As the 2025 holiday travel season hits its peak, American Airlines has delivered a lump of coal to budget-conscious travelers. In a bold policy shift effective December 17, 2025, the carrier officially stripped all AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Point earnings from its Basic Economy tickets. For any fares purchased from that date onward, the previously reduced rate of two miles per dollar has been slashed to zero. While passengers still receive a carry-on bag and a snack, the loyalty "paper trail" for these flights has been effectively erased, making the cheapest seats a dead end for those chasing elite status.
On a recent episode of The Roggin Report, host Fred Roggin didn’t hold back his frustration, noting the irony of the airline’s motto, "To care for people on life’s journey," just as they decided to "care a little bit less." Roggin argued that the move feels like a calculated nudge to force travelers into higher-priced Main Cabin seats. "It's like the trip never happened," Roggin quipped, lamenting the loss of even the smallest rewards for enduring the "travel hell" of the holidays.
However, the panel was split on whether this "Grinch move" would actually hurt the airline. Frequent flyers Doug and Jamiee Baker defended the change, suggesting that ultra-budget travelers are rarely motivated by loyalty points anyway. Doug pointed out that Southwest remains the last refuge for those wanting both the lowest price and mileage rewards, while Jamiee admitted she would happily pay a premium for comfort and service. Despite the debate, the message from American is clear: if you want to participate in the AAdvantage program, the "Basic" days are over.
By: NBC Palm Springs
December 19, 2025
