US Airways will join oneworld® with effect from March 31, 2014, following completion today of its merger with alliance founding member American Airlines. All its regional affiliates, operating under the US Airways Express brand, will also transition to oneworld at the same time. Their entry into oneworld with effect from the first flights on March 31, 2014 will follow immediately upon their exit from the Star Alliance with the final flights on March 30, 2014. All parties are taking every effort to ensure that the alliance transition is as seamless as possible for customers. Until the full integration of American Airlines and US Airways – which will see the combined airline retaining the American Airlines name – US Airways and its regional carriers will operate as oneworld affiliate members, under the American umbrella.
They will offer oneworld’s full range of services and benefits – although some may be phased in shortly after US Airways joins. US Airways, American and their oneworld partners are working to provide the most popular benefits and services on an accelerated timeline. A thorough communications plan is being developed to brief customers in detail on all the benefits and privileges they will receive with US Airways as a member of oneworld and as those benefits become available. During the transition period as they work towards their full integration, American and US Airways will maintain their current loyalty programs.
US Airways underlined today that all its Dividend Miles cardholders will maintain all miles earned and their tier status. Dividend Miles Preferred members will be sent new membership cards with the oneworld logo, for use from 31 March. Dividend Miles Chairman cardholders will have the top Emerald status in the oneworld programme. Dividend Miles Platinum and Gold will be equivalent to oneworld Sapphire and Dividend Miles Silver will be oneworld Ruby.
From March 31, Dividend Miles Chairman, Platinum and Gold members will be able to access some 600 airport lounges worldwide offered by oneworld member airlines when they fly with one of the alliance’s carriers. As oneworld Emeralds, Dividend Miles Chairman cardholders will be able to use First Class lounges, where available – and receive an additional baggage allowance and access fast tracks through departure security at select airports.