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Airline stops awarding loyalty points for economy fares

For the past three years, basic economy fares earned two miles and two loyalty points per $1 spent, down from five miles and five points before 2022
For the past three years, basic economy fares earned two miles and two loyalty points per $1 spent, down from five miles and five points before 2022 (American Airlines)
  • American Airlines has stopped awarding loyalty points and miles for basic economy fares.
  • The policy change was discovered by frequent flyers via an update to the airline's terms and conditions online, with no prior email notification or press release issued.
  • Customers purchasing basic economy tickets on or after 17 December 2025 will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or loyalty points towards status.
  • Tickets bought on or before 16 December 2025 will still accrue miles and points, even if the flight is scheduled for 2026.
  • This decision is viewed as an attempt to encourage passengers to purchase more expensive ticket types, a strategy previously adopted by Delta Air Lines in 2021.
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