AA extends basic economy fares to South American routes

American has begun selling basic economy tickets on South American routes.

The low-cost fares were introduced on Nov. 5 for flights from Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and New York to Santiago, Chile and Lima, Peru.

As with the carrier's basic economy tickets on flights to Europe, customers must pay for their first checked bag, but they are able to choose a seat at the time of booking. The product differs from American's domestic basic economy tickets, on which seats can't be chosen until seven days before departure.

American allows basic economy ticket holders to travel with a carry-on. On South American flights they'll board in Group 8.

The carrier had previously introduced basic economy fares on its domestic, Central American, Caribbean, Canadian, Mexican and European networks.