Welcome to FlyerTalk!
It's a bit empty around here on weekends (only 196 reading this forum this minute), but you've already got some great information from one of our more knowledgeable members. There's a lot more, and plenty of insiders' info, tips and tricks to glean as you begin flying on American.
With the AA / US merger, you'll see more and more of it in the
American Ailines | AAdvantage (Combined Airline and Program) forum.
Our Frequent Flyer Programs (including earning miles, awards and status), meals and several other pieces have combined, and on 17 Oct 2015, much of the rest will also (Computer Reservation System, Passenger Service System). On that day the longtime US Airways brand is gone.