USAir and American Merger - 3rd Quarter 2013

American and USair will merge in the third quarter of 2013. The airline will be known as American.
Until that time, you will still be able to exchange miles on Usair and United but once the merger is finalized, Usair will decouple from Star Alliance and join the One World program. Exact dates are not known.

As soon as I get more information, I will let you know!

USAIR Will Join American One World Mileage Program

The merger between USAIR and American Airlines will lead to the merger of their frequent flier programs. Currently USAIR shares  mileage with United in the Star Alliance Program. However, once the programs merge USAIR will join One World. The good news is that American’s AAdvantage program is regarded as one of the best loyalty programs in the world. The program has many options to earn miles, and AA is considered to be among the easiest U.S. airlines for redeeming miles for award tickets. 

American also allows customers the option to redeem miles for one-way award tickets by using just half the miles needed for a one-way trip — an option that would surely be well-received by US Airways’ frequent fliers if that carries over to the merged carrier.

The downside will be for those people who use both USAIR for short-hauls and United for international flights and combine those miles. Keep in mind that American partners with British Air over the water as well as Singapore and other carriers.

This will be a period of adjustment, of course. No date is set for the merger of mileage as of now. Stay tuned.

Delta Air Lines and Starwood Hotels

Delta Air Lines and Starwood Hotels will soon introduce a crossover loyalty program in which elite-level travelers simultaneously receive benefits and earn points with both frequent traveler programs. Starting March 1, 2013 Delta SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members are eligible for such Starwood Preferred Guest benefits such as late checkout and free in-room Internet access. Starwood platinum  members will get Delta  benefits as a free checked bag and priority check-in and boarding.

Delta Medallion members earn a mile per dollar on room rates from Starwood, and SPG elite members earn Starpoints from eligible airfares with Delta.

Airline Updates

Spirit Airlines is now operating nonstop service between New Orleans and Dallas/Fort Worth. In addition to nonstop service to Dallas/Fort Worth, Spirit offers connecting service from New Orleans to Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale and Houston

JetBlue Airways and Asiana Airlines now have an interline agreement to connect each other's networks and flight options.


Brussels Airlines  will operate direct flights five times per week  between Washington Dulles and Brussels Airport starting June 18.

Qantas is giving travelers an extra incentive to book an Australian getaway with savings on departures from Los Angeles, Dallas and New York as part of the “Escape to Australia” campaign in conjunction with Tourism Australia. The special fares must be booked by Feb. 4.

Fares from Los Angeles start from $1,298 round trip in International Economy on select flights to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. In Economy class departing from Los Angeles March 5 to 14 or April 2 to 30 or Nov. 1 to 30, the fare is $1,298 or up to 40 percent off. From Dallas/Fort Worth departing April 2 to 29 or Nov. 1 to 30, the fare is priced at $1,498 or up to 35 percent off. Departing from New York JFK Feb. 24 to March 18 or April 2 to 30 or Nov. 1 to 30, the price is $1,498 or up to 35 percent off. Discount fares also are available in Premium Economy from $2,414 from Los Angeles up to 55 percent off; from Dallas/Fort Worth the fare is $2,638 or up to 50 percent off; and from New York (JFK) the fare is $2,658 or up to 50 percent off.