What is the difference between basic economy and main cabin on American Airlines?

American Airlines Basic Economy Fare Class has low fares, which can be daunting for those who don't know what it includes or excludes. Due to the low fares, it comes with various restrictions, including no seat selection, change, or cancellation. However, when you search for American Airlines flight fares, the first price you will see is Basic Economy, while at checkout, the Airline tries to sell the main cabin fares with additional services. It leads you to wonder if it is worth upgrading to American Airlines' main cabin and what the difference is between these two fare classes.

Therefore, the major difference between these two Airlines is that the basic Economy fare doesn't allow free changes or cancellations, while the Main Cabin fare lets you update changes or cancel the booking within 24 hours for free. Let's examine the restrictions and benefits of these two fare types to determine the basic comparison. 

Restrictions:

Basic Economy:

• American Airlines Basic Economy allows carry-on luggage that fits under the seat. This is similar to other Airlines' Economy Class, and you can bring one checked piece of luggage for free with a maximum weight of 23kg.
• No flight changes or refunds will be allowed on Basic Economy fare class; however, you are eligible for a same-day change.
• Passengers are not eligible for priority check-in even if the traveler is ready to pay.
• No seat selection as it is based on availability and will be assigned at the time of Check-in.

Main Cabin:

• The Main Cabin Baggage Allowance is similar to the standard Economy fare. It includes a carry-on that should fit in the front of the seat, and you are allowed to bring one checked bag for free.
• Exact-day flight change and cancellation are permitted, or else charges are applicable. 
• Priority Check-in is available only on purchase. 
• Seat selection is free up to 24 hours before the flight departure time, and travelers are eligible for paid and complimentary upgrades.

Perks you can expect in American Airline Basic Economy:

To make you realize how minor the restrictions of the Basic Economy are, we have enlisted some perks you can still get.

• You can bring a full-size carry-on of the standard size while flying on Basic Economy.
• If you want to avoid the middle seat, the passenger can prefer to book the seats during the booking. Before check-in, you need to pay an extra fee for seat selection. 
• Some Airlines don't allow you to earn miles on their Economy Fares, but that's not true for American Airlines' Basic Economy.
• Another perk of Basic Economy is the same-day flight change for free. 

Is it worth it to move to the main cabin on American Airlines?

Whether to upgrade to the main cabin on American Airlines is subject to the passenger's budget and priorities. Although the Main Cabin isn't always cheaper, it is worth paying extra for the main cabin to get the flexibility to change/ cancel the booking, free seat selection, and, most importantly, the Priority Check-in option. But the baggage allowance is similar to the basic fare.