American Airlines Stops Earning Miles on Basic Economy ✈️ 🎫

No More Miles on Basic Economy

As of December 17, 2025, American Airlines will no longer let basic economy customers earn miles or Loyalty Points toward their AAdvantage status when purchasing these no‑frills tickets. This was confirmed by the airline after the change was first reported in industry coverage and explained to customers.

Until now, basic economy tickets still earned a small number of miles and points, even if it was less than other fare levels. That perk is now gone on all new bookings made on or after the change date.

What You Still Get on Basic Economy

It’s not like the flight experience itself is changing. If you buy a basic economy ticket on American after December 17, 2025, you still will get:

• One personal item and one carry‑on bag

• Free snacks and soft drinks

• In‑flight entertainment

These are the same basic perks that come with this fare level now.

So you can still fly cheap, but the part that helped some of us feel like we were slowly earning toward free travel or status is no longer there if you stick with the lowest price tier.

Why This Matters

Basic economy fares were introduced by airlines over the last decade as a low‑cost option for travelers who just want a seat and don’t need a lot of flexibility. Things like seat selection and ticket changes are usually more limited than main cabin fares, and now the loyalty benefit is too.

American Airlines says this change helps keep its fare products competitive. But in practice, it means if you were counting on stacking up miles or progressing toward elite status while flying cheaper tickets, you’ll need to choose a higher fare class to earn those rewards.

This move also puts American more in line with some other airlines that already don’t offer miles on their basic tickets, though others still do in some form.

How Major Airlines Handle Miles on Basic Economy

American Airlines

• Starting December 17, 2025, basic economy tickets no longer earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points toward status or award travel.

• This applies to new bookings made on or after that date.

• You still get the usual carry‑on, snacks, and entertainment, but no mileage rewards on the cheapest fare.

Delta Air Lines

• Delta’s basic economy (called Main Basic) does not earn SkyMiles or status credit.

• That means if you fly basic economy on Delta, you won’t get miles or progress toward Medallion status for those flights.

United Airlines

• United does let basic economy customers earn award miles based on the fare and MileagePlus status.

• They earn redeemable miles and qualifying dollars for status, but these flights do not count toward the segment minimums needed for elite status.

• United’s basic economy still restricts bags and seat choice, but you do earn miles.

Southwest Airlines

• Southwest does not use a basic economy fare class in the same way as the legacy carriers.

• Even on its lowest fares, Southwest customers earn Rapid Rewards points, and those points count toward A‑List status.

TL;DR

• American Airlines will stop awarding miles and Loyalty Points on basic economy tickets

• The change applies to bookings made on or after December 17, 2025

• Basic economy passengers will still get a carry‑on, snacks, and in‑flight entertainment

• To earn miles or work toward elite status, travelers will need to book a higher fare class

• Basic economy remains the cheapest option, but now comes with no loyalty rewards