Travel dilemmas: Is basic economy worth it?

Let's say you are going to Washington, D.C., in mid-January. It's post-holidays and you have bills to pay, so cost is important.

You find a fare on American from Los Angeles for $277. It's a good schedule and the price is right.

But wait. It's for "basic economy." What does that mean? Is it a good deal? And why do you owe a debt of gratitude to those who fly in basic?

What is basic economy?

Basic economy is the legacy airlines' effort