American Airlines & Qantas Add Codeshares, Reward Improvements

American Airlines and Qantas will roll out improved frequent flyer benefits, including higher earning rates for points and status credits on each airline’s network. The partnership also includes enhanced connectivity with new codeshare destinations in the United States.

As part of the improvements, American Airlines customers will enjoy five additional codeshare markets with Qantas, and Qantas customers will benefit from enhanced connectivity across North America with access to more than 50 new routes and 30 new destinations.

Earn with Both AA & QF

This expansion is being implemented following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s final approval of Qantas and American’s joint business.

AAdvantage members can now earn miles and elite status faster than ever on eligible flights between the United States and Australia or New Zealand thanks to an increase in mileage accrual. Members may earn up to two times more elite qualifying miles (EQMs) and elite qualifying dollars (EQDs) for most cabin classes on all eligible Qantas flights. Qantas Frequent Flyer members can also now earn more Qantas Points and Status Credits on American flights.

“Our customers are captivated by the natural beauty and cultural richness Australia and New Zealand offer, so we’re excited to bring them even more frequent flyer benefits and expanded codeshare opportunities for their adventures,” says Bridget Blaise-Shamai, president of the AAdvantage program and vice president of Customer Loyalty and Insights for American.

New Codeshare Routes

American also recently expanded its codeshare on new routes operated by Qantas, for a new total of 32 codeshare markets. New flights operated by Qantas with expanded American codeshare include Los Angeles to Sydney; Dallas-Fort Worth to Sydney; San Francisco to Melbourne; San Francisco to Brisbane; and Chicago to Brisbane.

Qantas has also expanded its codeshare with American, adding more than 50 new codeshare city pairs from Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago, including Spokane, Charleston, Dayton, Savannah and Vail/Eagle from Texas, and New York (LGA and EWR), Boston, Miami, Washington DC, Philadelphia and Charlotte from Chicago.

In addition to the improved frequent flyer benefits, expanded codeshare and new routes to the United States, Qantas recently announced it would increase the number of reward seats made available to members.

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