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American Airlines Basic Economy: A Guide to Baggage, Changes, and More

American Airlines Basic Economy tickets include a carry-on but — with some exceptions — can't be changed or cancelled for a refund.

By Lindsay Frankel
and Ashley Eneriz

Edited by Alicia Hahn

Updated June 19, 2025

Booking basic economy tickets on American Airlines can save you a lot of money, which is great if you would rather spend your dough on a nice hotel or local cuisine instead. But those savings come with a bunch of restrictions and some sacrifices in the comfort and convenience department.

American Airlines basic economy fares come with significant restrictions on changes and cancellations more than 24 hours out from booking and there are fees to check a bag and to select your seat. Basic economy passengers do get one carry-on and one personal item, though, and you may be able to avoid some add-on fees if you're an AAdvantage member.

American Airlines basic economy policies

With the growth of budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier, legacy carriers like American have had to start offering more bare-bones fares to remain competitive. You

Baggage rules

When American Airlines first began offering Basic Economy tickets, only one personal item was included in the ticket cost. But American Airlines eventually began allowing one carry-on plus one personal item at no additional cost. Some carriers, like United, don't offer a free carry-on bag with their lowest price domestic fares.

Note:

Bags needed for medical supplies, including diaper bags or breast pump bags, do not count toward your personal item.

Checked bags on American Airlines cost extra for both basic economy and main cabin customers. Premium economy, business, and first class passengers get up to two complimentary checked bags included with their tickets on domestic flights, as do select elite status holders and eligible AAdvantage co-branded credit cardholders.

Seating and boarding

With your Basic Economy ticket, your seat will be randomly assigned to you at check-in. That means you might get stuck in the middle between two people who have the audacity to take both armrests (I'm speaking from experience here). Families can be split up as well, but American Airlines will assign seats so that children under 15 are next to at least one accompanying adult. If you want to choose a specific seat, you'll be charged an additional fee.

Your Basic Economy ticket entitles you to board with the last boarding group, typically group 9. However, certain credit cardholders and AAdvantage elite members may be eligible to board earlier. You can also pay more for a main cabin seat or an extra legroom seat.

Flight changes and cancellation policy

Your Basic Economy ticket allows you to pay extra to make changes to a flight same-day, but other changes will not be allowed. You also will not be able to get a refund for your ticket if you cancel or make changes to your flight more than 24 hours out from booking. You'll also need to have booked your flight at least two days before departure to be eligible for a refund.

Again, being an AAdvantage member comes with more flexibility, as some members may be able to cancel basic economy fares beyond the 24-hour window, but only for a travel credit.

American Airlines does allow changes to Basic Economy tickets for flights originating in some European countries, but expect a hefty fee.

AAdvantage points and benefits

AAdvantage members can earn points based on the ticketed value of their Basic Economy flight. You can also earn Loyalty Points, which could help toward earning American Airlines elite status.

Limited upgrade options

Only certain AAdantage status holders can make upgrades on American Airlines basic economy fares and only if they bough their ticket at least 24 hours before departure. Upgrade availability for eligible flyers varies based on destination.

How to change a Basic Economy flight with American

While Basic Economy flights with American Airlines generally can't be changed, there are a few exceptions. You can make changes or cancel for a refund within 24 hours of purchase if the booking was made at least two days before departure. Expect there to be a hefty fee to make changes, though, which might surpass how much you paid for the ticket in the first place.

If you are an AAdvantage member, you can cancel your flight after the 24-hour period for a fee, but you will receive travel credit rather than a full refund.

How to get around American's Basic Economy restrictions

Save big on your flight while still feeling like a world-class traveler with these simple ways to upgrade your experience. The following memberships will allow you a free checked bag, faster check-ins, and access to private lounges while you wait for your flight.

1. Become an AAdvantage elite member

AAdvantage is the American Airlines loyalty program, which allows frequent fliers to earn elite status and be eligible for additional perks every time they fly. To reach the first elite tier, which is AAdvantage Gold, you'll need to earn 30,000 Loyalty Points.

Loyalty Points can be earned by flying, making eligible purchases with co-branded American Airlines credit cards, and taking advantage of offers from American Airlines partners. You typically earn one Loyalty Point for each base mile you earn on purchases with applicable credit cards.

2. Become a Oneworld elite member

Oneworld is an airline alliance with many partner airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, and more. To achieve elite status with Oneworld, you need to first reach elite status through one of the loyalty programs of its partner airlines. So if you haven't flown American Airlines this year, you could still be eligible for perks if you've earned enough miles on British Airways, for example.

