Basic Economy on American Will No Longer Earn Miles in 2025

Basic economy on American will no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points, a blow to AAdvantage members: What Travelers Need to Know in 2025

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• American Airlines has stopped awarding miles or Loyalty Points on basic economy tickets, impacting AAdvantage flyers significantly.
• This shift makes tracking elite status and earning travel perks harder for budget travelers.
• Savvy flyers might explore alternatives like premium economy or loyalty-friendly airlines.
• Great news for comparison shoppers: timing your bookings is now more vital than ever.
• Basic economy on American will no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points, a blow to AAdvantage members looking to stretch every dollar.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Basic Economy on American No Longer Rewards Loyalty
• What Actually Changes for AAdvantage Members?
• Alternative Loyalty Strategies for Budget Travelers
• How to Plan Around This Change the Smart Way
• HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for Navigating Loyalty in 2025
• FAQ: Basic Economy on American Will No Longer Earn Miles or Loyalty Points, a Blow to AAdvantage Members
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

If you’ve ever booked a cheap American Airlines flight hoping to edge closer to elite status or rack up a few extra miles, there’s some disappointing news. As of early 2025, basic economy on American will no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points, a blow to AAdvantage members who have long leaned on low-cost airfare to maintain their status.

This strategic shift by American Airlines has serious implications—not just for budget travelers, but for families planning vacations, digital nomads using hubs like Miami or Dallas, and anyone who relies on AAdvantage for upgrades, lounge access, or free bags. Once a helpful tool in elite-qualifying strategies, basic economy now delivers flights without the loyalty perks.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what’s changed, who it hits hardest, alternative strategies for earning elite status, and how HopStrip-style travelers can adjust. Whether you’re a couple looking for a luxury escape paid in miles, or a solo traveler trying to maximize points, understanding this update is essential before booking your next trip with American.

Why Basic Economy on American No Longer Rewards Loyalty

In an industry-first move among major U.S. airlines, American Airlines has made basic economy even more, well, basic. As of early 2025, anyone flying on an American basic economy fare will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points—whether it’s a quick hop from Los Angeles to Phoenix or a long-haul international economy seat.

Previously, basic economy tickets still contributed toward elite status and gave you something back in your AAdvantage account. But those days are gone. According to American, this change aligns with their “quality over quantity” strategy to reward higher-spending travelers.

Here’s why that matters:

• Earning Loyalty Points became easier in recent years through flights, credit card spend, and hotel bookings. Now, basic economy flights are excluded.
• The restriction may push frequent flyers toward higher-priced main cabin or premium tickets when trying to qualify (or requalify) for elite status.
• Competing airlines still reward low-tier fares with some mileage accrual—offering savvy flyers opportunities elsewhere.

As pointed out in the original source from The Points Guy, this policy update is a tactical blow especially for price-conscious travelers who still want to remain loyal to American Airlines.

What Actually Changes for AAdvantage Members?

Let’s break down what’s now excluded and what’s still available if you book basic economy:

🚫 What you won’t get:

• No mileage earnings (zero AAdvantage miles)
• No Loyalty Points (which count toward elite status)
• No progress toward elite tiers like Gold, Platinum or Executive Platinum

✅ What still applies:

• You still get a seat on the plane
• You can still bring a small carry-on (+ personal item)
• On some international routes and elite tiers, basic economy benefits like upgrades may still apply—but inconsistently

This means you could fly roundtrip to Hawaii on a basic economy ticket and walk away with…nothing in terms of points or progress. Travelers who previously stacked up Loyalty Points through routine, low-cost work trips or family visits will feel the biggest shift.

Alternative Loyalty Strategies for Budget Travelers

With the door closing on earning through American basic economy, how can you still make your miles and loyalty count?

