So this morning the "oneworld connect" was launched, something maybe best described as a semi-membership option for airlines who can't/won't be full members.

https://www.oneworld.com/news-inform..._col_count%3D7

At this stage Fiji airlines is said to be joining soon.

In my opinion, this new semi-membership is not a good thing for travellers, as it just adds complexity and uncertainty. Because, the connect member will not offer the same benefits to all oneworld frequent flyers.

They are forced to offer priority check-in and priority boarding to all emeralds, sapphires and rubys, but other than that perks will be hakkebøf / a mess.
If your program belongs to one of the 4 mandatory sponsors, you will be able to earn/redeem bonus and tier points. You will also get some kind of lounge.

If your program belongs to a non-sponsor oneworld member, you'll get zilch.

The first issue is that 99,9% of all oneworld tier members will never know what airline their airline has sponsored.


It is also allowed now to make bilateral agreements, meaning the oneworld benefits will be less and less global.
So you are BA gold? Welcome to the lounge, but sadly you must pay for the extra bag.
Is that a Finnair platinum card? Sorry no lounge, but you may have free seat selection.

What a mess.