American Airlines no longer allows basic economy travelers to earn miles

American Airlines Customers flying on 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 market. Customers who purchase a basic economy ticket on December 17, 2025 onwards will not earn AAdvantage miles or loyalty points for AAdvantage status,” it said. “Basic economy customers will continue to receive a free personal item, free hand luggage, free snacks, soft drinks and in-flight entertainment.”

An American spokeswoman told CNBC that elite loyalty members will still be eligible for first-class upgrades on domestic flights if they are using basic economy tickets.

Basic economy tickets are the airline’s cheapest but most restrictive fares, and have been rolled out across the industry over the past decade. In general, they do not allow customers to change their tickets without a fee or choose their seats in advance.

The move comes as airlines across the board pursue customers willing to spend more to fly. American Airlines has lagged behind larger rivals Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in the post-Covid luxury travel boom.

The American change, previously posted by X user JonNYC, follows a similar policy by the competitor Delta Airlineswhich said passengers on Delta Main Basic, or basic economy, tickets will not receive Delta SkyMiles.

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

America had the same restrictions after it launched core economy rates but they rolled back in 2018.

Southwest Airlines This year it launched its first no-frills basic fares under which these customers will board the plane last, get an assigned seat at check-in and earn miles at a lower rate than on more expensive fares.