American Airlines will follow the lead of Delta and United next year, adding a 'Basic Economy' fare that will compete with ultra-low-cost carriers such as Spirit, Allegiant and Frontier on competing routes.
The fares will be introduced in January, and will focus on routes from American hubs where the discounters are competing, and will be a separate fare class.
Up to now, American has met that competition by discounting its regular economy fare for all seats. The new strategy will leave traditional economy in place and add the new fares for those who are willing to fly on the discounters' barebones fares and pay whatever fees are added, including in some cases for carryons, seat reservations and refreshments. The traditional economy fare will keep the amenities. Both classes will have to pay for checked bags.
Not all terms of American's fares are available, but if they're comparable to Delta's, no changes will be allowed; if you can't fly on the ticket you lose it.
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