Here are smart alternatives if you typically fly budget:

1. Upgrade to main cabin – In many cases, main cabin is only $30–$60 more and does earn miles and Loyalty Points.
2. Diversify airlines – Carriers like Delta and United still provide some miles/points on basic fares. Even JetBlue and Alaska offer more flexibility for earning points through their programs.
3. Accumulate points smartly – Use co-branded AAdvantage credit cards, book hotels with partner sites like Expedia, or earn during car rentals and travel purchases.
4. Mix and match travel classes – Book basic economy for short routes, but save premium class or business bookings for longer flights where mileage-earning can add up.

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How to Plan Around This Change the Smart Way

If basic economy on American will no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points, a blow to AAdvantage members certainly follows—but it’s not the end of smart travel. In fact, it’s an opportunity to optimize your bookings. Here’s how to plan ahead and continue traveling with perks in mind:

1. Compare flight classes before booking
   Use a platform like Kiwi to compare flights for your dates and explore the price difference between basic vs. main cabin.
2. Consider alliance partners
   If you must book with American, check if a similar itinerary is available via OneWorld partners (like British Airways or Finnair) that may still earn you points.
3. Book hotels that earn airline miles
   Many hotels offer direct partnerships with AAdvantage. Use sites like Expedia to find lodging that supports your point-earning goals.
4. Use a travel rewards card
   This goes without saying: every purchase on an AAdvantage credit card earns Loyalty Points—even the bookings that flights don’t.
5. Stack with bonus-earning tools
   Use portals like AAdvantage eShopping or mileage mall websites to rack up Loyalty Points when booking activities, experiences, or essentials.

HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for Navigating Loyalty in 2025

HopStrip travelers know that maximizing comfort and benefits doesn’t always mean maximizing spending. Here’s how to think like a HopStrip pro now that basic economy on American will no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points:

• Focus on quality-to-value ratios. Sometimes paying a little more up front for main cabin delivers far better long-term benefits—especially as perks like seat selection or upgrades stack up.
• Bundle your trip. Book flights, lodging, and local transfers together to unlock loyalty perks or simplify your bookings. Consider using a fixed-rate airport transfer to reduce last-mile stress.
• Use travel insurance wisely. Some elite statuses offer trip coverage, but if you’re no longer qualifying each year, be sure to have your own. Try Ekta for budget-friendly travel insurance.
• Think multi-carrier itineraries. Loyal doesn’t have to mean monogamous—smart travelers often book outbound with one airline and return with another to unlock elite status or price advantages.

FAQ: Basic Economy on American Will No Longer Earn Miles or Loyalty Points, a Blow to AAdvantage Members

Q: When did American Airlines stop offering miles on basic economy tickets?
A: The change took effect in early 2025. Any basic economy fare booked on or after that date no longer earns AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points.

Q: Will I still get Loyalty Points from other activities like credit card spending?
A: Yes! Credit card spend, hotel bookings with AAdvantage partners, and purchases through American’s shopping portal still earn Loyalty Points.

Q: Is this change permanent?
A: As of now, American Airlines has not indicated this is a temporary policy. It aligns with their push to incentivize higher-yield travelers over budget flyers.

Q: What’s the best alternative airline for budget travelers who still want loyalty rewards?
A: Delta and Alaska Airlines still offer mileage accrual on most economy tickets. JetBlue (through TrueBlue) is also a solid option for East Coast and Caribbean routes.

Q: Should I stop using American altogether if I usually book basic economy?
A: Not necessarily—but be strategic. Consider booking main cabin if elite status or mileage accrual matters to you. Otherwise, explore multi-airline bookings.

Final Thoughts

There’s no sugarcoating it: basic economy on American will no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points, a blow to AAdvantage members who counted on stacking cheap trips toward elite perks. But like any major shift in airline policies, it’s also an invitation to travel smarter.

From comparing classes before you book, to diversifying your loyalty strategies across airlines and credit cards, your savvy as a traveler matters more than ever. At HopStrip, we’re here to help you travel better—not just cheaper. Rethink how you earn miles, invest in experiences with real value, and keep flying with the perks that matter most to your style of travel.