Basic Economy on American Will No Longer Earn Miles: What AAdvantage Members Need to Know

Basic Economy on American Will No Longer Earn Miles or Loyalty Points: What AAdvantage Members Need to Know in 2025

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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• Basic economy on American will no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points starting January 1, 2024, frustrating frequent flyers and budget travelers alike.
• This change makes seemingly cheap airfare less valuable for AAdvantage members aiming for elite status or free trips.
• Travelers hoping to earn rewards should closely compare fare classes or consider other airlines still offering points on low-cost tickets.
• Tools like mileage calculators and loyalty programs from other carriers may now offer better value.
• Smart flight comparison platforms like Kiwi.com can help you avoid earning pitfalls by comparing fare types clearly.

Introduction

Ever hopped on a flight thinking you’re inching closer to a free trip, only to find out your fare didn’t count? Welcome to the newest wrinkle in budget flying with American Airlines. As announced in late 2023 and implemented starting January 2024, basic economy on American will no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points, a blow to AAdvantage members who’ve long relied on even cheap fares to stack up rewards.

For digital nomads, frequent flyers chasing elite perks, or couples planning their next big adventure, this policy shift has serious implications for how—and why—you book your flights. If you’re eyeing those basic economy fares, this guide breaks down what’s changed, why it matters, and how to book smarter in a points-savvy way.

Here’s what you’ll learn: exactly what this new policy means, who gets hit hardest, alternative strategies to still earn miles, and how to plan your air travel better in the post-points-basic-economy world.

Why Did American Airlines Stop Letting Basic Economy Tickets Earn Miles?

Starting January 1, 2024, American Airlines made a controversial change: if you book a basic economy ticket, you won’t earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points anymore. Period.

This move aligns American with ultra-low-cost carriers, effectively decoupling the AAdvantage rewards system from its cheapest fares. According to their announcement featured in a December 2023 article on The Points Guy, it’s a strategy to encourage consumers to upgrade to main cabin fares, which are usually around $30–$50 more per flight.

Who’s affected? Just about anyone who buys the lowest fare without carefully reading the fine print:

• Frequent AAdvantage members chasing elite status tiers like Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum
• Budget-conscious travelers trying to earn free flights
• Digital nomads who stay loyal to one airline for award flights and upgrades

This change follows a trend among U.S. carriers. Delta and United still offer miles on their basic economy tickets (as of early 2025), though not always elite-qualifying points. American’s update is notably stricter—it’s now all or nothing.

Best Basic Economy Alternatives if You’re an AAdvantage Member in 2025

Let’s be honest: most of us book basic economy because it’s cheaper. But if your goal is to travel more by earning free flights, American’s new rules may leave you with two choices—pay more now or lose more later.

Here are some strategies to consider:

• Level Up to Main Cabin
  Often just $30–$70 higher, a main cabin fare still earns miles + Loyalty Points. It also includes seat selection, overhead bin space, and priority boarding on some routes—making it a better value overall for anyone tracking Loyalty Points.
• Switch to Another Airline
  Delta and United (still) offer points on their basic economy fares. If you’re mileage-hopping to reach status with other alliances (SkyTeam or Star Alliance), you’re still in play.
• Focus on Redemptions, Not Earnings
  If you’re not chasing Loyalty Points or elite tiers, bookings through other portals (e.g., travel credit cards) may offer better rewards and perks. Just don’t expect Loyalty Points on American’s basic economy.
• Book with a Flight Comparison Site
  Using platforms like Kiwi.com lets you compare fare levels—and their associated perks or penalties—on a single screen. It’s easier than toggling between airline pages or trying to read the fine print mid-checkout.
• Join Other Loyalty Programs
  Global travelers flying Oneworld partners can sometimes credit miles to a different airline—even on American flights. For example, British Airways’ Executive Club may be more forgiving depending on fare class assignments.

