American Airlines' Basic Economy Carry-On Allowance Is Changing

Image: PHOTO: American Airlines fleet team member loading baggage onto aircraft. (photo courtesy of American Airlines)
Image: PHOTO: American Airlines fleet team member loading baggage onto aircraft. (photo courtesy of American Airlines)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:04 PM ET, Thu July 26, 2018

American Airlines announced Thursday that Basic Economy fares will soon include both a personal item and a carry-on bag.

Starting September 5, all American passengers flying in the main cabin will have the same carry-on allowance, strengthening the Basic Economy options in markets where the fares are already available.

Customers benefit from American's lowest fares that are competitive with low-cost carriers while still experiencing the airline's expansive network of routes and quality customer service.

American issued an infographic on the Basic Economy fares changes:

The airline removed the carry-on bag restrictions as part of an effort to combat budget carriers that include carry-on bags in their lowest fares. The current Basic Economy fare rules will continue through September 5.

American now offers an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. The airline has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, DC.


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