Merged Carriers Begin Code-Sharing
by Michèle McDonaldTravel agents can now book American Airlines and US Airways code-share flights for travel beginning Jan. 23.
In the first phase of the rollout, reciprocal code-sharing is in effect on most flights operated by the carriers between American’s hubs in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and New York Kennedy and US Airways’ hubs in Charlotte, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington National.
The American code also has been placed on US Airways’ East Coast Shuttle service, which operates between Boston, New York LaGuardia and Washington National.
The US Airways code also has been placed on select American domestic flights from Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth to small and medium-size destinations.
A few international flights also are sharing codes.
The airlines expect to extend code-sharing to all flights in coming weeks.
Loyalty programs
American said it would maintain both loyalty programs – AAdvantage® and Dividend Miles –for the time being.
They also spelled out plans for reciprocal benefits in the programs, including:
• Passengers can earn and redeem AAdvantage miles on either carrier.
• All eligible travel on either airline will count toward elite status in the program of the passenger’s choosing.
• Elite members of each airline will receive “select” reciprocal benefits on both airlines, such as first and business class check-in, free checked bags and priority screening and boarding.
• Admirals Club and US Airways Club members have reciprocal club access.
