American Airlines announced that passengers purchasing basic economy tickets will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points beginning December 17, 2025. The policy change, confirmed by the airline to CBS News, affects all basic economy tickets purchased on or after midnight CT on December 17. While passengers will still retain access to certain in-flight amenities, including complimentary carry-on bags, snacks, soft drinks, and entertainment options, the elimination of mileage accrual removes any loyalty incentive for those booking the airline’s cheapest tickets. Previously, AAdvantage members earned two miles and loyalty points for each dollar spent on basic economy fares, compared to five miles per dollar on Main Cabin and higher fares.
American Airlines Follows Delta’s Lead While United Maintains Mile Earnings
American Airlines’ decision mirrors Delta Air Lines’ approach implemented years earlier. Delta passengers purchasing basic economy tickets (branded as “Main Basic”) already do not earn SkyMiles or progress toward Medallion status when flying on the carrier’s lowest fare tier. This policy was implemented by Delta back in December 2021, as reported by Simple Flying.
However, United Airlines continues to differentiate itself by allowing basic economy passengers to earn redeemable miles toward MileagePlus status, though these flights come with different restrictions. As AwardFares notes in their comparison: “United still awards MileagePlus miles on basic economy but restricts carry-on bags on most routes, a tradeoff some travelers find even more annoying.”
Elite Status Members Retain Limited Privileges
Despite the elimination of mileage earning, American Airlines confirmed that its elite status members will still receive certain benefits when flying on basic economy tickets. Most notably, AAdvantage elites maintain eligibility for complimentary domestic upgrades, preserving some value for frequent flyers even on the carrier’s most restrictive fare.
The carrier explained the change to CBS News: “We routinely evaluate our fare products to remain competitive in the marketplace. Customers who purchase a Basic Economy ticket on December 17, 2025, and beyond will not earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points towards AAdvantage status.” American Airlines further clarified that “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.”
Shifting Loyalty Landscape Signals Value Recalibration
This policy change represents an evolution in airline loyalty strategy, widening the value gap between basic and standard fares beyond mere differences in flexibility. For travelers who previously justified booking basic economy because they still earned some rewards, the equation has changed. The move positions basic economy as purely transactional, a seat with no loyalty component attached, while reserving program benefits exclusively for higher-paying customers.
The strategy appears to be part of a broader industry trend, as noted by the New York Post: “It comes as more and more airlines have started to strip perks from their cheapest air fares, pushing customers to spend more on a ticket that offers more perks and rewards.”
On social media, customer reactions have mainly been unfavorable, with one customer writing, “I’ve been loyal to you for work travel, but this year has been terrible, and this is just the nail in the coffin. I’m done with you and taking my work travel somewhere else, like United.”
While American Airlines maintains that passengers will still receive the same in-flight experience regardless of fare class, the elimination of loyalty benefits fundamentally alters the value proposition of its lowest fares, leaving customers to reconsider what “basic” truly means in today’s increasingly stratified airline marketplace.
