- American Airlines introduced a cash-and-miles payment option for its AAdvantage programme
- The feature is available only to US members for domestic flights excluding Alaska or Hawaii
- American places the option near the end of checkout with a slider showing available combinations
- The cash portion earns AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points
- American received $6.2bn in cash from co-branded credit cards in 2025
- Scott Long shared the aim was to provide “more choice and flexibility for our members.”
American Airlines has introduced a cash-and-miles payment option for its AAdvantage programme, a feature that many US competitors have already adopted. For now, this feature is available only to US members and can be used for domestic flights operated by American Airlines, excluding travel to Alaska or Hawaii. Access to this option gradually becomes available through the airline’s website and app. American states more routes will follow, although the carrier has offered no timetable.
American places the cash-and-miles option near the end of checkout, after members have chosen a flight priced in dollars and accepted or declined the airline’s trip-insurance offer. Eligible bookings then display a slider showing the combinations available for that itinerary. Moving it changes the amount due, allowing the customer to see the effect of using additional miles before paying. Because the process starts with a cash fare, members can book without a separate award search or enough miles for the full ticket. American controls the combinations shown, and customers must still pay taxes and government fees in cash. The cash portion earns AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points, but flexibility after purchase is limited because American does not allow direct itinerary changes. Travelers whose plans shift must cancel the ticket and book again at the current fare. When the cancellation qualifies, the miles are reinstated, and the money paid is refunded or converted to credit under the original fare rules.
American’s 2025 financial filings show why a modest-looking checkout feature has significance beyond the booking screen. The airline received $6.2bn in cash from co-branded credit cards and other partners during the year, while its liability for outstanding loyalty currency reached $10.56bn. Members redeemed about 18m awards, according to American’s annual report. American collects cash on a mixed booking while giving members another reason to use balances that might otherwise sit untouched.
