- Delta SkyMiles has adopted revenue based earning with 5 to 11 miles per dollar.
- American AAdvantage has followed the same 5 to 11 miles per dollar structure.
- United MileagePlus has split earning between cardholders and non-cardholders since April 2 2026.
- Loyalty programmes of Delta, American and United have reached valuations over $25 billion each.
- Coach passengers on discounted long-haul fares now earn fewer miles than before.
Major US carriers have implemented changes to their loyalty programmes that base earnings on ticket revenue rather than distance flown. Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage and United MileagePlus now follow similar structures where passengers earn miles per dollar spent on eligible fares. United has adjusted its MileagePlus programme from April 2 2026 to differentiate between cardholders and non-cardholders.
Delta members earn 5 miles per dollar for base level with elite tiers reaching 11 miles per dollar. American AAdvantage mirrors this ladder with base 5 miles per dollar and bonuses for higher status. United offers 3 miles per dollar for base members without a co-branded card and up to 11 miles per dollar for top tier with a card. This convergence has reduced differentiation for coach passengers on long-haul routes.
Passengers on cheap long-haul economy tickets now earn fewer miles compared to premium or short domestic fares. Loyalty programme valuations stand at $31.7bn for Delta SkyMiles, $26.7bn for American AAdvantage and $25.3bn for United MileagePlus.
Delta shared “iAmerican Express remuneration reached €7.55bn in 2025.”
