✈ How to Beat Basic Economy Restrictions, Exciting New Airline Routes & More Daily News From TPG ✈

Also: Hotel workers striking — what you need to know September 2, 2024 [THE POINTS GUY]( [View in browser]( [TPG Daily NEWSLETTER]( [THE POINTS GUY]( Is basic economy worth it? by Sean Cudahy, Aviation Reporter [TPG | Hero Image] I have a confession to make — one that might be an eyebrow-raiser among frequent flyers and points and miles enthusiasts: I sometimes fly basic economy. Yes, it’s restrictive. On most airlines, the stripped-down fares don’t include free seat selection, offer last-group boarding and bar any ticket changes. On some airlines, your loyalty earnings might be capped — if you earn any miles at all. But there are ways around some of these restrictions. For instance, as an American Airlines [Citi / AAdvantage credit card holder]( and [elite status member,]( I’m able to skirt a lot of the hurdles of basic economy. The priority boarding I get as an elite member supersedes the basic economy restrictions. I’m still allowed to select a seat, and am still eligible for complimentary upgrades. Sure, my mileage and Loyalty Points earnings come at a reduced rate, but in my eyes, playing the points and miles game is ultimately about saving money in the long run. So, on a short-haul flight, I might not want to pay $70 extra just to earn a few hundred extra miles I can make up with my [everyday spending](. To be clear, your calculation might be different if you want a flexible ticket, or may need to cancel it later. You also may balk at Delta Air Lines' basic economy altogether, which bars [Sky Club access]( and all SkyMiles earnings — or United Airlines' basic economy, which [bars full-size carry-on bags]( (most of the large U.S. network carriers now allow them!). But on several carriers, having an airline credit card, elite status or a travel credit card that offers reimbursements for certain ancillary fees can make basic economy more approachable. Should you [tread carefully with basic economy]( Yes. Should you avoid it at all costs? Not necessarily. Here are a few more resources from the TPG team: - [3 things I think about when booking basic economy]( - [How to use credit cards to defeat basic economy]( - [The American Airlines credit card that comes with Admirals Club access — even when flying basic economy]( - [United Airlines significantly improves basic economy fares with a key change]( - [How to use the Amex Platinum $200 airline fee credit in 2024]( Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, [visit this page](. Photo Credit: SDI PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES . Today’s top stories [Exciting new airline routes from August 2024 and beyond]( While there were certainly some noteworthy changes, it was a quiet end to the summer for airline route map news. [Read more]( [Where are hotel workers striking right now? From Honolulu to Boston — what to know]( Hotels around the country are gearing up for a potential strike. Here's what that means for travelers. [Read more]( [Retired flight attendant pushes beverage cart from Boston to ground zero to honor 9/11 victims]( This year marks the fourth Paulie's Push to honor the heroic flight attendants of 9/11. [Read more]( [Here’s how fast each bank issues points and miles to your account]( We explore how quickly each issuer hands out points from sign-up bonuses and daily spending. [Read more]( [When is the best time to book a cruise?]( We'll share our expert tips on when and how to score a great deal on your next cruise vacation. [Read more]( The latest 1. [A guide to Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen on Royal Caribbean cruise ships (with menus)]( 2. [Bilt Rent Day (Sept. 1): Transfer bonuses, Virgin Voyages cruise benefits (bring a second guest for free) and more]( 3. [The best credit card welcome bonuses of September 2024]( 4. [How to earn Southwest points with the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal]( 5. [13 best all-inclusive resorts with swim-up rooms]( 6. [Delta cuts Germany, Colombia routes in latest network adjustment]( 7. [JetBlue brings Mint to Montana in rare move for this business-class product]( 8. [Disney cruise AquaDuck, AquaDunk and AquaMouse: What are the differences?]( 9. [4 things I think about when booking basic economy]( 10. [How to avoid the crowds while traveling in Japan]( [fb]( [insta]( [yt]( [tw]( [in]( [mail](mailto:hello@thepointsguy.com) You are receiving this email because you opted in at [thepointsguy.com](. Where to find us: The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe [here](. Changed your mind? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( at any time. Advertiser Disclosure: The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our [advertising policy]( and [product review methodology]( for more information. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024