Do economy flights earn miles?

Do Economy Flights Still Earn Miles? A Look at Evolving Airline Loyalty Programs

The question of whether economy flights earn miles is increasingly nuanced. While the simple answer used to be a resounding “yes,” the rise of tiered economy fares and evolving airline loyalty programs means the details matter. No longer is a basic economy ticket a guaranteed path to the same mileage accumulation as a full-fare economy seat.

This shift is exemplified by American Airlines’ recent policy update. Effective March 1st, 2023, their Basic Economy fares now earn 2 miles per dollar spent. This is a significant change from previous iterations which offered either drastically reduced mileage accrual or none at all. The inclusion of 2 miles per dollar spent provides a more substantial reward for budget-conscious travelers choosing Basic Economy, albeit still less than the rate earned on higher fare classes.

The key takeaway here is the distinction between different economy fare types. Airlines are increasingly segmenting their economy offerings, creating tiers like Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and potentially others with varying perks and, crucially, different mileage earning rates. Basic Economy often prioritizes the lowest possible price, sacrificing amenities like seat selection and potentially mileage accrual. However, as American Airlines’ policy change demonstrates, even the most basic fare class may now offer a more competitive mileage earning structure.

Beyond the base mileage rate, the earning potential of economy flights is also affected by other factors. Elite status with an airline significantly impacts mileage accumulation. American Airlines’ continued application of Elite status benefits to Basic Economy fares, including bonus mileage accrual, highlights this. Frequent flyers maintaining elite status can offset the lower base mileage rate of Basic Economy, effectively narrowing the gap between the rewards earned on different fare classes.

In conclusion, while economy flights still earn miles, the amount accrued can vary considerably depending on the specific fare class and the flyer’s status within the airline’s loyalty program. Passengers should carefully review the mileage accrual details for their specific ticket type before booking, paying close attention to the distinctions between different economy fare classes and the potential impact of elite status benefits. The landscape of airline loyalty programs is constantly evolving, so staying informed is key to maximizing rewards.