Do you get miles on American basic economy?

Do American Airlines Basic Economy Flights Earn Miles? The AAdvantage Breakdown

American Airlines’ Basic Economy fares are known for their budget-friendly prices, but a common question arises: do they earn AAdvantage miles? The answer is a qualified yes.

While Basic Economy tickets offer significant savings compared to their full-fare counterparts, they don’t entirely forgo the perks of the AAdvantage loyalty program. AAdvantage members will accumulate miles on these flights, but the earning rate and what’s included are crucial to understand.

Mileage Accumulation: You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on your Basic Economy ticket. This is a crucial point – it’s not 2 miles per dollar of the base fare. It includes the base fare plus any carrier-imposed fees. However, it explicitly excludes government taxes and fees.

Let’s break that down with an example:

Imagine a Basic Economy ticket costing $300. This includes a base fare of $200 and carrier-imposed fees of $100. Let’s say government taxes and fees add another $50 to the total. You will earn miles based on the $300 total minus the $50 in government taxes and fees – resulting in 2 miles per dollar on the remaining $250, netting you 500 AAdvantage miles.

What this means for you:

This earning structure means that while you’ll earn miles, the overall accumulation might be slightly lower than with a standard fare. The lower base fare inherent in Basic Economy tickets naturally impacts the final miles earned. Remember to always factor in the government taxes and fees when calculating your potential mileage accrual.

Things to consider:

• Other benefits: While miles are earned, Basic Economy usually has more restricted baggage allowances and potentially fewer boarding options, which aren’t compensated for by miles. Weigh the cost savings against these restrictions.
• Other earning opportunities: Explore other ways to earn AAdvantage miles, such as using the American Airlines co-branded credit card, to potentially offset the lower mileage earning on Basic Economy flights.

In conclusion, while you do earn AAdvantage miles on American Airlines Basic Economy flights, understanding the nuances of the 2 miles per dollar earning structure, considering what is included and excluded, is essential for accurate expectations. Carefully weigh the lower mileage earnings against the significant cost savings before booking your next flight.