American Launches New Fare Bundles

American Airlines introduced new fare bundles that are “simple enough to be consumed by the GDSs,” a spokesman for the carrier said. The fares are based on normal fares filed through ATPCO, he said.

But although the fares will be in the systems, it’s not clear that they will be displayed in the same fashion as on American’s website. There are three tabs that show different options.

Lowest fare options
The options displayed on the Lowest Fare tab include:

•    Choice: The lowest fare available in the economy cabin. It gives customers the flexibility to purchase additional products a la carte.

•    Choice Essential: No change fee, one checked bag (or third checked bag for AAdvantage elite and Oneworld elite members) and Group 1 boarding for an additional $68 roundtrip.  

•    Choice Plus: No change fee, one checked bag (or third checked bag for AAdvantage elite and Oneworld elite customers), Group 1 boarding, 50% AAdvantage mileage bonus, same-day flight change, same-day standby, and a premium beverage on flights where alcohol is served for an additional $88 roundtrip.

•    Fully Flexible: Refundable fare, two checked bags, Main Cabin Extra/Preferred Seats, PriorityAAccess, same-day flight change, same-day standby and 500-mile upgrade eligibility (upgrades available after AAdvantage elite status members have been confirmed).

•    Business/First: The lowest business class or first class fare, including Instant Upgrade fares, is visible on the Lowest Fare tab.  Customers booking business and first class fares will receive all the usual benefits, including priority baggage handling, up to three checked bags and PriorityAAccess.

By clicking on the Refundable tab, users see a new range of fares.

A click on the Business/First tab reveals Instant Upgrade, first and First Flexible fares.