Joint business partners, American Airlines and Qantas, have revealed the next phase of growth in their transPacific alliance, announcing improved frequent flyer benefits and new codeshare routes. The latest developments come after the Trump Administration approved antitrust immunity between the carriers in July.
American customers will benefit from five additional codeshare markets with Qantas, and Qantas customers will benefit from enhanced connectivity across North America with access to more than 50 new routes and 30 new destinations.
“Our customers are captivated by the natural beauty and cultural richness Australia and New Zealand offer, so we’re excited to bring them even more frequent flyer benefits and expanded codeshare opportunities for their adventures,” said Bridget Blaise-Shamai, President of the AAdvantage program and Vice President of Customer Loyalty and Insights for American.
More benefits for frequent flyers
AAdvantage members can now earn miles and elite status faster than ever on eligible flights between the United States and Australia or New Zealand thanks to an increase in mileage accrual. Members may earn up to two times more elite qualifying miles (EQMs) and elite qualifying dollars (EQDs) for most cabin classes on all eligible Qantas flights systemwide.
For more information about accruals, visit the Qantas partner page on aa.com
Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now earn more Qantas Points and Status Credits on American Airlines flights. To learn more about Qantas Frequent Flyer earn rates, visit qantas.com.
Improved connectivity with new codeshare destinations
American also recently expanded its codeshare on new routes operated by Qantas, for a new total of 32 codeshare markets.
The new flights operated by Qantas with expanded American codeshare are:
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Sydney (SYD)
- San Francisco (SFO) to Melbourne (MEL)
- San Francisco (SFO) to Brisbane (BNE)
- Chicago (ORD) to Brisbane (BNE)
Qantas has expanded its codeshare with American, adding more than 50 new codeshare city pairs from Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago. This expansion adds 28 new codeshare destinations to the Qantas network in the United States.
With these new destinations, Qantas places its code on American services to more than 100 destinations and almost 200 domestic city pairs.
From Dallas/Fort Worth, the new codeshare destinations include: Spokane (GEG), Charleston (CHS), Dayton (DAY), Savannah (SAV) and Vail/Eagle (EGE).
From Chicago, the new codeshare routes include: New York City (LGA and EWR), Boston (BOS), Miami (MIA). Washington (DCA), Philadelphia (PHL) and Charlotte (CLT).
“Our joint business with American Airlines has allowed us to offer new routes, better flight connections and more benefits for our frequent flyers,” said Tino La Spina, Qantas International CEO.
“Qantas Frequent Flyers will now earn as many points when they travel to the US with American Airlines as they do when they travel with Qantas. The new codeshare city pairs will provide even greater access for our frequent flyers to onward destinations across American’s extensive network, which will benefit customers travelling for business or holidays.”
In addition to the improved frequent flyer benefits, expanded codeshare and new routes to the United States, Qantas recently announced it would increase the number of reward seats made available to members.
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