Basic Economy Is Coming To Select American Flights

American Airlines officials announced Thursday the carrier would introduce Basic Economy on some trans-Atlantic flights beginning in April.

The addition of Basic Economy service will be part of a partnership with American’s Atlantic Joint Business partners British Airways, Iberia and Finnair. International travelers on qualifying flights will have the opportunity to book the airline’s lowest fares.

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The initial rollout of the Basic Economy service to Europe will be similar to how American unveiled it in the United States, with airport and reservation team members undergoing training while implementing it in only a limited number of cities to start.

The options and restrictions for trans-Atlantic Basic Economy are similar to those for domestic Basic Economy or for short-haul international Basic Economy such as flights to Canada.

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Though more details will be provided in April, American released a preview of what travelers can expect from the new Basic Economy service:

Boarding: Trans-Atlantic Basic Economy customers, including those originating with a domestic leg, will board in Group 8. Elite customers and eligible AAdvantage credit card members will continue to receive priority or preferred boarding even when purchasing this fare.

Carry-on Bags: The carry-on bag allowance for all international Main Cabin fares, including trans-Atlantic Basic Economy, is one personal item and one larger carry-on. This is unchanged from international Main Cabin fares today.

Checked Bags: Regular Main Cabin fares will continue to include one checked bag for free. A new fee will apply for the first checked bag on trans-Atlantic Basic Economy.

Connections: Customers flying on a domestic Basic Economy leg connecting to a trans-Atlantic Basic Economy ticket will travel under the rules of the international ticket, including the carry-on bag allowance.

In-flight experience: Regardless of whether they are traveling on a Basic Economy fare or a regular Main Cabin fare, all Main Cabin customers will have the same experience, including the same free entertainment, soft drinks, snacks and meals offered today.

Seat assignments: Free seat assignments are made automatically when customers check-in. Customers flying trans-Atlantic Basic Economy can purchase a seat assignment at any time.

Tickets: Non-refundable. No same-day flight change or same-day standby. However, the tickets are changeable (for a fee), which is different from domestic Basic Economy where changes are not allowed at all.

Upgrades: Not permitted, regardless of elite status level.