American Airlines announced on Friday that it will begin allowing customers to purchase tickets using a combination of cash and AAdvantage frequent flyer miles. The airline confirmed the new payment option is designed to add flexibility to its loyalty program and is scheduled to be rolled out in the coming days.
According to the company’s announcement, customers booking flights will be presented with a slider bar at checkout. This feature will permit them to choose how many miles to apply toward the cost of a ticket, which will reduce the remaining cash balance. The tool can be utilized by customers who do not have enough miles to cover the entire cost of a flight or by those who wish to lower the cash price of their fare.
The change brings American Airlines’ booking system in line with those of its primary U.S. competitors. Other major carriers, including United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, currently provide a similar feature for members of their loyalty programs.
As an example of how these programs function, a recent search for a one-way United flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Paris showed three payment options: 40,000 MileagePlus miles plus taxes, a cash price of $428.50, or a combination of $369 and 6,000 miles.
This update to the AAdvantage program is part of a wider airline industry trend focused on enhancing customer loyalty offerings. Airlines frequently compete for travelers through improvements to services such as airport lounges, premium cabin seating, and other in-flight amenities. Loyalty programs are a significant aspect of airline operations.
American Airlines has not provided a specific date for when the new payment tool will be available to all customers.
