American Airlines has quietly made a major change to its Basic Economy fares and for many travelers, especially loyalty members, it may be the final nail in the coffin for booking the airline’s cheapest tickets.
Effective immediately for tickets booked after midnight on December 17, American Airlines no longer allows AAdvantage members to earn miles or Loyalty Points when flying on Basic Economy fares.
If you’ve been booking Basic Economy to save money while still earning rewards, this change significantly alters the math.
What Changed With American Airlines Basic Economy?
Previously, American Airlines allowed AAdvantage members flying on Basic Economy tickets to earn reduced rewards:
- 2 miles per dollar spent
- 2 Loyalty Points per dollar (compared to 5 on standard economy)
As of December 17:
- Miles earned: 0
- Loyalty Points earned: 0
In other words, Basic Economy flights now earn nothing toward miles or elite status, regardless of whether you’re a frequent flyer or a casual traveler trying to build points slowly.
What You Still Get With Basic Economy (For Now)
Despite the loyalty downgrade, American says Basic Economy passengers will continue to receive:
- One free personal item
- One free carry-on bag
- Complimentary snacks and soft drinks
- Access to in-flight entertainment
However, all the usual Basic Economy restrictions still apply:
- No free seat selection
- No ticket changes
- Cancellation comes with a fee
- Boarding in the last group
For travelers who value flexibility or rewards, the tradeoff just became much harder to justify.
Why This Is a Big Deal for AAdvantage Members
Until now, American Airlines was considered one of the more generous U.S. carriers when it came to Basic Economy — especially compared to Delta and United.
Many AAdvantage members were willing to accept tighter rules in exchange for:
- Cheaper fares
- Some mileage accumulation
- Progress toward elite status
That incentive is now gone.
For anyone chasing status, flying Basic Economy on American is effectively flying for nothing from a rewards standpoint.
How American Airlines Compares to Delta and United
American’s move isn’t entirely unprecedented, but it does bring it closer in line with competitors:
- Delta Air Lines: No miles or elite credit on Basic Economy (now called “Main Basic”)
- United Airlines: Miles earned, but limited elite status credit
In addition:
- Delta and United restrict carry-on bags and lounge access on Basic Economy
- Elites on both airlines often lose access to preferred seating when booking basic fares
American still allows some elite perks on Basic Economy such as upgrades and Main Cabin Extra seating — but earning zero miles is a significant downgrade.
Should You Still Book Basic Economy on American?
For most travelers, the answer is still yes.
Basic Economy still make sense if:
- You fly once or twice a year
- You don’t care about points or status
- The price difference is substantial (the miles earned equal or outweight the fare difference)
- Shop for the best deal regardless of airline
But if you:
- Value airline miles
- Are working toward elite status
- Are close to enough points for a redemption
Then paying a bit more for Main Cabin may be worth it.
The Bigger Picture: Airlines Are Devaluing “Cheap” Fares
This change is part of a broader industry trend:
- More restrictions
- Fewer rewards
- Increased segmentation of fare types
What used to be “budget-friendly” fares are becoming bare-bones transportation only, with little upside for loyal customers.
For smart travelers, this reinforces an important rule:
The cheapest ticket may not always be the best value.
Final Thoughts
American Airlines’ decision to eliminate miles and Loyalty Points on Basic Economy fares fundamentally changes the value proposition of these tickets.
If you’re trying to maximize travel rewards, build elite status, or need flexibility, Basic Economy on American is now something to avoid.
As airlines continue to tighten the screws on budget fares, understanding the fine print matters more than ever.
