American Airlines adds cash-and-miles ticket booking

American Airlines will soon let customers pay for tickets using a mix of cash and AAdvantage miles, bringing it in line with rivals such as United and Delta. The airline said the new checkout tool will include a slider that lets travelers choose how many miles to use and how much to pay in cash. The option is designed for customers who do not have enough miles to cover an entire fare, but still want to reduce the price. The change is part of American’s broader effort to strengthen its loyalty program, which is a major source of value for airlines. Carriers have been expanding benefits and features to attract frequent flyers and higherspending travelers.