This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Another one bites the dust. Lufthansa, Europe’s biggest airline, is jumping on the basic economy bandwagon. The German carrier will be introducing “Economy Light” fares this summer on select routes.
According to a press release, the airline will start selling basic economy fares on North American routes served by Lufthansa, SWISS, Brussels Airlines and Austrian Airlines. The three latter carriers are all subsidiaries of the Lufthansa Group.
Economy Light fares will work similarly to other basic economy tickets. All that will be included in the fare is a carryon bag. You’ll have to pay extra if you want to check a bag or select a seat. Tickets won’t be changeable either.
Economy Light fares don’t appear to be available for purchase yet, and Lufthansa did not say when they would be launching other than in “summer 2018.” Checked bag or seat selection prices weren’t shared, but judging off other carriers with basic economy fares, you’ll be pay around $100 more to get what used to be included in a regular economy ticket.
Fortunately once onboard, passengers will still enjoy the same soft product as regular economy customers —meaning complimentary food and drinks will still be included.
The move appears to be a way to directly compete with the rise of low-cost carriers, like Norwegian and WOW, and other mainline carriers. Delta started charging for bags on its transatlantic basic economy fares in December, and British Airways and American Airlines introduced their own basic economy fares on transatlantic routes in March. The only large American carrier to still not offer basic economy on flights to Europe is United, although considering that United and Lufthansa are in a joint venture, it’s likely just a matter of time before United joins the fray.
Lufthansa launched Light fares on select European routes in 2015 and started testing Light fares between Scandanvia and North America last year.
Featured image by CHIARA PUZZO/AFP/Getty Images.
The American Express Platinum card has some of the best perks out there: cardholders enjoy the best domestic lounge access (Delta SkyClubs, Centurion Lounges, and Priority Pass), a $200 annual airline fee credit as well as up to $200 in Uber credits, and mid-tier elite status at SPG, Marriott, and Hilton. Combined with the 60,000 point welcome offer -- worth $1,140 based on TPG's valuations -- this card is a no-brainer for frequent travelers. Here are 5 reasons you should consider this card, as well as how you can figure out if the $550 annual fee makes sense for you.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
- Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $550 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Editorial Disclaimer: 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.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
