news… how about another happy hour? We’re enhancing Basic Economy fares, keeping the same competitive low price, but also allowing you to buy extras for your travel experience on tickets bought October 1, 2020, and beyond: Upgrades; Priority boarding ; Preferred / Main Cabin Extra seats ; Same-day confirmed flight change; Same AAdvantage® benefits no matter the fare In addition, you can earn 10,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) toward elite status after spending $40,000 in a calendar year. Based on TPG’s most recent valuations, the 50,000 miles are worth $700. It comes with some restrictions on baggage, seating, boarding order and your eligibility to change. You’re welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks to enjoy during your flight. With United if you canceled a $1,000 itinerary and rebooked a $500 itinerary, you would forfeit the difference. And then there are the changes to Basic Economy, which I’m a big fan of. One Mile at a Time is owned by PointsPros, Inc. In these cases, American Airlines may refund the purchase price to your original form of payment if you can provide valid documentation. Reminder: OMAAT comments are changing soon. American Airlines has the following policy for families traveling in basic economy: If you’re a family traveling with children under 15, and do not already have seats assigned, our system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. 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. Here's what you need to know about the changes to American Airlines basic economy. But maybe now for a relatively short period award travel will be easier and more advantageous. Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® points | Terms Apply. And, the fee-waiver is time limited. More to Basic Economy. Register here to save your space. C. 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? Additionally the airline is removing standby fees and now adding elite benefits on Basic Economy tickets. Basic Economy; Basic Economy Temporary changes to food and drink service. 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. T he media buzz around airlines introducing basic economy fares has been strong—although a bit misconstrued. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, American Airlines AAdvantage members won’t get any elite status earnings on basic economy fares. We’re extending our offer to waive change fees on any existing tickets* for travel March 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021. Basic economy passengers generally board in the last boarding group, which is Group 9 for flights within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean and Group 8 for flights to/from Europe, South America and Africa. Earn 60,000 bonus points | 2X points on travel and dining. Also, Checked bag fees will apply on all Domestic routes and select International routes. ^ For travel to / from El Salvador, the 1st bag fee of $30 applies seasonally. So, the change fee almost certainly won’t be worth it. Is this scenario if I miss an early flight and try to stand by on a later one? American Airlines is eliminating change fees on many itineraries effective immediately: This is so great that I’m in disbelief, and frankly this destroys United’s policy (in a positive way). This site is for entertainment purposes only. Required fields are marked *. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. If you hold Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum or Gold status on American, you’ll now receive all your elite benefits… 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. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. In early June, American announced that it would tighten up its flexible booking policy and start to exclude basic economy and AAdvantage award tickets. The Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released guidelines for families flying together with basic economy tickets. Basic Economy! Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. This is actually better than Southwest because there was never free standby on the saver fares. No, except if 1) you cancel the ticket within 24 hours of purchase; 2) American changes your flight schedule by 61 minutes or more; 3) you or your traveling companion dies, or 4) because of military orders. Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. However, if you fly a lot you are always buying tickets and you can strategically use these credits when it makes sense. American Airlines executives have said in the past that more than 60% of passengers pay to upgrade out of basic economy. Related: Where to credit your basic economy flights for maximum returns. See the chart for checked baggage fees on American’s website for more details. No, as of Jan. 1, 2021, you’ll no longer earn any elite-qualifying miles, segments or dollars when flying on American Airlines basic economy tickets. You’re welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks to enjoy during your flight. It was once up there with United as the most punishing basic economy fare, thanks to a ban on bringing carry-on bags on … If you'd like to participate in the discussion, please adhere to our commenting guidelines. He chronicles his adventures, along with industry news, here at One Mile at a Time. My goodness, this has possibly been the best 24 hours for US air travel consumers in decades. Sign up for our daily newsletter to stay up to date on points, miles and credit cards. … • 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). In particular, having a credit card such as the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard provides the first bag checked free on domestic flights and Preferred Group 5 boarding. What do you make of these American Airlines changes? Bravo AA for (finally) some one-upmanship! Here’s hoping they bring back RTW AAdvantage mile only tickets (will be tougher without LATAM, though). Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion. AND you do not get to redeposit your miles for no fee – you must USE THEM by 12/31/2021. American Airlines is making Basic Economy more flexible for non-elite travelers as well. If you’re looking for the lowest price in American Airlines’ main cabin, opt for the basic economy. United’s new policy is vastly better for award tickets. Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Alaska Air has their new policy on the website this morning. You may be required to gate check your carry-on bag, but doing so will be free. I’ll just cancel the $500 ticket, buy the $100 ticket on my credit card, and only use the $500 credit when I’m buying a ticket thats $500 or >. Your email address will not be published. Stay connected via social media, or subscribe to our free email newsletter for tips on upgrading your travel and maximizing your miles! On AA I guess the BE fares would make sense for me as I’ve already hit EXP for the year and wouldn’t need additional EQDs/EQMs. The fare class helps you understand if the fare is upgradeable refundable, etc. 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. Seat assigned at check-in, no upgrades, no changes, board last group, 1 free carry on. for more info check https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/basic-economy.jsp. 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. But just what you get – and what you don’t – varies by airline. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, American Airlines AAdvantage members won’t get any elite status earnings on basic economy fares. Featured photo by JT Genter/The Points Guy. The main difference is that you can’t choose your seat in advance. 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. What counts as “same destination” for free standby? Thank you Tiffany, @ Clem — Fixed, thank you! Your email address will not be published. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. • Basic Economy fares will be filed using the B booking inventory code and require dual availability (book B but another applicable main … Flight Attendants In China Told To Wear Diapers, Alaska Mileage Plan Changes How Status Is Earned, Cathay Pacific’s A321neo Business Class Revealed, Thai Airways Selling Boeing 747, Airbus A380 Fleet, Best Airline Credit Cards for Miles & Points, the best 24 hours for US air travel consumers in decades, United eliminated change fees on domestic tickets, Delta eliminated change fees on domestic tickets, American Airlines introduces free standby, American Airlines extends temporary change fee waiver, American Airlines changes Basic Economy for AAdvantage elite members, American Airlines Basic Economy gets more flexible, eliminating change fees on many itineraries, this has now been extended to AAdvantage awards globally, the only exception is Basic Economy fares, American isn’t using the word “permanent”, will receive all elite benefits when booking Basic Economy fares, Delta Air Lines Eliminates Domestic Change Fees, Airline Pilots Report Seeing “Guy In Jetpack” On Approach To LAX, American Airlines Bans Alcohol On DC Flights Following Violent Riots, Trump Supporter Kicked Off Flight For Mask Joke? The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Related: Why now is the perfect time to reconsider basic economy fares. The costs for checked baggage are the same for basic economy and main cabin fares on most routes. Sorry, might be publishing a bit prematurely today with all the news and not taking the time to proofread until after publishing. While the current state of the industry is awful, these are the most consumer-friendly airline changes we’ve seen in a long time. And with all the uncertainty surrounding travel, American (and most major airlines) will continue offering this flexibility for the foreseeable future. American Airlines Improves Basic Economy From 1 October 2020, all American Airlines customers who have purchased a Basic Economy fare will have a lot more options when it comes to improving their onboard experience. Note: Please see my Advertiser Disclosure. Basic Economy; Basic Economy Temporary changes to food and drink service. Almost like they bought a regular economy fare to begin with. However, I’m far from a normal traveler! Yes, having one of the eligible cobranded American Airlines credit cards can improve your basic economy experience. If you’ve booked a basic economy fare on American Airlines, you may have some questions. The details are not good for award travel. American Airlines Basic Economy will come with more flexibility. If you want to cancel an award trip and redeposit the miles, you pay fee. Specifically, elites get the following benefits even when flying on a basic economy fare: In short, the primary reasons an AAdvantage elite wouldn’t want to book a basic economy fare are (1) no elite earnings and (2) restrictive change policies once American Airlines’ global coronavirus waiver ends. • Basic Economy fares can only be sold on American Airlines ticket stock. 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. