American Considers Selling Few-Frills Economy Fares to Europe
Skift Take
Don't hate American Airlines if it unbundles fares on some transatlantic routes. By flying discounters like Wow Air and Norwegian, travelers have shown how much they like cheap no-frills airlines. American needs to give the people what they want — $99 one-way fares to Barcelona.
For decades, American Airlines has sold roughly the same services to all economy-class travelers headed to Europe. For the price of the ticket, passengers have gotten seat assignments, a checked bag, food and even booze — all for free.
But some of that could end as soon as next year, Don Casey, American's senior vice president of revenue management, said Monday during a discussion at the Boyd Group's International Aviation Forecast Summit in Las Vegas.
The airline, he said, could start selling few-frills fares on transatlantic flights as soon as next year. If it happens, they may be similar, though perhaps not identical, to the Basic Economy fares American now sells on many domestic flights to compete with carriers such as Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air. On American, travelers who buy Basic Economy cannot bring a large carry-on bag into the cabin, nor can they choose a seat in advance. And if they are frequent flyers, they are not eligible for free upgrades to first class.
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