How American Airlines Fares Work

Booking a flight used to be simple. Travelers had the option of booking a seat in either economy or first class. However, more recently, airlines like American Airlines have focused on what's called product segmentation, which involves adding fare classes and cabins in an effort to maximize revenue.

Now, travelers have seemingly endless fare options when trying to book a flight. American's many choices range from Basic Economy up to Flagship First. And some of the names aren't obvious. For example, "Main Cabin" is just the airline's term for a standard economy ticket, and Main Plus and Main Select are add-on packages rather than separate cabins.

American Airlines fare classes

American Airlines currently offers 11 different fare classes:

1. Flagship First, which will be phased out by March 28, 2027.

2. Flagship Business.

3. Flagship Business Plus.

4. First class (domestic).

5. Business class (short-haul international).

6. Premium Economy.

7. Main Cabin Extra.

8. Main Select.

9. Main Plus.

10. Main Cabin.

11. Basic Economy.

Not every flight will include every fare class. For example, a domestic U.S. flight will typically offer First class, Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin seating. Within the Main Cabin, you may find Basic Economy, Main Plus and Main Select fares.

Meanwhile, an international flight on American Airlines' flagship Boeing 777-300ER will offer Flagship First class, Flagship Business class, Premium Economy, Main Cabin Extra and Main Cabin seating. Basic Economy, Main Plus and Main Select fares may be sold in the Main Cabin, and Flagship Business Plus may be an available add-on in business class.

» Learn more: American Airlines' Basic Economy vs. Main Cabin

American Airlines booking codes

Your fare class is the product name you see when you shop, like Basic Economy or Main Cabin Extra. Within each fare class, American has different booking codes. Your particular booking code can also affect how many AAdvantage miles you'll earn.

American Airlines uses the following booking classes for revenue (non-award) fares:

• Basic Economy: B.

• Main Cabin: Y, H, K, M, L, V, G, S, N, Q, O.

• Premium Economy: W, P.

• Business class: J, C, D, R, I.

• First class: F, A.

Note that there aren't separate booking codes for Main Cabin Extra, Main Plus, Main Select or Flagship Business Plus because those are add-on packages on top of the standard fare for that cabin.

» Learn more: Business class vs. first class on American Airlines

American Airlines different classes of economy fares

The different fare options can vary, depending on the flight route. While Basic Economy offers bare-bones features, you'll get standard economy benefits with Main Cabin. Alternatively, you can upgrade to Main Plus, Main Select or Main Cabin Extra, which come with better seats and a few other perks.

Let's break down the main differences between these American Airlines economy fare classes:

While you won't get complimentary seat selection with Basic Economy, you can pay to select one. In contrast, Alaska Airlines doesn't offer this option, and you can't get it with Southwest Airlines unless you're an elite member or Rapid Rewards credit card holder. You'll also get a full-size carry-on bag, which is something most airlines now offer, with the exception of United Airlines.

That said, American Airlines Basic Economy tickets won't earn redeemable AAdvantage miles, nor will they help you toward elite status with Loyalty Points. That's also common among other airlines, though JetBlue Airways and Southwest offer reduced miles-earning potential, as does United, but only for elite members and MileagePlus credit card holders.

Purchasing a Main Cabin fare gets you the ability to earn miles, free changes (though a fare difference may apply), free seat selection and a slightly earlier boarding group. However, your seat and in-flight experience will be the same unless you purchase a Main Cabin Extra seat.

Main Cabin Extra technically isn't a different fare class. Instead, you score a couple of extra perks by purchasing a "Main Cabin Extra" extra-legroom seat or selecting it for free if you have AAdvantage elite status. Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members can grab one of these seats at booking, while Gold members get access at check-in.

In addition to extra legroom, perks include an earlier boarding group and complimentary beer, wine and spirits. However, you still generally get the same seat type and service as Main Cabin.

Main Plus is essentially a fare class package that adds a free checked bag and Main Cabin Extra benefits on top of a standard Main Cabin allowance. Likewise, Main Select is a different type of fare package that makes your fare fully refundable, bumps you up to Group 4 priority boarding and lets you make confirmed flight changes on the day of departure for free. However, you don't get a free checked bag with this option.

» Learn more: American Airlines boarding groups and how you can upgrade

What your fare class means for elite upgrades

AAdvantage status members get complimentary upgrades on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines within North America. With a Basic Economy ticket, you won't be eligible for upgrades at all. But with a Main Cabin ticket, here are your upgrade options:

• Main Cabin to Premium Economy if the aircraft has a premium economy cabin.

• Premium Economy to Business or First class.

• Main Cabin to Business or First class on a plane that doesn't have a Premium Economy cabin.

Your upgrade window will depend on your status tier:

• Gold: 24 hours.

• Platinum: 48 hours.

• Platinum Pro: 72 hours.

• Executive Platinum: 100 hours.

Why do American Airlines class codes matter?

If you booked Basic Economy, you'll earn zero miles. Otherwise, you'll earn a base of 5 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent. And AAdvantage elites earn a bonus on top of those base earning rates.

However, your booking class matters more if you booked a special fare, such as a bulk fare, cruise fare, or an inclusive tour package. The same is true if you plan to credit your flight to another mileage program. In these cases, your American Airlines class codes will determine how many miles you earn or how much your upgrade will cost.

» Learn more: How to know how many miles you’ll earn from a flight

How do I find my fare class on American Airlines?

When you’re shopping for a ticket on American, the fare classes are listed under "Details" under each departure time. Select the "Details" button and a screen will pop up with class code info, broken out by ticket type.

For example, in the screenshot above, the Main Cabin fare is in the S fare bucket.

How to earn AAdvantage miles quickly

You can rack up American Airlines AAdvantage miles by applying for one of the following cards and meeting the requirements for the welcome offer.

If you're an American loyalist, applying for an American Airlines credit card can be a great way to earn AAdvantage miles on your everyday spending. But if you value flexibility, consider a card that earns Citi ThankYou Rewards, which would let you transfer points to American Airlines while also giving you flexibility to redeem your rewards elsewhere.

Alternatively, you could pick another general travel credit card that allows you to book flights, hotels, rental cars and other travel expenses with more than a single airline.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards

(Top photo courtesy of American Airlines)