American Airlines no longer lets basic economy flyers earn miles

American Airlines Customers flying basic economy fares will no longer earn frequent flyer miles or points toward elite status, the carrier said this week.

“We routinely evaluate our fare products to remain competitive in the marketplace. Customers who purchase Basic Economy tickets on or after December 17, 2025 will not be able to earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points towards AAdvantage status,” he said. “Basic Economy customers will continue to receive one free personal item and one free carry-on baggage, free snacks, soft drinks and inflight entertainment.”

Elite loyalty members can qualify for first-class upgrades on domestic flights if they hold basic economy tickets, an American spokesperson told CNBC.

Basic economy tickets are airlines’ cheapest but most restrictive fares and have been introduced industry-wide over the last decade. In general, they do not allow customers to change their tickets or select seats in advance without paying a fee.

The move comes as all airlines chase customers willing to spend more to fly. America has fallen behind major rivals Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in the post-Covid luxury travel boom.

change of american sent previously made by X user JonNYC, following a similar policy from the competitor Delta AirlinesHe said passengers using Delta Main Basic or basic economy tickets will not receive Delta SkyMiles.

United Airlines MileagePlus allows its loyalty program members to earn miles on basic economy tickets, but it has a different limitation: Basic economy customers are not allowed to bring carry-on bags on most flights.

America had the same restriction after introducing basic economy tariffs but backtracked in 2018.

Southwest Airlines This year, it launched its first bare-bones fares, which require customers to board last, assign a seat at check-in, and earn miles at a lower rate than pricier fares.