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. AA and all international airlines apparently still capped at 30 pax per each arrival. Cargo once again carries the day…errr, weight. This makes Basic Economy more a la carte than in the past. © 2021 THE POINTS GUY, LLC. If you only buy Basic Economy – then with no EQM or EQS – how are you going to earn Elite status? This includes upgrade privileges, the ability to assign seats (including Main Cabin Extra), same day confirmed flight changes, and more. This makes Basic Economy more a la carte than in the past. Since seat assignment happens at check-in, you’ll more than likely get a middle seat. Will OneWorld elites receive elite benefits on basic economy tickets? Certainly good news, let’s hope it outlasts COVID-19. Notable exceptions that waive the first checked bag fee for main cabin fares include transatlantic flights, flights to/from South America (excluding Guyana) and flights to/from Panama. When you purchase Basic Economy, you will typically enjoy our lowest fare, but seats will be assigned after check-in and you will not be able to change or refund your ticket after the Risk Free Cancellation Period. American announced Tuesday that it will soon unveil its version of a "basic economy" fare that will presumably cost less than other coach tickets but come with fewer comforts. Admittedly neither of these are “game changers” if there’s a significant difference in fare. American Airlines initially had a major exception to its updated policy, but has since reversed course with a customer-friendly move. If I’m flying to LGA, will AA charge for flying standby to JFK or EWR? Ben, do you know if the positive changes regarding elite benefits also apply for customers with OneWorld status other than AAdvantage (e.g. In early June, American announced that it would tighten up its flexible booking policy and start to exclude basic economy and AAdvantage award tickets. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. Basic Economy! It’s match or potentially lose higher share of customers Just due to the limited volume. Only applies to US/CA/MX/PR/USVI – for award trips to the rest of the world, you get bupkiss. Main Cabin Extra seats have between 33 and 43.5 inches of pitch — depending on the aircraft type — versus the 30 to 33 inches you’ll find in standard economy seats. delta is my preferred carrier, but applaud AA for making changes to basic economy. It should really say improves basic economy (for elite members), because as someone who always flies whoever is cheapest the basic economy changes actually leave me worse off. Pre-C19 air travel was a frenetic high with so many paying passengers. American is extending its change fee waiver for any new travel purchased by December 31, 2020, which would even apply for Basic Economy and long haul international flights. 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. American announced Tuesday that it will soon unveil its version of a "basic economy" fare that will presumably cost less than other coach tickets but come with fewer comforts. The policies are effective immediately. American’s Basic Economy is generally priced where their main cabin fares used to be priced. Here's what you need to know about the changes to American Airlines basic economy. ^ For travel to / from El Salvador, the 1st bag fee of $30 applies seasonally. Without fanfare, these changes took effect overnight. Basic economy seats aren’t different from other standard seats in coach. American Airlines’ basic economy is the carrier’s lowest main cabin fare. 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. American Airlines’ basic economy is the carrier’s lowest main cabin fare. American Airlines introduced basic economy fares for 10 markets in February 2017, following Delta and United. This is all excellent news. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Elite status, of course. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Previously Basic Economy earned elite qualification at half the rate of “regular” economy. For Transatlantic Basic Economy travel, a $60 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / or before April 20, 2020, and $75 for tickets issued on / after April 21, 2020. American Airlines has a temporary change fee waiver for all flights. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Keep in mind: You may owe any difference in ticket price when you rebook your trip. Yes, having AAdvantage or Oneworld elite status helps. American Airlines’ basic economy is the carrier’s lowest main cabin fare. Delta and AA couldn’t even wait two days to make the change. Also forgot to mention that the residual value voucher for fare difference is a huge thing, at least for my current travel issues. Said simply, you now have to pay more for what you once got with your economy class ticket. Many of the credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. I’ll discuss these exceptions in sections dedicated to elites and cardholders near the end of this guide. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. If I book a ticket for April 2021 and need to cancel it, for how long will that residual value remain available? great news ! Have fun! While American is eliminating change fees on domestic and short haul international tickets long term, the airline is extending its temporary change fee waiver for other tickets. Yep, last day to book flexible travel on Alaska Air is Sept 8. Read more about the changes Specifically, these passengers receive their customary baggage allowance and boarding zone provided by their elite status or eligible credit card. • Basic Economy fares will be limited to AA prime flights (including regional). • Basic Economy fares will be limited to AA prime flights (including regional). Not elgible for upgrades. Two questions: We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. As of October 1, 2020, customers who purchase Basic Economy tickets will be able to purchase upgrades and priority boarding, and can even pay for same-day confirmed flight changes. Honestly, paying the extra $35 for full economy to get ALL those EQM points is well worth it, at least until you’ve achieved that status. Basic Economy could be had for $55, a savings of more than a hundred dollars! As of October 1, 2020, American Airlines will be introducing free standby for all travelers, eliminating the $75 fee that currently exists for non-elite members: American Airlines is introducing free standby. Without fanfare, these changes took effect overnight. American Airlines’ basic economy fares come with restrictions. Slight typo in your article though: one of the headers says American Airlines changes premium economy – guess you mean basic economy. We’re limiting food and drink service on board based on flight length and destination. