US EditionAmerican Airlines adds tough new basic economy restriction
American Airlines joins Delta in excluding miles and Loyalty Points from basic economy fares to target higher-spending travelers, effective for bookings from Dec. 17, 2025.
- American Airlines said this week it will stop awarding AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on Basic Economy bookings from December 17, 2025 onward.
- American Airlines said `We routinely evaluate our fare products to remain competitive in the marketplace` as airlines have reshaped basic fares since the mid-2010s to target higher-paying customers.
- Rival policies demonstrate industry variance: Delta Air Lines bars Main Basic customers from earning SkyMiles, while United Airlines allows miles but limits elite credit and carry-on privileges.
- Passengers on the cheapest tickets will still face seat selection and cancellation fees, and AAdvantage members lose mileage and status accrual despite basic fares’ existing restrictions.
- American previously reversed a similar cut in 2018, showing a history of policy reversals, and observers say the change highlights evolving basic-economy norms and risks leaving American behind rivals in the post-Covid luxury travel boom.
13 Articles
13 Articles
American Airlines adds tough new basic economy restriction
American Airlines just gave travelers a lot more reason to avoid basic economy.As of Wednesday, the carrier will no longer let its AAdvantage loyalty members earn miles or status-earning Loyalty Points when flying on its no-frills tickets.It's a blow to AAdvantage members who had been willing to stomach the restrictions of basic economy in exchange for saving some (often a lot) of money.The changes, spelled out on the airline’s website, apply to…
American Airlines Eliminates All Earnings on Basic Economy Tickets
American Airlines has devalued its basic economy product yet again, removing, without notice, the ability to earn any miles (or elite credit) for these tickets. Let’s take a look at all the details of this unfortunate change. AA Strips All Earning Potential From Basic Economy Tickets American Airlines has removed the ability to earn redeemable miles and elite-qualifying credits on basic economy tickets. The change was made without notice, though…
Major Airline Ends Frequent Flyer Miles For Basic Economy Tickets
American Airlines is ending the ability for basic economy travelers to earn frequent flyer miles.The airline announced that customers who buy a basic economy ticket on or after Wednesday, Dec. 17, are no longer eligible for AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points toward elite status. The move could affect frequent flyers across the Northeast who rely on low-cost fares for business travel and vacations.American outlined the new policy in a social medi…
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