Flying Basic Economy? You’ll No Longer Earn Miles On This US Airline

United Airlines is deciding that now is the time for it to tighten the screws on its Basic Economy product and on the way that most people earn their way to a free flight. Starting on April 2, 2026, United MileagePlus members who buy Basic Economy tickets will generally stop earning award miles unless they hold a qualifying United Airlines co-branded card or have Premier elite status.