The new American Airlines is supposed to help the airlinebe competitive going forward and be able to offer cheap traveloptions, including cheapairplane tickets, discounttravel deals and cheap vacation packages.
The merged airline announced its first phase of enhancedbenefits for its frequent flier members in early January, including the abilityto earn and redeem miles when traveling across its combined network. American noted that it is pleased that itscustomers will be able to experience the perks they value the most so early inthe integration process.
Changes effective for American and US Airways frequentfliers effective January 7th include:
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AAdvantageand Dividend Miles members can earn and redeem miles for travel across eitherairlines network. All travel will gotowards qualification of elite status in the frequent fliers program ofchoice. Shortly, other frequent flier policieswill align, such as upgrades.
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Elitemembers of each airlines frequent flier program can take advantage ofreciprocal benefits of both the AAdvantage and Dividend Miles programs,including priority security and boarding, complimentary access to PreferredSeats, and free checked bags.
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Membersof the American Admirals Club or US Airways Club now enjoy joint clubaccess. American AAdvantage CitiExecutive cardholders can access US Airways Clubs.
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Airportand web check-in timeframes have been aligned for both airlines. Customers are now able to check into eitherairline online from 1 to 24 hours for domestic flights and 2 to 24 hours beforeinternational flights.
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Boardingprocedures have been aligned whereby US Airways now boards military memberswith first class fliers, instead of before first class. US Airways has adopted Americans policy ofnot allowing families with small children to board early.
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Bothairlines now operate out of the same ticket counters and gates at New YorksJohn F. Kennedy Airport.
Within a couple of months, additional changes between thetwo airlines will be rolled out, including a codeshare agreement to align thetwo airlines networks.
US Airways will exit the Star Alliance on March 30thand join Americans Oneworld Alliance the next day. Soon both airlines will operate out of thesame ticket counters and gates in major markets including Miami and Phoenix.
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