Search Travel Market Report

mainlogo
www.travelmarketreport.com
  • News
  • Packaged Travel
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Niche & Luxury
  • Air
  • Training & Resources
  • Who We Are
    • Brian Israel
    • Briana Bonfiglio
    • Dan McCarthy
    • Dori Saltzman
    • Jennifer Arango
    • Kelly Fontenelle
    • Keri-Anne Slevin
    • Louis Intreglia
    • Tom McCarthy

American Airlines Eases Carry-On Limits for Basic Economy Fares

by Barbara Peterson / July 27, 2018
American Airlines Eases Carry-On Limits for Basic Economy Fares

American Airlines is planning on changing its Basic Economy carry-on restrictions. Photo: EQ Roy/Shutterstock.com. 


American Airlines is making Basic Economy fares a little less basic – but still keeping most of the rules that make this the most bare-bones of the major carrier fare offerings.  

In an announcement during the carrier’s second quarter earnings call, American Airlines executives said that they are removing the limit on carry-on bags other than a personal item. Fliers booked on the flights starting Sept. 5 can bring on a carry-on free of charge; previously, it had to be small enough to fit under the seat.

But Doug Parker, American Airlines' CEO, made it clear that this was not a sudden change of heart – it is effectively matching Delta Air Lines, which gives Basic Economy passengers access to the overhead bins, thus making its fare option more attractive to consumers.

The carry-on change is particularly notable because these fares are spreading to international markets. Airlines are now selling Basic Economy tickets for flights to Europe, as well as on flights to Canada and Mexico. Delta recently indicated that it is making the move to stay consistent with its partners such as Air France-KLM and Alitalia, which have come out with their own me-too versions.

Airlines are likely to continue to tweak the product, but the basic concept remains the same: a sort of economy lite that mimics the pricing structure of, say, a Spirit or Ryanair, which offer a low-base fare and charge fees for most additional services. Passengers typically cannot reserve seats in advance or make changes to their tickets, even for a fee.

The airlines have essentially admitted that they intend to keep the product limited because they believe they can upsell consumers to the next highest fare once they are aware of all the restrictions.

  0
  2
Related Articles
Around-the-World Private Jet Tours Seen as Growth Market for 2024
New All-Business Class Airline Beond to Begin Operation with Maldives Routes
Advisors Concerned Over Delta SkyMiles Changes Impact on Delta Vacations Bookings
Southwest’s Hawaii Flights Back on Track as Federal Government Reopens
European Airlines Adding Transatlantic Flights for 2019 as Brexit Fears Ease
Southwest Airlines Testing Faster Boarding Process
Bucking Industry Trend, Delta Air Lines Promises Free WiFi For Passengers
Budget Airline Primera Air Ceases Operations, Declares Bankruptcy
JetBlue Eyes Expanding Premium Mint Class to Transatlantic Flights
ASTA Claims Victory for Travel Agents in FAA Bill Compromise

MOST VIEWED

  1. The Best Black Friday and Cyber Monday Travel Deals for 2023
  2. The Ten 'Most Christmassy' Towns in the U.S.
  3. Royal Caribbean Ups Daily Gratuity Charge
  4. How a Talent Shortage Is Threatening Agencies, and Why Underqualified Advisors Aren't the Answer
  5. The 10 Best Places to Spend Halloween in the U.S.
  6. U.S. State Department Warns Travelers About GPS Dangers in South Africa


  1. The Worst Airports for Holiday Flight Delays
  2. Royal Caribbean Monitoring Haiti Violence
  3. Cruise Lines Extend Israel Cancellations
  4. What Will Be the Biggest Travel Trends of 2024?
  5. Dondra Ritzenthaler to Join Azamara as CEO
  6. Iceland Travel Update: Southwest Earthquakes Heighten Risk of Volcanic Activity
TMR Subscription

Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth coverage, analysis of industry news, trends and issues that affect how you do business. Subscribe now for free.

Subscribe to TMR

Top Stories
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort Brings Unlimited Luxury to Mexico’s Pacific Coast
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort Brings Unlimited Luxury to Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Coming in April 2024, the newest Dreams Resort & Spa can be found tucked into the exclusive Estrella del Mar zone of Mazatlán. 

Read...
Thailand Launches "Come Discovery Your Thailand" Travel Forum
Thailand Launches "Come Discovery Your Thailand" Travel Forum

Spots are still open for the January 2024 forum. 

Read...
The Iconic Las Vegas Mirage Volcano Is Coming Back
The Iconic Las Vegas Mirage Volcano Is Coming Back

It’s not quite the end for the Mirage's legendary volcano just yet. 

Read...
U.S. State Department Warns Travelers About GPS Dangers in South Africa
U.S. State Department Warns Travelers About GPS Dangers in South Africa

The update comes after a tourist was shot and robbed while using GPS routes earlier this week.

Read...
The CDC Expands Its Airport Surveillance Program
The CDC Expands Its Airport Surveillance Program

The CDC is now monitoring more than just COVID-19. 

Read...
Around-the-World Private Jet Tours Seen as Growth Market for 2024
Around-the-World Private Jet Tours Seen as Growth Market for 2024

While it took Jules Verne’s Phileas Fog 80 days to circumnavigate the globe, travelers today can circle the earth, in far more comfort. 

Read...
OUTLOOKS & WHITE PAPERS
Trends in River Cruise, 2023
European Travel Trends 2023
Winning in The Tech Era: Essential Insights for Travel Advisors
View All
Advertiser's Voice
//services.travelsavers.com/AMGService.svc/REST/GetImage?ImageID=c0852062-a67c-ee11-adc6-005056a855ed
Swan Hellenic: Beyond Ordinary
About Travel Market Report Mission Staff Advisory Board Advertise
TMR Resources Webinars Calendar of Events Outlook/Whitepapers Previous Sponsored Articles Previous This Week Articles
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
editor@travelmarketreport.com
Give Us a Call
1-(516) 730-3097
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report
71 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
News |Packaged Travel |Cruise |Hotels & Resorts |Destinations |Retail Strategies |Niche & Luxury |Air |Training & Resources |Who We Are
© 2005 - 2023 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | 243 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY, 11771 USA | Telephone (516) 730-3097| Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy