American Airlines, US Airways will merge, consolidate frequent flyer programs

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American Airlines gave some details on how it will integrate the US Airways frequent flyer program.

Nicholas Sakelaris

Staff Writer- Dallas Business Journal

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American Airlines and US Airways will merge their frequent flyer programs 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 one of the biggest steps in the merger of the two airlines, a process that started in December. American already offers reciprocal benefits for both AAdvantage and Dividend Miles.

In early 2015, members who have an account in both programs will have the chance to match their accounts, which the airline says 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.

Travelers who have Dividend Silver status with 25,000 qualifying miles will be upgraded to AAdvantage Gold status.

Frequent flyers with Dividend Gold status and 50,000 qualifying miles will be moved to AAdvantage Platinum.

The Chairman's Preferred will move seamlessly to Executive Platinum status.

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