Want to book American Airlines Basic Economy? Get assistance from travel experts by calling +1 (800) 419-9920.
Excited to go to your favorite place and also worried about the expense of air travel simultaneously? American Airlines basic economy must pep you up as it not only takes you to your destination in serenity and comfort, but also prevents you from spending a big chunk of your trip budget only on a flight ticket. Being an ultra-low-cost fare, AA basic economy obviously comes with lots of restrictions and without popular perks like priority boarding and lounge access.
Therefore, it is crucial to be familiar with the basic economy American Airlines rules and restrictions before coming to a decision on whether the American basic economy is the right choice for you or not. In this blog, you will find everything you may need to know prior to embarking on a journey with American Airline basic economy.
What Is American Airlines Economy Class?
Before anything, it is important for anyone to know that American Airlines economy flights offer two economy products, Main Cabin and Basic Economy. Passengers often make mistakes by considering both the same.
However, a comparison of American Airlines basic economy vs main cabin makes it easy to understand how distinct they both are. In contrast to AA basic economy vs main cabin, the former is cheaper, while the latter provides more flexibility in making changes and selecting a seat in advance.
What Is Basic Economy On American Airlines?
Basic economy class on American Airlines is basically a step toward encouraging travelers to travel across the world because it costs less and gives them the liberty to explore their favorite destinations without the stress of flying expenses.
Although the benefits are limited with basic economy on American Airlines, the overall experience of discerning travelers is sure to remain a cut above the rest because it offers standard seating with standard facilities. You might be wondering if there is no cache. Here are the American Airlines basic economy rules that you need to keep in mind while booking a ticket.
- Passengers get a 24-hour risk-free window after booking American Airlines economy basic, in which they can change or cancel their flight without a fee.
- Once the booking of AA basic economy exceeds the 24-hour risk-free period, American Airlines economy tickets can not be changed or canceled. Only the members of AAdvantage can cancel their tickets after 24 hours of booking, but with a penalty.
- For passengers with an American basic economy ticket, checked bags are not free.
- No access to airport lounges is provided to basic economy American Airlines passengers.
- Basic Economy passengers on American Airlines board the flight after all other passengers.
- In basic economy class, passengers are restricted from using the free service of seat selection. If a passenger wants a specific seat, they can select it by paying additional charges.
- American Airlines does not guarantee families or group travelers will sit together in basic economy, where seats are assigned randomly at the gate or check-in.
Learn more: How to Book American Airlines Premium Economy Ticket?
What Does American Airlines Basic Economy Include?
No wonder basic economy on American Airlines offers limited perks and standard facilities, but it does not mean its experience is dissatisfying. Despite being the lowest fare on American Airlines, basic economy includes comfortable seats, complimentary food & drinks, entertainment, and more. Below, you can get more details about the American basic economy’s benefits and services.
American Airlines Basic Economy Baggage
AA basic economy baggage policy allows passengers to bring one carry-on item and one personal item for free as long as the AA basic economy carry on item fits in the overhead bin and the personal item under their front seat.
It is worth noting that American Airlines basic economy carry on and personal items are also subject to the weight limit. The checked baggage, which is excluded from the free American basic economy baggage allowance, can be included by paying a fee that depends on the flight’s route and baggage weight.
American Airlines Basic Economy Food
Passengers on American Airlines economy flights over 250 miles receive a warm welcome with complimentary food and drinks that do not include alcoholic drinks after occupying their American Airlines economy class seats.
In the complimentary American Airlines basic economy food, passengers can choose from soft drinks, juices, snacks, coffee, tea, and water. On some routes, American Airlines also offers complimentary meals to basic economy passengers.
American Airlines Basic Economy Seats
American Airlines economy seats provide standard comfort because the basic economy seat size ranges from 16.2 to 17.1 inches in width in both the Main Cabin and Basic Economy.
However, passengers are not permitted to select seats in advance for free, as an American Airlines basic economy seat fee needs to be paid by the passenger to book in advance. Generally, American Airlines economy class seats are assigned to passengers randomly at the gate or check-in without any charges.
American Airlines Basic Economy Flight Boarding
Flying with American Airlines economy tickets means boarding the flight last because basic economy passengers fall in Group 9, which is the last group of passengers to board the flight. Due to late boarding, the basic economy passengers may also not get an empty overhead bin space, resulting in checking their carry-on bags at the boarding gate to stow them in the cargo hold.
American Airlines Basic Economy Entertainment
The in-flight entertainment of American Airlines for basic economy passengers is probably the best perk or service they receive from the airline, because they get free access to entertainment systems to enjoy movies, music, games, and more during the flight.
See this also: American Airlines First Class Booking & Upgrade Price
Which American Airlines Aircraft Is Best For Basic Economy?
American Airlines is one of the leading airlines in the world, and it features a wide range of aircraft types in its fleet. Thus, it is also worth discussing which aircraft of American Airlines is best to experience basic economy.
The three main American Airlines aircraft that are widely used to offer basic economy are Boeing 787-9, 777-200, and 737-800. Let’s take a look at these aircraft’s specifications and find out which offers the best experience of basic economy.
American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Economy
For an exquisite experience of economy class on American Airlines, passengers can choose the Boeing 787-9, which has a quieter and more comfortable modern cabin with a capacity of 234 passengers, with large windows for visual spectacles.
Notably, the seats on American Airlines Boeing 787-9 economy with increased width and pitch make it popular among passengers who love traveling in comfort.
American Airlines Boeing 737-800 Economy
American Airlines 737-800 economy is available on short-haul and domestic routes only because it has a narrower body than Boeing 787 and 777. Due to its narrow body, passengers don’t get enough legroom and may feel less comfortable.
