Trip Report: British Airways A319/A321 VLC-LHR-VLC Basic Economy
Basic Economy fares have spread like wildfire through the airline industry the last few years. They say it’s to offer customers more choice of lower fares vs. more benefits, but in many cases they’ve just been priced the same as previous all-inclusive fares. I have always avoided these fares because I do like the ability to select seats, and Basic Economy fares usually don’t accrue any status miles.
For my trip from Valencia to London, I did decide to try Basic Economy for the first time. Since I’m not loyal to Oneworld airlines, I don’t really have a need or status miles, and since the flight isn’t too long (about 2 and a half hours), I didn’t really mind if I didn’t get a good seat assignment.
On my Valencia to London-Heathrow flight, I checked in and was pre-assigned an aisle seat. While I prefer window seats, aisle is fine with me too. Basic Economy flyers are supposed to board last, but boarding was pretty much Priority, and then everyone else, so it didn’t really make a big difference.
Flight over was on an A319, with both front and rear airstairs baording.
Seats were pretty decent, with adjustable headrests (but no inflight entertainment, like most European airlines). All service, including water, is for purchase, so I just rested the whole way.
On the way back, I got a tip from Flyertalk that if you just had a carry-on suitcase and a personal item, you could check in your suitcase at no charge at Heathrow airport, even for Basic Economy tickets. I guess it helps the airline in that boarding can be faster with fewer carry-ons, and I benefited because I bought a bottle of unscented fabric softener that I really wanted to bring back (cannot find unscented fabric softener in Spain!).
After a visit to the Aspire Lounge courtesy of Priority Pass, I went to the gate.
Again, it was basically Priority boarding and then everyone else boarding, so “last group” boarding didn’t make much of a difference between Basic Economy and regular economy.
This flight was on an A321.
Same nice leather seats. Same buy on board service, of which I didn’t partake, for all economy class passengers. I was pre-assigned an aisle seat again.
I think if one isn’t very concerned with miles or status, Basic Economy really wasn’t too bad. Boarding last wasn’t something that was enforced, my pre-assigned seats were decent, and all economy passengers, not just Basic Economy ones, have to pay for food and drink, including water.
