American Removes Elite Benefits in Basic Economy
American Airlines really does not want you to purchase Basic Economy tickets.
As of December, AAdvantage members no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points for these cheapest tickets. Then American Airlines increased fees for checked bags by $10 for everyone, but increased them by $15 for those flying Basic Economy.
But it didn’t end there. For Basic Economy tickets purchased on or after May 18, 2026, all customers will have to pay for seat selection and will not be eligible for complimentary and systemwide upgrades. So it doesn’t matter what kind of status you have in the AAdvantage program.
Starting later in 2026, American Airlines will downgrade Basic Economy passengers who are AAdvantage® members without status or specific co-branded credit cards to Group 7 boarding. Those with status or qualifying credit cards will at least maintain priority boarding even when flying on a Basic Economy ticket.
