NEW<\/span>You can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n American Airlines has made a change that affects how millions of travelers earn rewards on its cheapest tickets \u2014 and now the airline<\/a> is facing some backlash for it.<\/p>\n Under the updated policy, passengers who purchase basic economy fares will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or loyalty points toward elite status.\u00a0<\/p>\n The change applies to tickets booked on or after Dec. 17, according to the airline.<\/p>\n American Airlines said the change is part of an effort to remain competitive.<\/p>\n MAJOR AIRLINE HOLDING FLIGHTS TO ACCOMMODATE FLYERS WITH CONNECTIONS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “We routinely evaluate our fare products to remain competitive in the marketplace,” the airline said in a statement to Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n “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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Passengers who purchase basic economy tickets will no longer earn AAdvantage miles or loyalty points toward elite status, said American Airlines.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Previously, AAdvantage members earned miles and points based on the price of their ticket, even when flying on the airline\u2019s lowest fare class.\u00a0<\/p>\n Under the updated policy, those rewards will now be reserved for main cabin fares and higher.<\/p>\n FLYERS WARN AIR TRAVEL IS BECOMING UNBEARABLE AS PASSENGER SEATS KEEP SHRINKING<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Reaction to the change has been mixed on online forums such as Reddit, where users debated whether basic economy travelers<\/a> should expect to earn loyalty rewards at all.<\/p>\n Some commenters argued that most passengers who book the lowest-priced fares are primarily motivated by cost, not by loyalty perks.<\/p>\n The announcement has drawn mixed reactions online, with some people questioning whether low-cost fares should include loyalty benefits.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “I can\u2019t imagine your typical bare-bones basic flyer really cares that much about points or miles,” one user wrote.<\/p>\n The person added that price tends to outweigh loyalty considerations for many travelers.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Others supported the airline\u2019s decision, saying elite status<\/a> should be tied to higher spending.<\/p>\n “If you\u2019re booking basic economy, you shouldn\u2019t reap the benefits,” another commenter said, noting that American Airlines was among the last major carriers to make such a change.<\/p>\n Some travelers said basic economy customers prioritize low prices over miles, while others agreed elite status should be limited to higher spenders.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Some frequent flyers, however, criticized the move \u2014 arguing it removes one of the few incentives for budget-conscious business travelers.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “This is awful,” one self-identified platinum member wrote.\u00a0<\/p>\n “I fly for work<\/a> a lot, but my company won\u2019t pay for anything more than basic economy. Having the status and points is what makes traveling for work worth it.”<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1200\/675\/woman-booking-holiday-flight.jpg?ve=1&tl=1\")
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