American Airlines is joining the fight to lure frugal flyers in the ultra-competitive transatlantic market by rolling out no-frills tickets on some US-Europe flights.
Basic economy fares will be available for international flights from April but the airline hasn’t yet disclosed which routes.
Basic economy ticket holders get main cabin seating and the same snacks or meals as other economy flyers but are required to pay a fee to check a bag.
Also, they won’t be able to upgrade and will board after most other passengers.
The move to a basic economy option by legacy carriers is a direct response to the growth of low cost carriers in the US.
However the competition is arguably even more intense for flights across the pond with the likes of Norwegian Air and Wow Air rapidly expanding their transatlantic route networks.
Delta Air Lines recently said it is adding basic economy fares on international routes.
