On my recent trip to Washington DC, I purchased a Basic Economy ticket on American Airlines to get me home. It was significantly cheaper (about $60 less) than other options, so as a budget-conscious traveling teacher, I decided to give it a try.
American warns you multiple times about the restrictions on a basic economy ticket prior to booking it.
Restrictions
- No seat assignment until check-in.
- Changes and refunds are not allowed.
- No check-in bags included.
- You will be in the last group to board (Group 9).
You can still bring a carry-on and a personal item. You can also check a bag for a $30 fee.
24 hours prior to your flight, you can check-in. I checked in exactly 24 hours before. I was traveling with my husband and we ended up with a window and a middle seat next to each other. It was towards the back of the plane, but not in the last several rows. My mom was booked on a different confirmation number and she ended up in a middle seat.
We had packed carry-ons only (no checked bags) for this trip. We had the option to bring them on board but chose to gate check them so we did not have to carry them. This is one way to get around the checked bag fee! If you have an American credit card, you can also check a bag for free at check-in. Since my mom has an American credit card, she was able to check her bag at the check-in desk.
We were assigned boarding group 9, but with the American credit card, you are bumped up to group 5. Since we were traveling with my mom who has the card, we could board with her in group 5.
Overall, it was not a bad experience booking an American basic economy ticket. I still ended up sitting next to my husband and checked my bad at the gate for no fee. I recommend checking in exactly 24 hours before in order to get the best seats possible or to see if you can get tickets with the rest of your party. Be prepared to be separated from your party or get stuck in a dreaded middle seat. I feel as long as you go in expecting the worst, it will be a pleasant experience and save you some money.
I do not recommend this for people who need to sit together (like traveling with young children), people who are uncomfortable sitting in a middle seat, or people who are strongly opposed to checking a bag. Ultimately, what spot you get will be a gamble. We may have lucked out this time, but I would be willing to gamble again (especially if it ends up like the Alaska saver fare flight we took).
Comment below with your “Basic Economy” experience.
