American Airlines now allows free carry-on bag for 'basic economy' passengers


Travelers are allowed to bring a standard carry-on bag in addition to a personal item that fits under the seat in front of them. Until Wednesday, travelers were only allowed to bring on a personal item. Bags that did not fit under the seat were checked at the gate for a charge of $50.大阪から上海

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker said in July that the tweak is designed to allow the airline to "become more competitive.'' One problem: American's basic economy fares weren't showing up in flight results on travel sites where travelers can search for flights with free carry-on bags and other amenities.

"There are now filters on things like Google search that ask you if you want to bring a carry-on, and if you say yes, the American flights don’t show up nearly as high as they did before because it adds $20 to our fare," Parker said on the airline's earnings conference call. "Nothing wrong with that. It’s accurate. But when you get yourself in a position in this business where price-sensitive customers find themselves with lower fares on truly competitive airlines like that, we have to take that into consideration."

Delta Air Lines already allows passengers buying basic economy tickets to bring a free carry-on.