It Just Got a Lot Harder to Earn Miles on American Airlines

The announcement didn’t say explicitly why the change was made, though it did note that it will “routinely evaluate our fare products to remain competitive in the marketplace.” The change is not retroactive, so anyone who already bought their tickets, regardless of when the flight takes place, will be grandfathered in under the former rules.

How does the move compare to other US airlines?

American’s new rule brings it in line with Delta Air Lines, but United still lets you earn miles on basic economy. To some extent, all airlines have caveats and rules based on everything from what credit card you use to what fare class you buy.

Delta stopped awarding SkyMiles and Medallion‑qualifying credit on its basic economy (called “Main Basic”) several years ago. On December 9, 2021, it announced that flyers on its lowest economy fare wouldn’t earn any redeemable miles or credit toward elite SkyMiles status. On United Airlines, flyers in Basic Economy can still earn award miles the same way they do in standard economy, meaning it’s based on what tier your United status is. It ranges from earning seven times their spend for Premier Silver status holders to 11 times their spend for Premier 1K status holders.

On Southwest, basic fares still earn Rapid Rewards points, but at a reduced rate: about two miles per dollar spent, roughly equal to the former American Airlines earning system. Flyers on JetBlue’s lowest tier, Blue Basic, earn one point for every dollar spent, or two points, if they make the reservation via JetBlue.com or the JetBlue app.

For now, AAdvantage flyers in Basic Economy still get some perks other airlines don’t offer, such as a free personal item and carry-on bag, basic snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. If you have an eligible AAdvantage credit card or elite status, you’ll get the perks included with that status, even in basic economy. That includes a better boarding group, a free checked bag, and complimentary seat selection or upgrades, depending on your membership tier.

Options for travelers

For American Airlines frequent flyers, there’s no recourse if you’re unhappy with the rule. Airlines can change the “contract of carriage,” or agreement between passengers and the airline, at any time. Short of paying more for a better class of service, there’s nothing you can do with American to change the rule (other than telling American Airlines how you feel about it).

However, if you have some level of enhanced status with American Airlines, you may be able to parlay that into status with another airline. Many US airlines, including United and Delta, offer options to “status match.” Essentially, the airline will match whatever status you have on a competitor’s airline. You’ll usually have between three and six months to earn a set number of miles (a.k.a. spend enough money with the airline) to meet their requirements, at which point your status will be extended, as if you originally earned it with that airline. It’s a program offered continuously by most airlines to attract the most desirable (and high-spending) passengers away from their competition.

• Delta Status Match
• United Status Match
• Alaska Status Match
• Southwest Status Match