Silke Jasso
Ready to gamble $50 that your bag will fit under your seat? American Airlines hopes so.
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They’re the latest airline to offer a bargain-basement ticket option to compete with the likes of Spirit Airlines and Allegiant. Those budget airlines offer low ticket prices but attach fees to amenities and services that other airlines offer standard, says CNN Money.
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American will still offers free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, which Spirit and Allegiant do not. All airlines offer the option to carry on a single small item; AA’s Basic Economy passengers aren’t allowed to use the overhead bins without paying a fee, as with most other airlines’ cheapest ticketing.
As noted, American Airlines passengers will face a $25 checked bag fee and a $25 gate service fee to check a bag from the gate in the event it doesn’t fit. That’s comparable to every airline but Spirit, which charges $100 or more for checking a carry-on bag at the gate.
Delta, Spirit and Allegiant all charge for any additional carry-on luggage and vary the fees based on when and how passengers elect to pay for their carry-ons. Fees for using cards and purchasing tickets online, instead of at the airline’s airport ticket office, are common.
American Airlines will still allow Basic Economy passengers to acquire miles. (At least there’s something, right?) The fares will debut in February and gradually roll out around the country.
In a press release, American Airlines President Robert Isom said, “Our goal is to make sure that all customers have the opportunity to purchase a ticket on American that works for their specific needs.”
