Woke up this morning to news that everyone’s expected for months: American and US Airways merged. My first thought: what’s happening with my miles? Short answer: they’re not going anywhere. Longer answer: see below, from American’s new FAQ.
Q:How will merging with US Airways impact the AAdvantage program?
A: There is no immediate impact to the AAdvantage program. At this time, American and US Airways will remain separate companies and each company will maintain its current loyalty program — our AAdvantage program and US Airways Dividend Miles. AAdvantage miles earned by customers are secure and existing miles will continue to be honored. The AAdvantage program, including the elite program and its various facets such as lifetime status, upgrades, and bonus mileage, are intact. In addition, customers can continue to earn miles through existing AAdvantage participating companies and can redeem those miles for the same great awards — flights, upgrades, car rentals and hotels just to name a few.
Q: Will American and US Airways combine their loyalty programs into one?
A: Once the merger is complete, the new American will evaluate how best to structure its loyalty program. Ultimately, the combined company is expected to offer members more opportunities to earn and burn miles from an expanded global network of routes and partnerships, unmatched redemption options including flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, one-way awards and lounge memberships, and much more.
At this time, American and US Airways will remain separate companies and each company will maintain its current loyalty program — our AAdvantage program and US Airways Dividend Miles. We expect the transaction to close in the third quarter of 2013, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and will keep you updated throughout the process.
There are a lot more answers to your questions in that FAQ.
