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If you're ever on the fence about booking a basic economy ticket, the latest announcement from American Airlines might make you think twice. When you book a basic economy ticket, you accept certain restrictions: you can't make changes, you won't get a free checked bag, you can't select your seat without paying a fee, and you may get stuck in the last American Airlines boarding group (unless you qualify for an exception).
However, American Airlines stood out among legacy carriers by offering AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points to passengers flying in basic economy. However, this is no longer the case. Effective December 17, 2025, you will no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points on an American Airlines basic economy ticket. Here's what you need to know.
Basic Economy Tickets No Longer Earn Miles or Loyalty Points
Previously, AAdvantage members could earn 2 miles and Loyalty Points per $1 spent on basic economy tickets. Although that's 60% lower than the standard 5 miles per dollar, it was at least some earnings. However, American Airlines updated the basic economy page on its website with the following message:
“Basic Economy fare tickets bought on or after 12:00 a.m. CT on December 17, 2025, will not earn AAdvantage® miles or Loyalty Points. For Basic Economy fare tickets bought on or before 11:59 p.m. CT on December 16, 2025, visit the AAdvantage® Earn page for the airline marketing your flight for details on the AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points you’ll earn.”
Luckily, if you've already booked your flight, but you don't travel for the next few months, you'll still earn miles and Loyalty Points on your booking. However, if you booked your flight on or after December 17, you won't earn anything. Even though the difference in price between a basic economy ticket and a Main Cabin ticket can be substantial, this update might be the nail in the coffin for those who were growing tired of basic economy restrictions.
It's unclear if more restrictions are on the way for basic economy passengers. Even after this change, American offers more flexible policies than Delta Air Lines or United. If American follows suit, we might see restrictions on access to Admirals Club lounges and elite benefits, or limitations on carry-on baggage you can bring on the plane.
Final Thoughts
Effective immediately, passengers flying in basic economy on American Airlines will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points. If you frequently book basic economy tickets, you might want to reconsider. The restrictions that come with these tickets were already suffocating, and now, it makes little sense to book this fare class.
For now, AAdvantage elites can still receive perks like upgrades and priority boarding. However, this update could indicate that more negative changes are on the way.
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