American Airlines Eliminates All Earnings on Basic Economy Tickets, Effective Immediately

Updated: December 18, 2025, 6:11pm CST

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AA Strips All Earning Potential From Basic Economy Tickets
Final Thoughts

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American Airlines has devalued its basic economy product yet again, removing, without notice, the ability to earn any miles (or elite credit) for these tickets.

Let’s take a look at all the details of this unfortunate change.

AA Strips All Earning Potential From Basic Economy Tickets

American Airlines has removed the ability to earn redeemable miles and elite-qualifying credits on basic economy tickets. The change was made without notice, though basic economy tickets purchased before December 17, 2025, will still earn according to the previous structure, which awarded AAdvantage members 2 redeemable AAdvantage miles and 2 Loyalty Points per dollar spent, down from the typical 5 of each with a Main Cabin ticket.

Any ticket booked after December 17 will earn nothing, which mirrors Delta SkyMiles earning restrictions on its basic economy tickets. United MileagePlus still awards redeemable miles and Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs), but not Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs).

American introduced basic economy tickets in 2017, and it has had a reputation for being less punitive than its competitors. Of course, AA’s basic economy tickets still come with restrictions on seat selection, a late boarding position, and practically no flexibility when attempting to change or cancel a ticket; however, many AAdvantage elite members and American Airlines co-branded credit card holders can still utilize many perks they’re entitled to.

American Airlines economy front rows Boeing 777 3 — American Airlines’ economy on the Boeing 777. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

With the ability to earn any credit whatsoever now gone, AA may find itself losing the advantage it once had over its competitors — at least in the basic economy arena.

Time will tell if American decides to further devalue its basic economy offering, but considering the numerous changes it has made to the product over the years, we wouldn’t be surprised to see perks like AAdvantage elite member upgrades and Main Cabin Extra seat selection disappear in the not-too-distant future.

Hot Tip:

To learn more, read our comparison between basic economy and economy with American Airlines so you can make the right decision for your next flight.

Final Thoughts

American Airlines has eliminated all earning potential on its basic economy tickets, which is very unfortunate news for anyone who regularly books this cabin class. This unannounced devaluation brings American in line with Delta in terms of not awarding any mileage or elite credit in basic economy, while United still offers some sort of earnings on its basic economy tickets.

These changes apply to any basic economy ticket booked on or after December 17, so take note of when you booked your ticket if you have an upcoming flight.