American Airlines·oneworld
American Fare Classes — What Each Ticket Includes
American Fare Classes — What Each Ticket Includes — Summary
Every American fare brand compared: what is included, what is restricted, and which cheap fare ends up costing more once you add a bag.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Basic Economy: Includes: Full carry-on and personal item, seat assigned at check-in.
- Main Cabin: Includes: Advance seat selection, no change fee domestically, full AAdvantage earning.
- Main Cabin Extra: Includes: Additional legroom, free alcoholic beverages and early boarding.
- Flagship Business: Includes: Lie-flat seat, Flagship Lounge access, three checked bags on most routes.
Basic Economy
Includes: Full carry-on and personal item, seat assigned at check-in. Watch out for: No changes or refunds after 24 hours, no advance seat selection without paying, and last boarding group.
Main Cabin
Includes: Advance seat selection, no change fee domestically, full AAdvantage earning. Watch out for: Fare difference applies on changes; ticket remains non-refundable.
Main Cabin Extra
Includes: Additional legroom, free alcoholic beverages and early boarding. Watch out for: Same cabin and same baggage allowance as Main Cabin.
Flagship Business
Includes: Lie-flat seat, Flagship Lounge access, three checked bags on most routes. Watch out for: Flagship First now exists on very few aircraft; most "first" on American is domestic recliner First.
Cabins on board
American operates: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, Flagship Business, Flagship First.
How fare choice affects baggage
One full-size carry-on plus one personal item on every fare including Basic Economy. American kept the cabin bag in Basic Economy after briefly removing it. $40 at the airport, $35 if pre-paid online, on standard domestic tickets.
How fare choice affects changes
No change fee on Main Cabin and above for domestic, short-haul international and most long-haul international travel. Fare difference applies. Basic Economy is non-changeable.
American fare classes explained — common questions
What is the cheapest American fare and what does it exclude?
Basic Economy. Includes: Full carry-on and personal item, seat assigned at check-in. Restriction: No changes or refunds after 24 hours, no advance seat selection without paying, and last boarding group.
Which American fare includes a checked bag?
$40 at the airport, $35 if pre-paid online, on standard domestic tickets.
More American help
Booking American? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.