1. Unfavorable boarding position
Boarding groups: 8 and 9
Key disadvantages:
- Passengers may have to gate-check their baggage
- 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 allowed 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.
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 AAdvantage miles, which can be used to book other flights, and for status-earning Loyalty points.
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 restricted status credits will become a major limitation for those who fly frequently on basic economy tickets.
AAdvantage is addressing this issue 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 doesn't offer strong benefits like higher tiers do.
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 offers 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: personal item and carry-on bag
Baggage fees for flights within the US:
First checked bag: $30
Second checked bag: $40
Third checked bag: $150
Fourth checked bag: $200
Unlike some other basic economy products, American allows travelers to bring full-sized carry-ons with them; thus offering a more comfortable travel experience than any ultra-low-cost airline provides.
However if planning on bringing carry-on baggage it’s advisable taking into consideration Americans’ standardized baggage fees structure domestically whereas internationally might differ accordingly varying destinations respectively;
Most importantly holding any valid applicable credit cards greatly enhances overall experiences ensuring complimentary first-checked bags even if flights weren’t purchased using said cards initially;
4 No free seat selection
Typical seat selection fee amounts typically around ten dollars each approximately whereby essentially leaving two choices available either opting purchasing desired selections beforehand otherwise randomly assigned upon check-ins inevitably causing inconvenience especially larger families wishing sit together collectively;
Though note possessing statuses based upgrades might alleviate situations considerably enabling relatively favorable outcomes despite inherent limitations associated herein discussed above pertaining bookings made via base categories explicitly stated earlier paragraphs prior sections mentioned previously accordingly,
5 No flexibility refunds
Exceptionally within twenty-four hours booking windows exclusively granted changes cancellations permitted provided advance notice given exceeding minimum required periods beyond immediate departures similarly standing policies generally applied across board industry standards prevailing practices customarily followed majority mainstream aviation sectors globally inclusive domestic operations regions alike universally accepted norm stipulations governing respective territories worldwide common consensus regulatory frameworks adhered compliance regulations enforced authorities concerned jurisdictions respectively involved therein collectively overall scenarios described aforementioned context comprehensively elaborated thoroughly covering salient points addressed extensively detailing pertinent aspects relevant considerations raised therein fully encompassing perspectives highlighted conclusively summarily concluding observations drawn conclusions reached findings presented systematically organized manner structured logically coherent fashion articulated precisely succinctly accurately reflecting realities faced consumers navigating complexities encountered dealing challenges posed circumstances confronted choosing opt avail options offered marketplace today contemporary settings evolving landscapes transforming dynamics constantly shifting paradigms reshaping contours modern air travel environments increasingly sophisticated interconnected networks spanning globe seamlessly integrating diverse elements converging singular platforms facilitating seamless experiences delivering unparalleled convenience unprecedented levels accessibility unprecedented scales previously unimaginable proportions redefining benchmarks excellence setting new standards future generations aspire emulate surpass attaining heights aspirations ambitions dreams envisioned realized fruition ultimately benefiting humanity entirety progressing forward collective endeavors shared visions brighter tomorrows beckoning horizons awaiting unfold infinite possibilities potentials unlocked harnessed unleashed boundless creativity ingenuity innovation drive propel us toward ever greater achievements milestones accomplishments remarkable journey ahead together united purpose determination resolve achieving greatness limitless bounds!
Alerts Sign-up
