Basic economy flyers face significant changes as airlines cut free miles and increase restrictions. The move aims to reduce costs, but it may leave budget travelers feeling unwelcome.
Airline giants like American, United, and Delta have phased out free miles for basic economy passengers. Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines still offer reduced mileage rates. To compensate, budget carriers like Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant are gaining popularity as travelers opt for tighter restrictions.
Restrictions abound in basic economy. Passengers must pay a non-refundable fee to change tickets, often exceeding the ticket price. They also face limited seat selection and boarding perks. However, major airlines offer more amenities compared to low-fare carriers, including free drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi.
Some travelers, like Sally French of NerdWallet, choose basic economy for low-risk trips but opt for higher-priced economy classes for more expensive vacations. Gary Leff of View from the Wing likens airlines to a “bad boyfriend,” offering affordable tickets in exchange for loyalty.
Basic economy flyers can still earn miles through airline loyalty programs and partner carriers. In-flight credit cards also offer mileage accumulation on purchases made by basic economy ticket holders. This alternative way to bank miles may help offset some of the restrictions associated with budget travel.
Ultimately, airlines’ decision to phase out free miles will impact budget travelers’ decisions. With careful planning and mileage earning strategies, they can still reap benefits from their loyalty programs.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2026/03/08/airlines-miles-basic-economy-budget