Millions affected as major airline ends advantage miles program on basic economy tickets

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American Airlines has made a change that affects how millions of travelers earn rewards on its cheapest tickets — and nowthe airlineis facing some backlash for it.

Under the updated policy, passengers who purchase basic economy fares will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or loyalty points toward elite status. 

The change applies to tickets booked on or after Dec.17, according to the airline.

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American Airlines said the change is part of an effort to remain competitive.

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“We routinely evaluate our fare products to remain competitive in the marketplace,�

“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,” the airline also said. 

A woman is looking at a credit card while she has her laptop open to an airline booking website.

Passengers who purchase basic economy tickets will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or loyalty points toward elite status, said American Airlines.(iStock)

Previously, AAdvantage members earned miles and points based on the price of their ticket, even when flying on the airline’s lowest fare class. 

Under the updated policy, those rewards will now be reserved for main cabin fares and higher.

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Reaction to the change has been mixed on online forums such as Reddit, where users debated whetherbasic economy travelersshould expect to earn loyalty rewards at all.

Some commenters argued that most passengers who book the lowest-priced fares are primarily motivated by cost, not by loyalty perks.

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A woman is looking out the window of the airport at an American Airlines plane.

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions online, with some people questioning whether low-cost fares should include loyalty benefits.(iStock)

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“I can’t imagine your typical bare-bones basic flyer really cares that much about points or miles,” one user wrote.

The person added that price tends to outweigh loyalty considerations for many travelers.

elite statusshould be tied to higher spending.

“If you’re booking basic economy, you shouldn’t reap the benefits,” another commenter said, noting that American Airlines was among the last major carriers to make such a change.

Passengers dropping off their luggage at the American Airlines bag drop off desk.

Some travelers said basic economy customers prioritize low prices over miles, while others agreed elite status should be limited to higher spenders.(iStock)

Some frequent flyers, however, criticized the move — arguing it removes one of the few incentives for budget-conscious business travelers.

fly for worka lot, but my company won’t pay for anything more than basic economy.Having the status and points is what makes traveling for work worth it.”

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Delta Air Lines already has limited rewards on its lowest-priced fares. 

The airline’s website indicates that passengers who book basic economy tickets do not earn SkyMiles or credit toward elite status.

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For American Airlines, mileage earnings apply only to certain ticket types, with eligibility determined by fare class and booking conditions, according to the company’s website.

 

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