American Airlines announced that, as of Wednesday, Dec. 17, passengers who book Basic Economy tickets will no longer be eligible to gain frequent flyer miles or points towards elite customer status.
The change comes as airlines seek to attract more high-spending customers, a market in which American Airlines has fallen behind competitors Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Delta stopped offering miles on its basic economy fare in 2022. United still allows loyalty members to earn miles on the basic economy fare, but they aren’t permitted a carry-on bag.
What is a Basic Economy ticket?
American Airlines introduced the Basic Economy fare in 2017 to compete with low-cost airlines. As the cheapest and most restrictive fare available, most passengers who booked it were already excluded from selecting a seat for free or from making ticket changes without paying a fee, and were the last to board.
The accumulated miles and points eventually allowed travellers to access airport lounges, secure seat upgrades, and even earn free flights.
American Airlines’ elite loyalty members will still be able to get first-class upgrades on domestic flights even as they fly on Basic Economy fares, CNBC reported.
The company’s website reads that:
“Basic Economy fare tickets bought on or after 12:00 a.m. CT on December 17, 2025 will not earn AAdvantage® miles or Loyalty Points. For Basic Economy fare tickets bought on or before 11:59 p.m. CT on December 16, 2025, visit the AAdvantage® Earn page for the airline marketing your flight for details on the AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points you’ll earn.”
Amid backlash from customers unhappy with the new restriction, the airline said in a statement:
“We routinely evaluate our fare products to remain competitive in the marketplace.
“Basic Economy customers will continue to receive one free personal item and one free carry-on bag, free snacks, soft drinks and in-flight entertainment.”
After ranking last in J.D. Power’s North American airline customer satisfaction ranking in 2025, only time will tell if American Airlines’ gamble pays off in incentivising passengers to pay more for comfort, or it harms brand loyalty and pushes them to opt for other airlines.
Are you an American Airlines loyalty member? How will this change impact you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
