The Oneworld alliance is announcing its official take-off on February 1.

The following URL will take you to a news release on the subject:

http://nt.excite.com/news/pr/990125/tx-american-oneworld


Star Alliance members (and airline executives!) note: the top level (Emerald) will allow access to First Class Lounge.

In most cases, the top elite level (Gold) of Star Alliance only lets you use the Business class or similar lounges of the participating airlines.