American Airlines on Thursday announced further restrictions for its Basic Economy fares, including for travelers with elite status and co-branded credit cards.
Previously, travelers with AAdvantage elite status or with a co-branded credit card were able to receive their benefits even when flying Basic Economy, like priority boarding and free seat selection. For Basic Economy tickets purchased on May 18 or later, such passengers can select a seat for a fee and will not be eligible for complimentary upgrades, such as Main Cabin Extra.
Later this year, AAdvantage members without status will board in group 7, instead of group 6. Those with elite status or a co-branded credit card will continue to board in their respective priority or preferred groups. The airline did not announce a firm date for when the changes to its boarding process will begin.
American will also begin to hike its checked bag fees effective immediately, following many others in the U.S. airline industry. Fees for domestic and short-haul international flights will now cost $50 for a first bag, $60 for a second, and $200 for a third. Additionally, travelers on a Basic Economy ticket will be charged an additional $5.
Those who prepay checked bag fees online will receive a $5 discount.
Like others in the industry, American is looking for ways to offset high jet fuel costs. JetBlue was the first airline to raise checked bag fees last week, followed by United and Delta. Fuel is the second-largest cost for airlines behind labor, and American saw an approximately $400 million increase in March.
American Airlines Group will announce its first-quarter earnings on April 23.
