American Airlines introduces Basic Economy fare type

Following the recent similar actions of both Delta and United, American Airlines is introducing their Basic Economy fare type to the market beginning March 1st.   Like the Basic Economy fares types offered by Delta and United, American's Basic Economy fare will be highly restrictive and include the following restrictions:

• No carry-on bags that require storage in the overhead compartment are allowed
  • A gate service fee, in addition to the standard checked bag fee will be assessed if arriving at the gate with a carry-on bag that does not fit under the seat. One personal item such as a purse, backpack or briefcase that fits under the seat will continue to be allowed.
• Payment of checked bag fees at the gate and gate service fee are required by credit card or debit card only.
• No flight change requests or refunds are allowed. This includes requests for same-day confirmed flight changes or for standby travel.
• Priority Access is unavailable, even for fee payment.
• Boarding passes will reflect the last boarding group.
• Elite status customers and eligible AAdvantage® credit cardmembers are not subject to carry-on, checked bag, or last group boarding restrictions.
• Seat selections are only offered at 48 hours prior to departure and require payment of a fee.
• No paid or complimentary flight upgrades are allowed.
• In the case of irregular operations, non-elite customers will be re-accommodated on American or joint business partner airlines only; re-accommodation of elite customers will not change.
• Reduced Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) and Elite Qualifying Segments (EQSs) – 0.5 miles earned per flown mile.