China Eastern Airlines has quietly introduced a Basic Economy fare option on international routes within Asia.
It is a first for a major Chinese carrier and one of only a handful of full service carriers to introduce a bare bones fare outside the US.
It is in response to the growing influence of low cost airlines within China and across Asia.
The fare is priced at about $30 cheaper than a regular economy fare but comes with several restrictions.
The non-refundable fare doesn’t allow customers to check in online, there is no checked baggage allowance, and it cannot be upgraded or changed.
However it still includes a complementary meal.
It is available on short haul trips within Asia and the airline said it has no immediate plans to extend it to long haul flights to Europe or North America.
