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What would a USAirways-America West Merger Mean for the Two Frequent Flyer Programs

by Gary Leff on May 19, 2005

May 19 2005

Randy Petersen has a new post up on his blog, imagining what an America West-USAirways tie-up would mean for integration of the two airlines’ frequent flyer programs. He believes a merger or acquisition would be on the whole good for members miles would be far safer integration would happen over a couple of years with reciprocal space available upgrades for elites introduced quickly new redemption options would be introduced partners would be streamlined so some current relationships would disappear

What would an America West-USAirways Merger Mean for Frequent Flyer Mileage Redemption

by Gary Leff on April 26, 2005

Apr 26 2005

Keith Alexander speculates on what would happen to frequent flyers in an America West-USAirways tie-up. He quotes Randy Petersen saying that USAirways members could finally relax about the future and stability of their miles. Separately, if the combined corporate entity remains as USAirways, and its existing partnerships continue, then America West flyers will gain access to international awards like they’ve never known before through USAirways’ membership in the Star Alliance. Currently, America West’s premium international redemption options are hugely limited. Of course, this is all speculation. If a merger were to go through, and if it were to cause the combined entity to exit the Star Alliance (after all, America West is a significant competitor to United on the West Coast of the U.S. and to the best of my knowledge America West management hasn’t…

Mother’s Day Flowers

by Gary Leff on April 26, 2005

Apr 26 2005

It’s one of the times of year that all the programs push their flowers and gifts mileage partners. America West just sent out an email offering 20 miles per dollar with FTD, with Butterfield Blooms, with Gift Sense, and from the San Francisco Music Box Company. The FTD offer says “Elite Members” but the offer was sent to me by America West, and I do not have elite status with that airline. I do have some experience with FTD offers originally targeted for elites, and everyone has always been able to earn full mileage with the offers regardless of status. The best mileage offer has been around for a couple of years, FTD offers 30 United miles per dollar spent. The offer mentions United 1K members but everyone has been able to take advantage of…

Thoughts on USAirways/America West Merger Rumors

by Gary Leff on April 20, 2005

Apr 20 2005

Rumors of an America West-USAirways linkup have been all over the news. The two carriers are certainly in talks. There’s a certain logic to it: USAirways has a strong East Coast route network, America West has a strong West Coast route network, together they’d be a true national carrier (the nation’s 6th largest). But America West is close to profitability and is winning analyst plaudits. USAirways remains in bankruptcy for the second time since 9/11, is short on cash and on life support. USAirways has a much more senior workforce than America West. Integrating union labor pools is always a difficult task and one which can lead to significant acrimony. It’s really unclear to me how America West would make USAirways’ assets profitable. Rumors of the two carriers combining go back to 1997 (or at…

America West Flight Fund Offers Sydney Options

by Gary Leff on March 2, 2005

Mar 02 2005

When I read the headline in the Phoenix Business Journal, “America West adds Australia to frequent flyer program,” I assumed that America West must have inked a deal with Qantas. Nope. They’ve expanded their partnership with Hawaiian Airlines to include Hawaiian’s service to Sydney via Honolulu. Oh well, any new award redemption option is a good thing.

America West Offers Elite Qualifying Miles for Paying with ‘Bill Me Later’

by Gary Leff on February 15, 2005

Feb 15 2005

Through May 2, America West is offering 1000 bonus miles that count towards elite status when using the ‘bill me later’ feature for the first time for ticket purchases on their website. This is in addition to the one bonus mile per dollar spent when using the feature and the 500 mile online booking bonus. Of course, it’s important to pay prompty as the fees can otherwise be significant.

America West Improves Credit Card Signup Bonus

by Gary Leff on November 15, 2004

Nov 15 2004

The offer for an America West Visa Platinum has improved — 10,000 bonus miles after your first purchase if you apply online.That just more or less brings the signup bonus to industry norms, and so I’d only get this card (which comes with an annual fee) if I really wanted America West miles in particular, though other cards like the Starwood American Express will still earn the points more efficiently for regular spending.