Oneworld Ruby members will get priority check-in and pre-reserved seating, and Emerald and Sapphire tiers will also get priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and access to lounges.

3. Get an American Airlines credit card

If you're looking to reach elite status through AAdvantage and avoid some of the restrictions on your Basic Economy ticket, getting an American Airlines credit card can help you reach your goal much faster.

Between the generous welcome offers and higher rewards rates associated with these cards, you might be surprised how quickly you can reach the tier you want. And many of these cards also come with additional travel perks and savings opportunities that you can start enjoying now.

For example, even though Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^® has a $99 (waived first year) annual fee, if you fly three times or more a year, this card will save you money on checked bags. At the airport, American Airlines charges $40 for your first checked bag on a domestic flight.

Even the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® with its hefty $595 annual fee can be worth it for frequent travelers who take advantage of the complimentary food, wi-fi, and showers in the select Admiral Club lounges. Plus, priority check-in and screening will save you time when you hit the airport during a rush.

Here are some of the best credit cards for American Airlines flyers.

Card	Basic Economy perks	Other American Airlines perks	Annual fee
American Airlines AAdvantage^® MileUp^® Card	Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services; 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases; and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases	25% off eligible in-flight food and beverage purchases	$0
Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®	Preferred boarding First checked bag free	25% off eligible in-flight food and beverage purchases Earn miles faster	$99 (waived first year)
Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®	Priority boarding Priority check-in and screening First checked bag free	Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit 25% off in-flight food and beverage purchases Admirals Club membership Earn miles faster	$595
Citi^® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard^®	Preferred boarding First checked bag free	25% off in-flight food, beverage, and WiFi purchases Earn miles faster	$99 (waived first year)

AA basic economy compared to other airlines

American Airlines introduced Basic Economy fares in February of 2017, joining other major airlines in offering an affordable, no-frills ticket. But in doing so, the carrier did away with many of the features included in main cabin ticket prices.

A screenshot of different main cabin ticket options offered by American Airlines

This four-day roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to New York can cost as little as $288 per person — a $105 savings from a main ticket. The same trip with Delta cost $253, but its economy offerings were much stricter than American Airlines. Booking economy with Delta means no earned miles or access to Delta Sky Club. Basic Economy flights still earn points and lounge access with certain American Airlines credit cards and memberships.

A screenshot that shows the differences between Basic Economy and Main Cabin seating on Delta Air Lines

United Airlines also offered the same trip from Los Angeles to New York for $253 with similar exclusions as Delta. United Airlines states it offers tools to allow children under 12 to sit with family members, whereas American Airlines ensures children 15 and under sit with at least one guardian.

A screenshot of what a Basic Economy (most restrictive) versus Economy flight offers on United Airlines.

Free checked bags & more

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

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Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

Annual Fee

$99 (waived first year)

Rewards Rate

2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases; and 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Card Details

FAQs

What is the difference between Main Cabin and Basic Economy on American Airlines?

With both main cabin and basic economy tickets on American airlines, you'll get a free carry-on, free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and free entertainment.

The difference is that main cabin passengers can select their seats ahead of time and are eligible for upgrades, flight changes, and standby.

Customers may also choose a Main Cabin Extra seat, which provides more legroom and includes early boarding and free beer, wine, and spirits.

Can I upgrade from Basic Economy on American Airlines?

No, Basic Economy customers aren't typically eligible for upgrades, though you might be if you have elite status.

Does American Airlines Basic Economy include food?

Basic Economy customers will receive the same in-flight service as main cabin customers, which includes complimentary snacks, drinks, and entertainment. Some longer flights may also include a meal.

Bottom line

When considering whether to purchase a main cabin or basic economy ticket on American Airlines, consider the cost. If you can get a domestic basic economy ticket for a steal, we say go for it, especially if you can get around some of the restrictions with your elite status or credit card. Then again, if you want peace of mind (or extra leg room), paying more for a higher class ticket might be worth it to you.

It's a good strategy to look at everything that's available to you if you're an AAdvantage elite status holder or cardmember and consider what restrictions you're willing to live with to get a lower price. Racking up miles on some of the best travel credit cards could also help you save on your flight without having to sacrifice creature comforts. Whether you choose to save money on a basic economy ticket or pay for extra perks, we hope you enjoy your flight!

Earn American Airlines AAdvantage® miles

American Airlines AAdvantage^® MileUp^® Card

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