American scraps loyalty points for basic economy fares
American Airlines is dropping frequent flier points accrual for its lowest economy fares.
AAdvantage members flying on basic economy fares will no longer earn points.
“We routinely evaluate our fare products to remain competitive in the marketplace. Customers who purchase a Basic Economy ticket on December 17, 2025 and beyond will not earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points towards AAdvantage status,” the airline said.
“Basic Economy customers will continue to receive one free personal item and one free carry-on bag, free snacks, soft drinks and in-flight entertainment.”
Those with elite status booking basic economy can still get upgrades on domestic flights if available, American said.
The basic economy fare is the cheapest public fare available and has various restrictions with no refunds available or free changes.
The change follows a similar move by Delta Air Lines which ended Delta SkyMiles points for its basic economy fare.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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