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Not only are select international destinations included (unlike with United), but most importantly you get the residual value of your ticket if you rebook on a cheaper flight. Any info about change/redeposit fees for award tickets? Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. I sense the fingers of one Tiffany Funk behind the scenes! But just what you get – and what you don’t – varies by airline. As of later this fall, AAdvantage elite members will receive all elite benefits when booking Basic Economy fares. Travel in the Time of COVID: The news, resources, & information you need. 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. Initially, American did not provide basic economy passengers with free overhead space for carry-on baggage, except for its AAdvantage elite members, … @ MPSinCharlotte — Generally American doesn’t allow co-terminal standby, as far as I know, so I think you’d need to travel to exactly the same airport. I would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. 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. Nice job by the OMAT team providing readers exceptional analysis on these changes. It’s been a little over two and a half years since American Airlines first introduced basic economy fares.After starting on just 10 domestic routes, it wasn’t long before the airline’s cheapest and most restrictive fares expanded nationwide.In spring 2018, AA added basic economy fares to Europe.Then, in September 2018, basic economy expanded to Hawaii and the Caribbean. All of the following will now be … American Airlines announced several changes last week with the biggest being American Airlines Ends Change Fees on Most Tickets. @ Elteetrav — We’ll do another one soon, let me figure that out, thanks for the interest. When United’s Scott Kirby termed this move as “permanent” thought “permanent until the economy is better”. As a holder of one of these cards, you’ll get the following benefits even when flying on a basic economy fare: Note that you only need to have an eligible card — you don’t have to purchase your ticket with the eligible card. • Basic Economy fares can only be sold on American Airlines ticket stock. Thanks! As part of announcing the elimination of change fees, American Airlines teased improvements to basic economy fares. Now if only hotels would get rid of resort fees (especially when many of the amenities are closed or reduced in benefits). I’m confused about the same day standby. For example, the front row of economy on the American Airlines A321neo is designated as Main Cabin Extra and has 40 inches of … Sticking out like a sore thumb at this point. Customers flying Basic Economy are now allowed 1 free carry-on (in addition to a personal item) to all destinations. @ Ben — AA’s website also says no EQD earning for B fares effective January 1, 2021. Related: A beginner’s guide to American Airlines economy seats. Although American Airlines recently removed most change fees, the carrier excluded basic economy. American Airlines Improves Basic Economy. • Basic Economy fares can only be sold on American Airlines ticket stock. Main Cabin Extra (MCE) is what American Airlines calls its extra-legroom economy seats. I’m not that concerned with the business of no residual value on UA. @ Highgamma – jealous. Help us fund therapy sessions for black women and girls, What You Need to Know About Airline Partnerships & Alliances, The Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Policies, The news, resources, & information you need. However, thanks to American Airlines’ global coronavirus waiver, you can change basic economy tickets booked between Mar. just to confirm, do web specials fall under the general fee waiver for all bookings up until Dec 31 of this year? Rebooking fees were the genesis of all fees, aren’t they? Related: How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines. What do you need before you can enjoy your “usual elite perks”? Related: Comparing basic economy fares across U.S. airlines. This guide will answer common questions about these restrictions. Basic economy fares are the scourge of air travel, as airlines peel back once-free perks and benefits in a bid to compete with budget carriers and make more money. I agree when “regular” economy is $35 more it has been a no brainer, but I’ve also seen situations where Basic Economy is $35, and regular economy is $200+, so sometimes the difference is substantial. Southwest Airlines is not having a good 24 hours…. Overview. Let’s hope they also revert to better frequent flyer programs (with more availability) and better elite status benefits where, say, a systemwide upgrade might actually be usable. i’m looking to book for next july. hope other 2 follow suit. 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