The America West-USAirways frequent flyer program merger is making progress. You can now earn and burn each airline’s miles on the other carrier.
As summarized by the MilesLink newsletter:
- The programs are merging into a single “Dividend Miles” program, bringing some changes.
For starters, a new four-tiered elite program will be implemented in both programs.
The entry-level elite threshold will be set at 25,000 miles. Benefits include a 25-percent earning bonus, unlimited upgrades on full fares confirmable anytime, and unlimited upgrades on discounted fares confirmable up to two days in advance.
Higher tier thresholds have been set at 50,000, 75,000 and 100,000 miles. America West Platinum Elite members will be elevated to Chairman’s Elite status by Feb. 28, 2006.
Lower-level awards (FlightFund’s 15,000-mile short-hop and Dividend Miles 20,000-mile coach saver) are history. All awards will begin at 25,000 miles.
The Saturday-night stay requirement for Dividend Miles award travel will be discontinued.
A 500-mile bonus for booking online at either airline’s Web site.
