Here's when American Airlines, US Airways will merge their frequent-flier programs

Enlarge Photo

American Airlines image

American Airlines offered details on how it will integrate the US Airways frequent-flier program.

American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) will merge its frequent-flier program with that of US Airways in the second quarter of 2015, the airlines announced Tuesday.

The new AAdvantage loyalty program will combine mileage balances and align elite levels between the two programs. It's another big step in the integration of the two airlines, a process that started in December. American already offers reciprocal benefits for both AAdvantage and Dividend Miles.

American said last week it has completed the combination of its cargo operations. A spokeswoman for the airline said the company expects to receive a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration in the second quarter as well. American and US Airways have been flying under separate banners while integration work continues. Both airlines operate out of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

In early 2015, members who have an account in both frequent-flier programs will have the chance to match their accounts, according to the new details released by American. The airline says that will make flying more seamless for customers.

"AAdvantage is the original frequent flyer program and is consistently recognized as best in class because it rewards our most loyal customers with opportunities to upgrade and redeem miles for travel on the world's largest airline," said Suzanne Rubin, president of the loyalty program.

American has three status levels: Executive Platinum, Platinum and Gold. US Airways had a fourth level, silver, and called its top level Chairman's Preferred.

Among the changes to come:

Nicholas covers the energy, manufacturing, aviation and transportation beats for the Dallas Business Journal. Subscribe the Energy Inc. newsletter

Jen Wilson coordinates the Charlotte Business Journal's online operations and social-media efforts, chronicles local events for CBJ Seen and takes photographs.