Tag

Basic Economy

All articles tagged with #basic economy

Airlines Raise Checked-Bag Fees, With Basic-Economy Hit Harder
business15 hours ago

Airlines Raise Checked-Bag Fees, With Basic-Economy Hit Harder

American Airlines joined Delta, United, JetBlue, and Southwest in lifting checked-bag fees, with basic-economy fares paying higher charges than standard fares. Starting May 18, first bags cost $55 (or $50 online) and second bags $65 (or $60 online) for basic economy, while regular fares see a $10 increase for the first bag to $50 and $60 for a second (with online discounts). The changes add seat-selection fees for all basic-economy travelers and remove complimentary upgrades. The industry cites rising jet-fuel costs amid Middle East tensions as a key driver, even as demand remains strong and carriers push premium options.

American Airlines Tweaks Bag Fees and Distinguishes Basic Economy
business2 days ago

American Airlines Tweaks Bag Fees and Distinguishes Basic Economy

American Airlines is updating its checked-bag fees and further differentiating Basic Economy from Main Cabin. For tickets booked on or after April 9, the first checked bag costs $50 at the airport ($45 if prepaid online), the second bag $60 (prepay $55), and the third bag $200; Basic Economy tickets purchased on or after May 18 will carry higher first/second-bag charges in most markets (first bag $55, $50 prepaid; second bag $65, $60 prepaid), with select South America markets priced at $70 for the first bag. Previous fees apply to tickets bought before these dates. The changes also accompany Basic Economy seat selection and boarding rules, while AAdvantage status members and eligible premium or military travelers retain certain complimentary bag benefits.

American Airlines hikes bag fees, tightens basic-economy rules
news2 days ago

American Airlines hikes bag fees, tightens basic-economy rules

American Airlines is raising checked-bag fees (first bag up to $50, second $60, third $200) and adding a $5 bag fee for basic-economy tickets starting April 9. It’s also tightening basic-economy rules for AAdvantage elites (no upgrades, no seat selection or Main Cabin Extra on basic fares, effective May 18) while free baggage perks remain for elite status and cobranded cards. A boarding-group change for non-elites on basic fares is planned later this year. These moves follow industry-wide baggage-fee hikes driven by higher fuel costs.

United reshapes MileagePlus to reward cardholders and elites while cutting non-card miles
travel1 month ago

United reshapes MileagePlus to reward cardholders and elites while cutting non-card miles

United Airlines is overhauling its MileagePlus program to heavily favor cobranded cardholders and elite status. Earning rates will be reduced for non-cardholders and for basic-economy bookings, while cardholders (and those with status) will earn more miles per dollar and receive discounts on award flights (at least 10%, rising to 15%+ for Premier status). The changes, effective for tickets purchased on or after April 2, mark a significant shift toward rewarding loyalty members over casual fliers.

American Airlines Cuts Rewards and Perks for Basic Economy Fares
business3 months ago

American Airlines Cuts Rewards and Perks for Basic Economy Fares

American Airlines has announced that travelers booking basic economy tickets on or after Dec. 17 will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points, as part of a broader trend of airlines reducing perks on cheaper fares. While basic economy remains the lowest-priced option with some included amenities, loyalty rewards are now limited for these tickets, although elite members can still access upgrades. This move reflects American's effort to stay competitive with other airlines like Delta and United, which have also adjusted their loyalty programs for basic economy travelers.

American Airlines reduces benefits for basic economy passengers
business3 months ago

American Airlines reduces benefits for basic economy passengers

American Airlines has announced that starting December 17, 2025, members of its AAdvantage loyalty program will no longer earn miles or loyalty points when purchasing basic economy tickets, although they will still receive some in-flight amenities. This change aims to make basic economy fares less attractive to travelers who might otherwise opt for more expensive tickets, as the airline seeks to balance competitiveness and profitability amid recent financial losses.

American Airlines Tightens Restrictions and Cuts Miles for Basic Economy Flyers
business3 months ago

American Airlines Tightens Restrictions and Cuts Miles for Basic Economy Flyers

American Airlines will no longer allow passengers purchasing basic economy fares to earn frequent flyer miles or points toward elite status starting December 17, 2025, aligning with industry trends as airlines seek to attract higher-spending customers. Basic economy tickets will still include some amenities like a personal item, carry-on, snacks, and entertainment, with elite members retaining some benefits. This move follows similar policies by Delta and contrasts with United, which still allows mile earning on basic economy tickets.

Southwest Airlines Faces Revenue and Stock Challenges Amid Travel Demand Drop
business8 months ago

Southwest Airlines Faces Revenue and Stock Challenges Amid Travel Demand Drop

Southwest Airlines reported better-than-expected Q2 earnings driven by higher bag fee revenues, despite a revenue hit from switching to a basic economy fare that reduced bookings and impacted revenue per seat. The airline expects to earn $350 million from bag fees this year and remains confident in its growth strategy, aiming for $1.8 billion in incremental EBIT by 2025. However, its Q2 net income declined to $213 million, and stock prices fell nearly 12%.

Southwest Airlines Faces Challenges Amid Earnings and Travel Demand Decline
business8 months ago

Southwest Airlines Faces Challenges Amid Earnings and Travel Demand Decline

Southwest Airlines reported a 42% drop in net income for Q2 2025 amid ongoing business model changes, including new bag fees and basic economy fares, which have had mixed financial impacts. Despite some revenue from bag fees exceeding expectations, the airline faces challenges with basic economy conversion rates and industry-wide profit declines. The company remains optimistic about its transformational initiatives and future profitability.

Southwest Airlines Faces Passenger Backlash Over Fee Changes and Service Adjustments
travel10 months ago

Southwest Airlines Faces Passenger Backlash Over Fee Changes and Service Adjustments

Southwest Airlines implemented significant changes on May 28th, including charging for checked bags, expiring travel credits, and unannounced fees, which have led to confusion and negative impacts on passengers, especially regarding ticket modifications, travel credits, and benefits for elite members, often catching customers by surprise.