American Airlines has announced updates to its AAdvantage program for 2026. To mark its centennial year, the airline is focusing on consistency, free connectivity, and new “lifestyle” reward choices. Here are American Airlines 2026 updates – the changes are underwhelming, which is probably a good thing.
1. Basic Economy Tickets No Longer Earn Loyalty points
Not really a 2026 change but Basic Economy tickets no longer earn loyalty points. Basic Economy now earns nothing, regardless of elite status or whether you used a co-branded AA credit card. There was no proactive email or warning; the change was quietly implemented.
2. Status Requirements Stay the Same
For the third year in a row, American is keeping its Loyalty Point thresholds unchanged. This makes it easier for members to plan their qualifying year without “moving goalposts.” Nothing changes for systemwide upgrades or other requirements or benefits.
- Gold: 40,000 Loyalty Points
- Platinum: 75,000 Loyalty Points
- Platinum Pro: 125,000 Loyalty Points
- Executive Platinum: 200,000 Loyalty Points
3. Free High-Speed Wi-Fi (Sponsored by AT&T)
Beginning in January 2026, AAdvantage members gain access to free, high-speed Wi-Fi on nearly all domestic flights.
- Availability: Rolling out now to 100% of the narrowbody and dual-class regional fleet.
- How to Connect: Simply log in to the
aainflight.comportal using your AAdvantage number and password. - Goal: By early spring 2026, free Wi-Fi will be available on more than 2 million flights annually.
4. Centennial Rewards and “Centennial Tags”
To celebrate 100 years of flight, American is introducing limited-edition memorabilia:
- Limited-Edition Luggage Tag: Any member who qualifies for status starting March 1, 2026, can request a special centennial luggage tag. This is available for all tiers (Gold through Executive Platinum) and Million Milers.
- 15,000 LP Milestone: The centennial tag is also being added as a choice at the very first Loyalty Point Reward level.
5. New “Loyalty Point Reward” Choices
The “pick-your-perk” menu is being refreshed starting March 1, 2026, to include more non-travel rewards:
- New York Times Subscriptions: Choices for NYT Games, Cooking, or The Athletic will be available at lower tiers; “All Access” passes will be available at higher tiers.
- AA Vacations Credits: Members can choose credits ranging from $250 to $500 toward vacation packages.
- In-flight Perks: New options for food and beverage coupons to use on board.
- AAdvantage Exchange: A new marketplace for redeeming “gifts” like consumer electronics and premium retail items at higher thresholds (replacing the previous Bang & Olufsen partnership).
6. Partner Bonus Changes
While requirements stayed the same, some backend earning mechanics are shifting:
- The Upgrade: At the 60,000 LP level, the partner earning bonus (for shopping, hotels, etc.) is increasing from 20% to 25%.
- The Downgrade: The 30% bonus previously offered at the 100,000 LP level is being discontinued to “make room” for the new rewards.
- The Cap: The 25% partner bonus will now be capped at a maximum of 15,000 additional Loyalty Points.
7. Redeeming Miles for Experiences
Later in 2026, you will also be able to use your miles for more than just seats. New redemption options include:
- Live Events: Tickets for the PGA Championship and U.S. Soccer matches.
- Retail Gift Cards: A new feature allowing miles to be swapped for gift cards from top retailers and entertainment brands.
Summary
The 2026 AAdvantage program continues to reward high spenders while penalizing budget travelers. Basic Economy tickets now earn zero miles or Loyalty Points, and partner earning bonuses are now capped, especially through shopping portals. The rollout of free high-speed Wi-Fi is good news, though how it competes with satellite Wi-Fi remains to be seen. In short: if you pay for premium cabins, it’s status quo; if you hunt for deals, the program just got significantly more difficult.
