American considers selling few-frills economy fares to Europe

For decades, American Airlines has sold roughly the same services to all economy-class travelers headed to Europe. For the price of the ticket, passengers have gotten seat assignments, a checked bag, food and even booze — all for free. But some of that could end as soon as next year, Don Casey, American’s senior VP of revenue management, said Monday. The airline, he said, could start selling few-frills fares on transatlantic flights as soon as next year. If it happens, they may be similar, though perhaps not identical, to the Basic Economy fares American now sells on many domestic flights to compete with carriers such as Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air. On American, travelers who buy Basic Economy cannot bring a large carry-on bag into the cabin, nor can they choose a seat in advance. And if they are frequent flyers, they are not eligible for free upgrades to first class. “The strategy of unbundling the product and creating sell-up opportunities is something that will work in more markets than just domestic,” Casey said. “We would expect over time, like hopefully some time in 2018, we would have a form of this product on the transatlantic.”<br/>