How to Tell If Your Fare Will Earn Miles: Tips for Budget and Frequent Flyers

With increasingly segmented fare rules, it can be tough to know what you’re getting. But knowledge = points.

• Use American’s Booking Filters
  American does mark which fares are “Basic Economy” during checkout, with a warning about no Loyalty Points.
• Know the Booking Source
  Not all travel sites show full fare restrictions upfront. On third-party booking portals or aggregators, always double-check which fare you’re booking.
• Use Frequent Flyer Tools
  Try tools like ExpertFlyer or AwardWallet to estimate mileage-earning potential—based on airline, route, fare class, and frequent flyer program.
• Call or Chat Customer Support
  Not sure if a code-share or partner airline ticket qualifies for points? Sometimes only live support can resolve ambiguous ticketing.
• Check Email Receipts
  AA receipts often provide an “earning” estimate—helpful if you’ve missed the details pre-booking.

How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way

Don’t just default to basic economy—here’s how to check your fare benefits, protect your points, and still fly affordably:

1. Compare fares by cabin class on a site like Kiwi.com to view differences between Basic and Main Cabin (price vs benefits).
2. Book directly through American Airlines or partners when Main Cabin is reasonably priced—often $50 more roundtrip with full points benefits.
3. If booking basics through OTAs, input the fare class into a tool like ITA Matrix or Google Flights for reward eligibility.
4. Register for alternative loyalty programs like British Airways Avios—especially for international travelers flying Oneworld.
5. Time your bookings at least 21+ days ahead for lower main cabin fares, especially during off-peak travel months (Jan–April, Sept–Oct).
6. Use saved fare difference to invest in travel insurance with coverage through Ekta Travel—especially helpful on cheaper tickets.

HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for This Trip

At HopStrip, we believe every dollar and data point should get you closer to the next great trip. With basic economy on American no longer earning miles or Loyalty Points, here are a few ways we think differently:

• Think in per-point value: Saving $40 today might cost you 7,000 miles tomorrow. Calculate the true cost by forecasting your earning strategy across multiple trips.
• Families booking in bulk should check whether Main Cabin unlocks family boarding, bags, and seat selection—cheaper than paying à la carte later.
• For long-haul economy flights, gear like ultralight carry-ons or neck pillows with hidden storage pockets can make basic economy more comfortable.
• Saved on flights? Use the extra budget to check hotel prices for your stay in a better neighborhood or closer to city hubs.

FAQ: Basic Economy on American Will No Longer Earn Miles or Loyalty Points

• ❓When did American stop giving miles for basic economy?
  The policy began on January 1, 2024. Any basic economy ticket flown on or after that date does not earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points, regardless of booking date.
• ❓Why did American Airlines make this change?
  The move is meant to push passengers to purchase more expensive fare classes while reducing loyalty payouts. No official mileage is earned under the basic economy tier anymore.
• ❓Does this affect other airlines in Oneworld?
  No—but the fare class matters. On code-share flights or Oneworld partners like Finnair or Qatar, you may still be able to credit miles to your AAdvantage account—just not if you’re flying under an American Airlines basic economy ticket.
• ❓Can I still earn credit card miles or points?
  Yes! Credit card award programs (like Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards) still apply. But they’re often separate from AAdvantage, so manage both programs strategically.
• ❓Are there any other benefits still included in AA basic economy?
  You’ll still get a seat, personal item, and overhead bin access. But forget about elite points, early boarding, seat selection, or upgrades.

Conclusion: Why “Cheap” Isn’t Always Smart—Especially If You’re Chasing Miles

In 2025 and beyond, booking flights takes more than a price filter. With basic economy on American no longer earning miles or Loyalty Points, it’s time to rethink how much “low-cost” really costs you in the long run.

This change hits AAdvantage loyalists hardest—especially anyone eyeing elite tiers or free travel rewards. But smart travelers can adapt: compare fares transparently, explore partner programs, and lean into tools that make real rewards achievable.

Fly smarter, not just cheaper. That’s the HopStrip way.