jimntx
Veteran
Well, it looks as if we are going to have our very own "Where is your god now" section. LOL
Posted on Jetnet this morning:
Basic Economy – Designed to compete
Created by Joshua Freed on Jan 18, 2017 7:28 AM
Today American announced plans for Basic Economy, a new fare option designed to help us compete against growing ultra low-cost carriers. It will be several more weeks before we see the first Basic Economy customers at the airport, but training for Reservations employees and Airport agents at affected airports is under way.
“Why are we doing this? To compete,” President Robert Isom wrote in a letter to employees today. “We know that some of our customers don’t fly very often and they care more about price than about features.”
American needs to compete vigorously with all kinds of airlines and Basic Economy will help us do that by more comparably competing on price and product, while steering customers who want specific attributes to buy a more appropriate fare for them. Basic Economy isn’t for everyone, but it will be a good fit with the other choices we offer such as International First Class, Premium Economy and Main Cabin Extra. Being nimble and trying new things is what will keep our company healthy.
Basic Economy fares will go on sale in February in 10 markets, with the first flights occurring shortly thereafter. We’re starting slow to make sure we get it right, and we plan to expand to more markets this year and incorporate employee feedback along the way. In the long run, Basic Economy fares will be available in select markets and at various prices, so not every flight will have customers traveling on a Basic Economy fare.
What is Basic Economy?
In addition to purchasing our lowest fares, Basic Economy customers will experience the rest of the onboard Main Cabin experience, including a free soft drink and in-flight entertainment where available, and sit in regular Main Cabin seats. American has no plans to alter its seats or the interior of its aircraft for Basic Economy.
Customers who select Basic Economy will give up some amenities included in Main Cabin fares, including upgrades, the ability to change their ticket and the ability to bring on a larger carry-on bag for the overhead bin. Personal items such as a purse or backpack are allowed –the kind of bags that fit under the seat – but all other bags should be checked at the ticket counter. Basic Economy customers who bring a carry-on bag to the gate that won’t fit under the seat will be charged the regular bag fee to check it, plus another $25 Gate Service Fee. Flight attendants will not be policing overhead bin use by Basic Economy customers. Customers traveling on Basic Economy tickets will also board in the last boarding group.
Elites and certain AAdvantage credit cardmembers will receive some special perks even on Basic Economy fares, including earlier boarding groups and the ability to bring a personal item as well as a larger carry-on.
Posted on Jetnet this morning:
Basic Economy – Designed to compete
Created by Joshua Freed on Jan 18, 2017 7:28 AM
Today American announced plans for Basic Economy, a new fare option designed to help us compete against growing ultra low-cost carriers. It will be several more weeks before we see the first Basic Economy customers at the airport, but training for Reservations employees and Airport agents at affected airports is under way.
“Why are we doing this? To compete,” President Robert Isom wrote in a letter to employees today. “We know that some of our customers don’t fly very often and they care more about price than about features.”
American needs to compete vigorously with all kinds of airlines and Basic Economy will help us do that by more comparably competing on price and product, while steering customers who want specific attributes to buy a more appropriate fare for them. Basic Economy isn’t for everyone, but it will be a good fit with the other choices we offer such as International First Class, Premium Economy and Main Cabin Extra. Being nimble and trying new things is what will keep our company healthy.
Basic Economy fares will go on sale in February in 10 markets, with the first flights occurring shortly thereafter. We’re starting slow to make sure we get it right, and we plan to expand to more markets this year and incorporate employee feedback along the way. In the long run, Basic Economy fares will be available in select markets and at various prices, so not every flight will have customers traveling on a Basic Economy fare.
What is Basic Economy?
In addition to purchasing our lowest fares, Basic Economy customers will experience the rest of the onboard Main Cabin experience, including a free soft drink and in-flight entertainment where available, and sit in regular Main Cabin seats. American has no plans to alter its seats or the interior of its aircraft for Basic Economy.
Customers who select Basic Economy will give up some amenities included in Main Cabin fares, including upgrades, the ability to change their ticket and the ability to bring on a larger carry-on bag for the overhead bin. Personal items such as a purse or backpack are allowed –the kind of bags that fit under the seat – but all other bags should be checked at the ticket counter. Basic Economy customers who bring a carry-on bag to the gate that won’t fit under the seat will be charged the regular bag fee to check it, plus another $25 Gate Service Fee. Flight attendants will not be policing overhead bin use by Basic Economy customers. Customers traveling on Basic Economy tickets will also board in the last boarding group.
Elites and certain AAdvantage credit cardmembers will receive some special perks even on Basic Economy fares, including earlier boarding groups and the ability to bring a personal item as well as a larger carry-on.
xUT
