It’s now possible: American Airlines lets you pay for a flight by combining AAdvantage miles and cash.
Previously, passengers flying with American Airlines had to choose between paying for their reservation entirely in dollars or entirely in miles. With the “Cash + Miles” option, they can start with the cash price and use as many miles as they want to reduce the total cost.
You don’t need enough miles to cover the full cost of an award ticket.
Important to know:
- The service is available to all U.S. based AAdvantage members.
- Domestic U.S. flights operated by American Airlines.
- Flights to or from Alaska and Hawaii are excluded for now.
- American promises to add more routes later.
How do you book an American Airlines flight using the Cash + Miles option?
– First, log in to your AAdvantage account on aa.com or in the app
– Search for the flight and select it at the cash fare
– Accept the travel insurance offer
– Choose the number of miles to use toward payment.
Note that the amount payable decreases as you add more miles.
The selected miles are deducted from the member’s account at the time of booking. Only the combinations offered by the airline are available; you cannot specify a custom amount.
Important to know:
Taxes and fees: These must still be paid in cash, regardless of the number of miles used
Earning miles: The portion paid in cash earns miles
Loyalty Points: The portion paid with miles does not earn Loyalty Points.
Changes: Direct itinerary changes are not possible. You must cancel and rebook at the current fare. Mile value: AAdvantage miles are valued at 1.45 cents.