In total, flying on 737 800 of American Airlines is nothing short of an average experience, which is not much to worry about, especially on short routes.
American Airlines Boeing 777-200 Economy
The economy cabin on American Airlines Boeing 777-200 is not as great as the Boeing 787-9 because it has a less modern cabin and less personal space. However, Boeing 777-200 has more passenger capacity than 787-9.
Since American Airlines has kept the standard of providing facilities and comfort to basic economy passengers on Boeing 777-200 above the rest, passengers can consider this aircraft on long routes.
Read more: Book or Upgrade to American Airlines Business Class Tickets
What Is The Basic Economy Cancellation Fee On American Airlines?
Without beating around the bush, we would like to inform you that American Airlines basic economy is non-changeable and non-cancelable after the first 24 hours of the booking. However, an exception lies in it. Passengers who are members of the AAdvantage program can cancel their basic economy booking as per American Airlines basic economy cancellation policy, but with an American Airlines basic economy cancellation fee.
Thus, if AAdvantage members cancel their basic economy flight, they will receive the remaining value of the ticket in travel credits after a deduction of $99 AA basic economy cancellation fee.
How To Book Basic Economy On American Airlines?
The booking of basic economy on American Airlines becomes so easy when you get multiple options, including through the website and a travel agency. However, it completely depends on you which method you prefer. Here are the steps for both methods:
Booking Via Website
- Open the official website of American Airlines.
- Provide details of the trip, such as departure, destination, and dates.
- Choose Basic Economy as your preferred cabin class or fare type.
- Search flights based on your trip details and choose one that suits your schedule and travel requirements best.
- Fill out the personal details of the passenger.
- Pay the amount for American Airlines basic economy and receive an e-ticket.
Booking Via Travel Agency
- Contact your trusted travel agency, AwareTravels.
- Dial its toll-free number +1 (800) 419-9920.
- Share your details and specify the booking of the AA basic economy.
- Review flights and your booking details.
- Make a payment to confirm the American Airlines economy ticket.
Also check out: Book Your American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Flight
Can I Upgrade From Basic Economy American Airlines?
Yes, if you have purchased an American Airlines economy ticket for basic economy, you can upgrade your ticket and enjoy a more comfortable seat with extra legroom in the premium cabin. The upgrade service is available for both AAdvantage status members and non-status members.
Obviously, AAdvantage status members are eligible for complimentary and paid upgrades to premium cabin where more facilities and extra comfortable seats are available, while non-status members are eligible only for paid upgrades to Main Cabin Extra which offers only extra legroom than basic economy.
Closing Thoughts
American Airlines basic economy is a go-to choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to save money in exchange for flexibility and comfort. Although AA basic economy passengers are restricted to select a seat in advance, change or cancel their flight, bring a free checked bag, and board the flight first, the American basic economy class still offers a standard comfortable traveling experience with necessary facilities like in-flight entertainment, carry-on item, complimentary snacks, and a 24-hour risk-free period to cancel or change flight.
If you are headstrong to book an affordable flight ticket, call us now at +1 (800) 419-9920 and get American Airlines economy tickets.
You may also be interested in:
1. Book Cheap Delta Airlines Basic Economy Flight Ticket
FAQ’s
Does American Airlines basic economy include carry on?
Yes, passengers in basic economy on American Airlines can bring one carry on bag for free as long as it fit in the overhead bin, alongside a personal item that fits under the seat.
What bags can I take on American Basic Economy?
You can take a carry-on item, such as a handbag or purse that can be placed in the overhead bin, and a personal item, such as a laptop, on American basic economy.
How to change basic economy flight on American Airlines?
Basic Economy flight on American Airlines can not be changed as it is a non-changeable fare but you can cancel the flight for a full refund and purchase a new one within the 24-hour risk-free period.
What does basic economy mean on American Airlines?
Basic Economy on American Airlines means the cheapest fare and travel class with the most restrictions and the fewest perks. It offers only essential perks like seat assignment at check-in or gate, entertainment, snacks, and carry-on bag allowance, while other benefits, such as seat selection checked baggage, priority boarding are not available.
Can you cancel American Airlines basic economy?
Basic economy on American Airlines can be canceled only within 24 hours of the booking. After 24 hours, only AAdvantage members can cancel basic economy to get a travel credit minus the cancellation fee.
Are American Airlines basic economy tickets refundable?
No, American Airlines basic economy refund is not offered because basic economy is a non-refundable fare.
Can I choose my seat on American Airlines basic economy?
Yes, you can choose your seat on American Airlines basic economy, but with a fee, because free seats are assigned randomly at the time of check-in or at the gate.
Can I get a refund on basic economy American Airlines?
You will get a full refund only if you cancel a basic economy ticket on American Airlines within the first 24 hours of the two-day advance booking; otherwise, the ticket's value will be forfeited.
Can you change an American Airlines basic economy flight?
Nope, since basic economy on American Airlines is a non-changeable and non-refundable fare, you can not change basic economy flight after the 24-hour risk-free period.
Does American Airlines economy have TVs?
Yes, American Airlines economy seats feature seatback TV screens, making travel more convenient for passengers on long-haul routes.
Does American Airlines give credit for basic economy?
Yes, American Airlines gives credit for basic economy, but a fee and some conditions apply, including that the ticket must be booked directly with the airline.
How much are seats on American Airlines basic economy?
The fee for selecting a seat in basic economy on AA is not fixed, but it generally starts from $10-$12 for a standard seat and goes up for a preferred seat or extra legroom seat.
