American Airlines Cuts AAdvantage Earnings for Basic Economy Fares

Travelers flying American Airlines will need to avoid Basic Economy fares if they want to earn AAdvantage miles.

American is no longer allowing those flying Basic Economy to earn miles or Loyalty Points for their travel. Previously, these passengers earned two miles for every dollar spent.

American stated that it is making the change to stay “competitive” in a marketplace where more airlines are ramping up premium options, including several carriers that originated as low-cost or ultra-low-cost airlines.

American’s move is not atypical for the industry. Delta offers its own basic economy fare, called Main Basic, which also doesn’t allow flyers to earn SkyMiles. United, on the other hand, does allow some earnings on its Basic Economy fare.

Basic Economy is the lowest level fare class for American. Travelers opting to fly in that class get a low fare in exchange for changes and cancellations (tickets can only be canceled or changed for a refund within 24 hours of booking), seat selection (basic economy flyers can pick a seat for an addition fee), and checked bags (tickets only guaranteed one carry-on and one personal item). Those ticket holders also typically board last in Group 9.