Why did American Airlines end AAdvantage miles earning on Basic Economy?

In a significant move impacting budget travelers, American Airlines has eliminated the ability to earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on its lowest-tier Basic Economy tickets. This major change to the American Airlines AAdvantage program went into effect on December 17, 2025, according to multiple reports. The new policy affects customers purchasing Basic Economy tickets on or after that date. Previously, AAdvantage members earned two miles and loyalty points for every dollar spent on these fares. This sudden update is part of a broader trend of airline loyalty program changes seen across the industry.

The Core Change: Ending Basic Economy Rewards

The immediate impact is that the most price-sensitive travelers will no longer accrue rewards. Customers who select a Basic Economy fare will now earn zero AAdvantage Loyalty Points or miles. This means flying on the cheapest tickets will not help members achieve or maintain AAdvantage elite status. The airline’s goal is to encourage travelers to purchase higher-priced Main Cabin fares.

Main Cabin tickets continue to offer full earning potential. Customers on these fares still earn five AAdvantage miles per dollar spent. The airline stated it “routinely evaluate[s] our fare products to remain competitive in the marketplace.”

• Effective Date: December 17, 2025.
• Impacted Fares: Basic Economy tickets only.
• Loss of Earning: No Basic Economy miles earning or Loyalty Points.
• Retained Benefits: Basic Economy customers still get one free carry-on bag and in-flight entertainment.

Industry Context and Competitive Strategy

This policy shift brings American Airlines in line with its major competitor, Delta Air Lines. Delta already prevents its SkyMiles members from earning miles or status credit on its basic economy fares. United Airlines, however, still allows members to earn miles on its basic economy tickets, though it typically restricts carry-on bags on those fares. American Airlines reversed a similar carry-on restriction in 2018.

The move is a strategic revenue play. By removing the incentive of American Airlines rewards program accrual, the carrier pushes flyers to spend an extra amount—often around $40—to upgrade to Main Cabin. This strategy is designed to increase the overall revenue yield per passenger. The change comes as the airline reported a loss of $114 million on $13.7 billion in revenue in a recent quarter.

Impact on AAdvantage Members

For the frequent flyer community, this is a significant devaluation of the American Airlines AAdvantage program. It directly targets the most budget-conscious members. The change makes it harder for occasional travelers to accrue meaningful rewards. It also increases the cost of earning AAdvantage elite status for those who rely on the cheapest fares.

However, a spokesperson confirmed that elite members will still be eligible for domestic upgrades when flying on Basic Economy tickets. This preserves a key benefit for the airline's most loyal customers.

Other Program Updates for 2026

Beyond the Basic Economy miles earning restriction, American Airlines has announced other, less impactful changes for 2026. These updates include minor adjustments to the Loyalty Point Rewards system. For instance, the airline is increasing the Loyalty Point bonus with select partners from 20% to 25% starting March 1, 2026. Conversely, some rewards, such as the 30% Loyalty Point bonus at the 100K level, will be removed. These details are part of the ongoing evolution of the frequent flyer program updates.

This latest development in commercial aviation news confirms the industry's focus on maximizing revenue from its lowest-fare products. Travelers must now weigh the immediate savings of a Basic Economy ticket against the long-term value of travel rewards impact and status qualification. For more flight operation news, visit flying.flights.