Basic Economy on American Will No Longer Earn Miles or Loyalty Points: Essential Guide for AAdvantage Travelers in 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- American Airlines has changed its policy: basic economy on American will no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points.
- This change affects all flights starting Jan. 1, 2024, bought on or after Jan. 1, 2024.
- Travelers chasing elite status on a budget should consider booking main cabin fares.
- Basic economy still offers a low-cost way to travel, but with more trade-offs than ever.
- If you’re earning miles for future travel or elite perks, understanding this rule is key.
Table of Contents
- What Does “Basic Economy on American Will No Longer Earn Miles or Loyalty Points” Actually Mean?
- Is It Still Worth Booking Basic Economy on American?
- Alternatives for Travelers Who Want to Keep Earning Miles
- How to Plan Your Next Flight the Smart Way
- HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for AAdvantage Travelers
- FAQ: Basic Economy on American Will No Longer Earn Miles or Loyalty Points
What Does “Basic Economy on American Will No Longer Earn Miles or Loyalty Points” Actually Mean?
In plain terms, AAdvantage members flying on the lowest-level basic economy fares with American Airlines will no longer earn any miles or Loyalty Points at all—starting with tickets purchased Jan. 1, 2024, for travel on or after that date.
Until now, even the cheapest tickets helped you inch toward free flights or elite status. But as of this change, those no-frills fares won’t contribute anything toward your next award seat or your next jump in elite tier benefits.
📌 According to the update reported by The Points Guy, this move puts American in line with United Airlines, which already restricts earnings on its basic economy tickets.
This matters most if you:
- Regularly book cheap flights and still want to earn status
- Accumulate Loyalty Points through flying (rather than credit cards or shopping portals)
- Are comparing fares across airlines and loyalty programs—because earning power suddenly looks very different
Is It Still Worth Booking Basic Economy on American?
That depends on your travel goals.
If you’re just looking for the cheapest flight possible—one-time trip, no bags, no frills—basic economy is still the lowest cost option. But it comes with:
- No seat selection (or only paid)
- Last boarding group
- No overhead bin access if booked via partner airlines
- And now: No mileage or Loyalty Points benefits
If you travel often or aim for perks (upgrades, lounge access, early boarding), skipping basic economy is smarter in the long run. Main cabin fares usually cost $30–$70 more, but they continue to earn full miles and Loyalty Points towards AAdvantage elite status.
Example: For a $400 roundtrip from New York to Los Angeles in main cabin, you could earn 4,000–5,000 Loyalty Points (depending on elite tier bonuses and promos). In basic economy? As of 2024, that flight earns zero Loyalty Points—even if you’re an Executive Platinum member.
Our Tip: When comparing fares on sites like Kiwi.com, expand the fare class filters to be sure you’re booking Main Cabin or above if loyalty status or free flights matter to you.
Alternatives for Travelers Who Want to Keep Earning Miles
If you fly frequently and want to keep stacking rewards, basic economy is no longer a sustainable option on American Airlines. Here’s what you can do instead:
1. Book Main Cabin or Higher on American
Even when cash is tight, paying slightly more for Main Cabin keeps your miles and Loyalty Points flowing. You also get:
- Standard seat selection
- Upgrade eligibility (for elites)
- Overhead bin access
- A ticket that qualifies for AAdvantage earnings
👉 Use a fare comparison tool like Kiwi.com to monitor price gaps between fare classes.
2. Fly Partner Airlines with More Generous Terms
While American gets stricter on basic economy, some of its oneworld alliance partners still award miles—depending on the fare and booking channel.
Check out:
- British Airways
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
BUT: Always check the fare class and earning rules on AAdvantage before booking a partner flight.
3. Focus on Non-Flight Loyalty Earning
Still want to build AAdvantage status but flying less? Shift your strategy by:
- Spending on an AAdvantage-earning credit card
- Shopping through the AAdvantage eShopping portal
- Dining at restaurants linked to AAdvantage Dining
These earn Loyalty Points and sometimes perks—no flights required.
How to Plan Your Next Flight the Smart Way
Here’s a simple checklist to avoid loyalty losses on your upcoming American Airlines trips:
- Set Fare Alerts
Use tools like Google Flights and Kiwi.com to track prices for your routes in Main Cabin or higher. - Read the Fare Details
Never assume a fare earns miles. Always confirm whether it’s Basic Economy or Main Cabin. Fine print matters now more than ever. - Book Direct When Possible
Booking through American lets you see fare classes clearly and apply elite benefits, upgrades, or credit card perks. - Maximize Loyalty Points Without Flying
From co-branded cards to shopping portals, you can still build status on the ground if you change your approach. - Plan High-Value Trips Strategically
Save big redemptions and loyalty efforts for long-haul or expensive routes where upgrades or free flights bring the most value.
HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for AAdvantage Travelers
Smart travelers know it’s not just about booking the cheapest fare—it’s about booking the smartest fare. Here’s how to make the most of this loyalty shake-up:
- Looking to keep earning miles without breaking the bank? Use fare comparison tools to filter out basic economy entirely.
- For trips where status benefits matter (free bags, early boarding), plan ahead so you don’t settle for basic economy out of last-minute panic.
- Always keep your AAdvantage account linked in your flight bookings—even if it’s a partner airline.
- Consider mixing travel styles: use budget airlines for short trips and save legacy airline loyalty-earning flights for big ones.
- Traveling internationally? Make domestic connections count toward elite status by avoiding basic fares.
Bonus tip: Booking hotels or vacation homes? Pair your earning strategy with a quality stay. You can browse hotel deals or find stunning vacation rentals in your destination while earning Loyalty Points if you link your bookings smartly.
FAQ: Basic Economy on American Will No Longer Earn Miles or Loyalty Points
❓When did American Airlines stop awarding miles on basic economy?
American stopped awarding both AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on basic economy fares starting from bookings made on or after Jan. 1, 2024, for travel from that date onward.
❓Does this apply to partner airlines?
No—only if you book a basic economy fare directly through American. However, if your flight is operated by a partner (like British Airways) but ticketed by AA, earning rules still apply based on AA’s policy. Always double-check on the official AAdvantage partner earnings page.
❓Will I still earn credit card points?
Yes! This change affects flight earnings only. If you have an AAdvantage credit card, you’ll still earn miles for purchases—even when flying on basic economy (though not from the flight itself).
❓Can I upgrade a basic economy ticket to earn miles?
No. Basic economy fares restrict upgrades, even for elite members. Once booked, you cannot retroactively earn miles—even if you change your plans. Consider upgrading at the time of booking.
❓What’s the best alternative if I want loyalty perks?
Book Main Cabin or higher fare classes, or explore AAdvantage alternatives like spending with co-branded cards, dining, or shopping portal participation.
American’s move to cut loyalty benefits on basic economy may sting now, but it could ultimately help savvy travelers make smarter choices. Whether you’re chasing Platinum Pro or laying an AAdvantage foundation for future trips, understanding this policy update ensures your travel plans earn you what they should—or lead you to better deals elsewhere.
✈ Looking to maximize your flights? Compare your options across airlines and make sure your next adventure works in your favor—not against your loyalty goals.
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