American Airlines is introducing a new feature that will allow customers to book tickets using a combination of cash and AAdvantage miles. This update, set to launch in the coming days, includes a slider bar at checkout enabling passengers to blend their miles with cash to pay for flights. The option aims to help travelers who may not have enough miles for a full award ticket but still want to reduce their out-of-pocket costs by applying some miles.

This move aligns American with other major U.S. carriers like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which have already offered similar cash-and-miles booking options. For example, United customers flying from Newark to Paris can currently pay part cash and part miles, tweaking the balance to suit their preferences and savings goals. American’s new slider tool will give customers even more flexibility to adjust how many miles they use for greater discounts.

The change comes as airline loyalty programs remain a significant revenue driver for carriers, fueling ongoing competition to enhance frequent flyer benefits. Beyond booking flexibility, airlines are also investing in expanded premium services including new lounges, upgraded cabins, and better in-flight amenities like Wi-Fi. These enhancements target high-spending customers who value superior travel experiences while maintaining strong brand loyalty.

As American Airlines continues evolving its loyalty program, this new booking feature underscores the broader trend in the airline industry to offer more personalized and convenient options to frequent flyers. By matching rivals’ offerings, American aims to retain and attract customers in a competitive market where rewards programs are increasingly vital to airline profitability and customer satisfaction.