BA and American to launch ‘basic’ transatlantic fares
British Airways and American Airlines are joining the fight to lure frugal flyers in the ultra-competitive transatlantic market by rolling out no-frills tickets on some flights.
BA’s new fare will launch in April on selected routes for passengers with hand baggage only.
Its partners American, Iberia and Finnair will also offer no-frills fares.
They will be called ‘Basic’ on AA, BA and Iberia, and Light’ on Finnair flights.
BA said more information on routes and pricing will be made available when the fares go live.
AA said basic economy ticket holders will 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 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 on transatlantic routes, with the likes of Norwegian Air and Wow Air rapidly expanding their transatlantic routes networks.
Delta Air Lines recently said it is adding basic economy fares on international routes.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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