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. These no-frills tickets provide a
simple and affordable way to experience American’s network, and
provide customers the option to pay for the services they want.
Basic Economy fares will go on sale in February in 10 select
markets, with the first flights occurring shortly thereafter and
expansion to additional markets expected later this year. Not every
American Airlines flight will offer Basic Economy fares.
“American Airlines now has something to offer every customer,
from those who want simple, low-price travel to those who want an
ultra-premium experience via First Class,” said American Airlines
President Robert Isom. “Importantly, this new fare product also
gives American the ability to compete more effectively with the
growing number of ultra low-cost carriers.”
Here’s a look at what Basic Economy customers can expect:
In-flight experience – The same in-flight
experience that all Main Cabin customers receive today, including
free entertainment options, soft drinks, and snacks, and the same
seats.
Seat assignments – Made automatically and only
when customers check in. Paid seat assignments can be purchased 48
hours before the flight.
Upgrades – Not permitted, regardless of elite
status level.
Bags – One personal carry-on item that fits
under the seat (such as a purse or small backpack) is allowed. No
overhead bin luggage may be brought on board. Larger carry-ons such
as a rollerboard bag must be checked at the ticket counter for the
applicable checked-baggage charge. Basic Economy customers who
bring more than an under-seat personal item to the gate will incur
regular checked baggage charges plus a $25 gate service charge per
bag.
Elite customers and eligible AAdvantage® credit cardmembers will
be allowed to bring one personal item, one rollerboard, and they
maintain their current free checked bag allowance.
Boarding – Basic Economy customers will
comprise the last boarding group and will be seated in the Main
Cabin. Elite customers and eligible AAdvantage® credit cardmembers
will continue to receive Priority or preferred boarding even when
purchasing this fare.
Tickets – Non-refundable, non-changeable. Use
it or lose it. No same-day flight change or same-day standby.
AAdvantage – Full AAdvantage miles and Elite
Qualifying Dollars may be earned when purchasing these fares;
however, only one-half Elite Qualifying Mile will be earned per
mile flown, and one-half Elite Qualifying Segment per segment
flown.
American is committed to helping every customer find the ticket
price and service that’s best for his or her travel needs. Multiple
disclosures will spell out the attributes of a Basic Economy ticket
at the time of purchase on aa.com, and when utilizing the airline’s
reservations phone centers or when booking through a travel agent
or online travel site. In addition to clear disclosures at the time
of purchase, Basic Economy customers will also receive reminders as
their travel day gets closer, including at check-in kiosks at the
airport.
“Our goal is to make sure that all customers have the
opportunity to purchase a ticket on American that works for their
specific needs,” continued Isom. “We will work hard to ensure
transparency, provide clear explanations of these fares, and we
look forward to continuing to offer a wide variety of services to
our customers.”
Q&A
1. Is this a new fare discount?In general these
fares will be lower than regular Main Cabin fares in the same way
that Main Cabin fares are lower than Business Class. The idea is to
give customers a choice in the kind of ticket they want to
purchase. It’s not a new discount, but a new set of attributes for
our lowest fares.
2. How many Basic Economy seats will be available on
each flight?The number will vary depending on the same
factors that affect pricing generally.
3. How many markets will have Basic Economy fares
available?We’ll introduce Basic Economy in ten markets and
expand in line with customer interest. Just like with other fare
decisions, we’ll always be evaluating the right mix of products to
offer our customers and we may change those offerings depending on
customer demand.
4. Why not charge Basic Economy customers to bring a
large carry-on instead of requiring them to check it?We
hope that limiting carry-ons to a personal item will result in
fewer bags in overhead bins. For Basic Economy customers, planning
ahead to check a bag at the ticket counter or kiosk ensures a
smoother travel experience without worrying about bin space.
5. What happens if a Basic Economy customer brings a bag
to the gate that doesn’t fit under the seat?They will need
to check that bag at the gate and pay the applicable
checked-baggage fee -- $25 for a first bag, $35 for a second bag,
etc., including bags checked at the ticket counter. They would also
owe a $25 gate service charge per bag for checking a first or
second bag at the gate. (No gate service charge on bags 3+).
6. Is the on-board experience in Basic Economy
different?Once on the plane, Basic Economy customers have
the same in-flight experience as anyone else in Main Cabin,
including complimentary soft drinks and a snack. They sit in
regular Main Cabin seats. American has no plans to alter its seats
or the interior of its aircraft for Basic Economy.
7. Will families that include young children be seated
together?As it does today, American’s reservations system
will check for families traveling with children 13 and under a few
days before the flight, and attempt to seat each child with an
adult. This is the same process we follow for Main Cabin
customers.
About American Airlines GroupAmerican Airlines
and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day
to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has
hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami,
New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. American is a
founding member of the oneworld® alliance,
whose members serve more than 1,000 destinations with about 14,250
daily flights to over 150 countries. Shares of American Airlines
Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. In 2015,
its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on
Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.
Corporate Communications
817-967-1577
mediarelations@aa.com
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