FlyIgglesFly

In response to a few point, yes, I know UA is a gamble. But I've split my travel at 50/30/20 between US/UA/*A over the past few years because, as I said, I'm stuck between their two major hubs. Yes, EWR is a dump but there are more direct flights across the pond and, if I'm not getting any upgrades TATL on US anyway, it comes down to a cost/benefit ratio of direct vs. connection. Plus my primary intl destination, DUB, is served by a 752 w/IFE by UA, and a dumpy 762 without IFE by US.

You are correct about the status match, nothing currently due to *A rules and agreements. If that ends, I can match through the challenge and retain *G. And quite frankly, I don't look forward to surchages through the teeth for intl rewards that I'll be mostly forced to connect through LHR for.

For me, I think there's more value staying in *A. I'll give the new AA a shot out of loyalty, but I'm not optimistic.

BoeingBoy

For those with shorter-term trips ahead - before the end of this year - book it with US (paid or award) or AA (paid). While it's been announced that cross-booking between US and AA will happen quickly, the programs won't be merged and US won't leave *A (or if it does tickets will still be good).

Next year is the earliest there'll be real uncertainty with the timing of merging FF programs, leaving *A and no more *A awards available, etc.

Jim

LHR/MEL/Europe FF

correct (I was using a generic 'F'). My experience with irrops on these fares is that provided a first class seat is available then you normally get it (but oddly enough, the flight must be available in Y or K class in order to book you into A/P)

Lomapaseo

I'm at a decision point today about booking travel US-Canada and this thread is key to my decision.

here's my considerations

I'm no longer Gold on AA nor a premium tier in US but would benifit for a lifetime membership level if they combine the mileage flown on both airlines in the merger.
Thus my reason for reviewing this thread to protect my investment.

I was a lifetime TWA Club member in the past and was screwed by the AA buyout (they lost 95% of my subsequent business when they screwed us lifers). Fortunately I manuevered my TWA Lifetime club status to free a lifetime USAIR Club (think Piedmont option and blind luck). If I can count on a lifetime lounge membership in the merged airline then I'm in for the duration and will take what comes.

Meanwhile my simple decision today is how to fly between multiple connecting cities US-Canada (Aug 2013)and add to my mileage bank in ether AA or USAIR and get free lounge access to boot.

My plan, subject to any negative comments by the readers, is to book a cheap ticket on Air Canada and supply my USAIR FF # and to use my USAIR Club card for lounge access in the canadian Maple Leaf lounges.

Does this sound workable?

Meanwhile my ultimate dream is that the post merger airline will see fit to reopen the old closed down USAIR club at MCO

burlax

I don't see any dilemmas in your post.

As to US Club, I believe the new AA ( if merger works out ) will retain AC, convert US Clubs to AC in locations without AC, and close US Clubs in locations with AC ( unless in different terminals / zones ). My guess is that LT US Club members would be converted to some sort of AC membership - don't know LT or not.

Also, keep in mind that partner flights even if credited to AA / US do not count towards MM - only the airline own metal counts.

Lomapaseo

Burlax

Thanks

I can live with that and only hope that it gets the better parts.

scottsam66

I live in CLT, and find the flights very reasonably priced domestically. CLT-ORD $246- $346 the last few months for example.

FWAAA

Lifetime memberships in the US club will remain lifetime members, as US is not in Ch 11 and thus cannot reject the obligation.

Even in Ch 11, AA has not rejected its lifetime Admirals Club memberships, so those will continue as well. In two successive bankruptcies, US didn't terminate its lifetime memberships.

The current situation has no similarity to the TWA asset purchase by AA in 2001. Had AA merged with TWA, TWA's obligations would have survived. From a customer relations standpoint, AA may have done the wrong thing in not extending lifetime AC membersips to the TWA lifetime club members.

Lomapaseo

I like that reasoning ^

I'm in the process of booking tickets for the remainder of the year and any Knowledge of when AA might honor the US Club card would be helpful in my routings ?

My guess on this is that it doesn't require much integration to simply advise the various club's staff (Admirals and USair) to simply go by the plastic presented at the time. Kind of similar to what Continental did for the Delta Crown Room members a couple years ago.

If that idea works then I could see a chance immediately after the signature hits the paper on the merger, August ??

burlax

You mean can't lawfully reject them. Even in BK, it would be somewhat problematic to reject these contracts as they have arguably been fully performed by the customer ( already paid for LT membership ). However, if US/AA followed in UA footsteps ( which I think is unlikely ) who knows what's gonna happen. One can certainly give credit to AA for not trying to screw customers. It seems that Horton's view on customer retention is quite different from Smisek's.

FWAAA

Good point. Theoretically, Parker could send a Dear John letter to the US lifetime club members, and let the litigation fly, but since he didn't do that between 2005 and now, I don't predict he'd try it now.

My main point was that the AA purchase of TWA's assets in 2001 provides no insight or guidance as to the future of lifetime club memberships in either the Admirals Club or the US club.

In 2001, AA refused to extend a lifetime membership to some customers who had never paid AA for a club membership - they bought a lifetime membership in an airline that sold its assets to AA and where AA assumed certain (but not all) liabilities. Had AA merged with TWA instead, their lifetime memberships would still be in existence today. They bet on the wrong horse, and AA refused to grant them a do-over.

3Cforme

Your assertion is not correct with respect to AA. BIS miles on all AAdvantage-participating carriers count toward Million Miler status.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ec-2011-a.html

bman6262

Hi everyone

Read all through this thread and am wondering if anyone has actually requested matching status with either USAir or American and gotten it?

I am gold with UA but actually fly most of my miles on USAir and would rather try to switch now than next year when everything will be 'mostly' finalized.

I am interested in what was required to request matching status?

Thanks for your help.

RMPearl

Found a couple great airfares to CLT from PHX in October not on US Airways. One on AA and one on United. The question I have is which one do I take a chance on when it comes to the merger?

I know that no one knows what the future holds but is it reasonable to think that US will still be a part of the Star Alliance come mid-October. I imagine that if I took AA I would not be afforded any elite benefits.

Thoughts and comments are appreciated.

BoeingBoy

US generally doesn't do matches, preferring paid trials instead - pay a fee for an elite level then fly X miles on US metal within 90 days (X depends on elite level sought). US may offer corporate level matches if the corporation offers enough potential business. I think AA may have something similar.

Jim