In a move that could charitably be described as bold and less charitably as confusing, American Airlines announced changes to its Basic Economy fares that will allow passengers to bring carry-on bags again, effectively reversing a policy it had championed since 2017 in a bid to reinvent air travel as something between a bus ride and an endurance sport.
Beginning with tickets issued after March 2024 — a date that may now live in infamy for budget-minded travelers — all Basic Economy passengers will once again be allowed a full-sized carry-on bag, in addition to that sad little personal item that barely fits a paperback and a crushed granola bar. This puts American in line with United and Delta, both of whom already permit such decadent behavior from their lowest-fare customers.
The airline said the policy shift is aimed at “simplifying the travel experience and aligning with customer expectations,” which is corporate-speak for “everyone hated it and we finally admitted that.” Notably, American previously insisted its restrictive luggage policy helped streamline boarding and improve on-time performance, although the sight of TSA lines snaking around terminals suggests that may have been more optimistic than accurate.
The change also coincides with an overhaul of the airline’s AAdvantage loyalty program, which will shower more miles upon those who spend more money — proving once again that loyalty is a commodity like any other, preferably sold at 35,000 feet and garnished with pretzels.
“We’ve listened to our customers and are making changes to deliver more value and flexibility,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Chief Commercial Officer, who presumably had to say this while keeping a straight face.
Critics had long argued that American’s previous policy created unnecessary stress and confusion for passengers, many of whom found themselves frantically stuffing jackets into already overstuffed personal items or debating the existential limits of what qualifies as a “backpack.” Travel forums rejoiced at the reversal, though a few skeptics noted that baggage-related joy is closely followed by baggage-related fees.
Of course, none of this means the seats will get bigger or the snacks will get crunchier, but in air travel as in life, we take our small victories where we can, preferably stowed securely in the overhead bin.
Because nothing says progress quite like letting people bring a bag on their flight again.