American Airlines has officially eliminated the ability for passengers to earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points on Basic Economy tickets, marking a major shift in its loyalty program strategy. The change, which took effect for all tickets purchased starting December 17, 2025, brings the Fort Worth-based carrier in line with competitors like Delta Air Lines.
Previously, American was considered more “generous” than its peers, allowing Basic Economy travelers to earn miles at a reduced rate of 2 miles per dollar spent, compared to the standard 5 miles for Main Cabin fares. With this update, that earning rate drops to zero. The move effectively removes any incentive for frequent flyers or status seekers to book the airline’s lowest-priced fare class.
Narrowing the Gap with Competitors
The decision follows a trend established by Delta, which stripped mileage earnings from its basic economy fares in late 2021. United Airlines still allows passengers to earn miles on its basic economy tickets, though it does not grant “Premier Qualifying Flights” (PQF) toward elite status for those bookings.
By removing these perks, American is clearly signaling a “pay-to-play” model for its AAdvantage program. The airline aims to nudge travelers toward higher-priced Main Cabin tickets, which still offer full mileage and status-earning potential.
What Stays the Same?
Despite the loss of rewards, the core experience of Basic Economy remains unchanged. Passengers will still receive:
- One free personal item and one free carry-on bag.
- Complimentary snacks and soft drinks.
- Access to in-flight entertainment.
However, the traditional restrictions—such as being in the last boarding group, lack of ticket flexibility, and fees for seat selection—remain in place.
The Impact on Loyalty
For many AAdvantage members, this change is a significant blow. Loyalty Points are the sole metric used to achieve elite status tiers (Platinum, Executive Platinum, etc.). Without the ability to earn these points on budget fares, casual travelers will find it nearly impossible to climb the status ladder without upgrading to more expensive tickets.
In a statement, American Airlines noted it “routinely evaluates fare products to remain competitive.” However, industry analysts suggest the move is less about competition and more about segmenting the market, ensuring that loyalty benefits are reserved for those willing to spend a premium.
Sources
- American Airlines: Fares and Trip Options
- CNBC: American Airlines Basic Economy Miles Update
- The Points Guy: American Airlines adds tough new basic economy restriction
- Skift: American Airlines No Longer Lets Customers Earn Miles on Basic Economy
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