basic economy

American Airlines no longer awards AAdvantage miles, Loyalty Points, or elite status credit on Basic Economy fares. If you book the cheapest ticket on American, you earn nothing back. Here is what that means for your loyalty strategy.

Economy seats have shrunk by up to 5 inches since the 1990s. The average American now stands 5'9". The FAA has done nothing. Here is exactly how every major US airline compares on pitch and width and the only strategies that actually work until Washington catches up.

The bin above your seat is full. Someone in Group 2 put their bag there. You're in Group 7. This is not bad luck it's the system working exactly as designed.