Update on American Airlines and US Airways Merger

Today is a big day for the American Airlines and US Airways merger! As of today, American and US Airways fliers have the ability to:

• Use American Airline AAdvantage miles to book US Airways flights
• Use US Airways Dividend miles to book American Airline flights
• Select to earn either AAdvantage miles or Dividend miles on flights from both carriers
• Earn elite status miles in either loyalty program on flights from both carriers
• Receive reciprocal perks when flying if you are an elite member – for example, free checked baggage, priority check in, priority boarding, etc.
• Access either American Admirals Club or US Airways Club if you are a club member in either program

Remember though, this is only for American Airline and US Airways operated flights, NOT partner airlines. For example, even though you can use your British Airways Avios points to book American Airline operated flights, you cannot use Avios points to book US Airways flights. Although AA and US Airways have reciprocal earning and redeeming options, AA is still part of the OneWorld alliance and US Airways is still part of Star Alliance. You also cannot currently fly British Airways hoping to credit your miles to US Airways. This will change at the end of March, however, as US Airways will be leaving Star Alliance on March 30 and joining OneWorld on March 31. At that time, US Airways will then have the same partners as American Airlines and you will have the opportunity to earn and redeem on the same partner airlines.

Here is the press announcement from both airlines, American Airlines and US Airways.