{"id":211719,"date":"2025-12-17T23:49:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T23:49:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/17\/american-airlines-adds-tough-new-basic-economy-restriction-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2025-12-17T23:49:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T23:49:39","slug":"american-airlines-adds-tough-new-basic-economy-restriction-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/17\/american-airlines-adds-tough-new-basic-economy-restriction-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"American Airlines adds tough new basic economy restriction – The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"


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American Airlines just gave travelers a lot more reason to avoid basic economy.<\/p>\n

As of Wednesday, the carrier will no longer let its AAdvantage loyalty members earn miles or status-earning Loyalty Points when flying on its no-frills tickets.<\/p>\n

It’s a blow to AAdvantage members who had been willing to stomach the restrictions of basic economy in exchange for saving some (often a lot) of money.<\/p>\n

The changes, spelled out on the airline\u2019s website<\/a>, apply to all new bookings made from Dec. 17 onward.<\/p>\n

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AMERICAN AIRLINES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The news was first spotted by industry watcher “JonNYC” as well as Thrifty Traveler and subsequently confirmed by TPG.<\/p>\n

Tightening its basic economy policies for AAdvantage members<\/h2>\n

This isn’t the first time American has taken a bite out of loyalty earnings for passengers flying on its basic bookings.<\/p>\n

Until now, AAdvantage members flying basic earned 2 miles and Loyalty Points per dollar spent \u2014 a reduction from the normal 5 per dollar.<\/p>\n

Going forward, they’ll earn none.<\/p>\n

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American Airlines Boeing 777-200ER. SEAN CUDAHY\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“We routinely evaluate our fare products to remain competitive in the marketplace,” American said in a statement. “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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Basic economy gets even more basic<\/h2>\n

Basic economy has evolved at airlines over the years.<\/p>\n

Carriers first introduced the discounted ticket option in the mid-2010s as a way to compete more forcefully against budget airlines.<\/p>\n

And we\u2019ve seen policies \u2014 from ticket flexibility to carry-on rules and loyalty earnings \u2014 ebb and flow in the years since.<\/p>\n

American basic economy: What to know<\/h3>\n

Until now, American had offered one of the most lenient basic economy policies of any U.S. airline, especially for its statusholders.<\/p>\n

American\u2019s basic fares come with many of the industry-standard restrictions:<\/p>\n