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Merged airlines to combine frequent-flier mileage - next year

American Airlines and US Airways announced Monday that they will combine mileage balances for frequent-flier awards programs in 2015. No date was given.

American Airlines and US Airways jets prepare for flight at gate at the Philadelphia International Airport, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, in Philadelphia. The merger of US Airways and American Airlines has given birth to a mega airline with more passengers than any other in the world. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
American Airlines and US Airways jets prepare for flight at gate at the Philadelphia International Airport, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, in Philadelphia. The merger of US Airways and American Airlines has given birth to a mega airline with more passengers than any other in the world. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)Read moreASSOCIATED PRESS
    by By Linda Loyd, Inquirer Staff Writer
    Published 

American Airlines and US Airways announced Monday that they will combine mileage balances for frequent-flier awards programs in 2015. No date was given.

Starting Wednesday, US Airways Dividend Miles elite-level frequent fliers and American AAdvantage elite members will be able to upgrade on either airline within 24 hours of departure, on a "first come, first-served basis." The upgrades will be offered on flights within and between the United States (excluding Hawaii) and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central America.

US Airways Chairman Preferred members will receive complimentary upgrades, and the same for American Executive Platinum members. US Airways Dividend Miles gold, platinum and silver members can upgrade at the cost of $30 per 500 miles of travel, the same way that AAdvantage gold and platinum members do now, the Fort Worth, Tex.-based company said.

Also, US Airways announced it will increase redemption levels for round-trip travel on medium and high awards for travel booked after Aug. 1 between the continental U.S. and Canada. "Not great news, but could be worse, and I like how they've given almost two months notice before the new rates go into effect," wrote Brian Kelly, founder of ThePointsGuy.com, a blog and website for maximizing frequent-flier and credit-card points.

lloyd@phillynews.com

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