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AAdvantage program members will soon be able to pay for tickets using a combination of cash and miles. American Airlines announced the move in a press release, specifying that eligible members will be able to mix cash and miles on aa.com and via the mobile app as the feature rolls out over the coming weeks.
The booking process begins with a standard cash fare rather than an award flight search. Members log into their AAdvantage accounts and select a flight based on its cash price. At the payment stage, they are presented with an optional travel insurance offer, followed by available cash & miles combinations.
According to Scott Long, Senior Vice President of AAdvantage: “The introduction of cash and miles is another step in our ongoing effort to provide AAdvantage® members with more personalized ways to engage with the program and get more value from their membership.”
This option allows members to use their miles even when they do not have enough for a full award flight. American is not the first to do this; United and Delta already offer similar programs. Regardless, it is a highly beneficial option for passengers, as it allows them to save money when their mileage balance does not cover the entire cost of the ticket.
The press release notes that the cash portion of the payment earns miles and Loyalty Points, whereas the portion paid with miles does not generate Loyalty Points.
It should also be noted that the “Cash + Miles” option will initially be limited to U.S.-based members and domestic flights operated by American Airlines, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Government taxes and fees would still have to be paid in cash, and American controls the combinations offered.