With Airlines using the same programs, can I merge benefits?
I tried navigating the labyrinthine web sites for US Airways and Continental (both in the same alliance), and I gave up after the automated system made me rip my own ears off...
Does anyone know about the benefits of the US Airways and Continental frequent flyer programs? Are the benefits totally interchangeable? I am gold on US Airways, but lately my travels have me on Continental more for international flights, and I would like to take advantage of priority boarding, and the executive lounge (In particular at Newark).
Best Answer
I don't believe that the Continental and US Airways programs are directly integrated. It looks like you can earn US Airways miles on some Continental tickets.
US Airways and Continental are Star Alliance carriers. So, if you're a member of one of their frequent traveller programs (with sufficient status) then you'll get benefits on other Star Alliance Carriers. See the Continental Comparison for what their status corresponds to in Star Alliance terms, or the US Airways Comparison for theirs. See the Star Alliance page for details on what the different status levels offer you across all airlines in the alliance.
Because they're both Star Alliance, you'll likely have issues trying to status match between them though. Also, the complementary upgrades that certain tiers offer tend to be restricted to just on each airline's metal.
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How do airlines work together?
Airline Alliances: Defined. Simply put: Airline alliances are partnerships between or among airlines. Within these collaborations, airlines can share resources, pick up or extend partner routes and even offer the ability to earn and redeem miles through each others' rewards programs.What benefits do airlines attempt to obtain through an alliance?
What benefits do alliances offer to passengers?- Easier ticket booking. ...
- Simplified in-flight operations, such as check-in and baggage handling.
- The ability to earn and redeem miles on other alliance members. ...
- Reciprocal frequent flyer benefits between member airlines. ...
- Access to airline lounges.
Can you combine Star Alliance miles?
You can't transfer airline miles from one airline to another. It's also impossible to combine two different types of miles into one account. However, you can use an airline's miles to book an award seat on another airline within the same alliance.What airlines are part of the Star Alliance network?
Air Canada, Air India, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines.Expert on airline mergers
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Answer 2
I haven't tried it personally, but you might also try moving points back and forth between airlines using something like Points.com.
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