Fiji Airways adopts AAdvantage as its loyalty scheme

In addition to becoming a full member of the Oneworld airline alliance in early 2025, Fiji Airways will also adopt the AAdvantage loyalty program of American Airlines.

The two airlines are already partners, with the ability to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles on Fiji Airways flights.

But Fiji Airways’ full embrace of AAdvantage as its own frequent flyer scheme should add plenty more to the mix, including earning Loyalty Points to lock in AAdvantage status along with status recognition for American Airlines elites such as priority check-in and boarding, complimentary baggage allowance, preferred seating and more.

"This loyalty partnership marks a significant milestone, bringing together two renowned carriers to offer new benefits to millions of travellers,” says Fiji Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andre Viljoen.

“We are excited about the positive impact this collaboration will have on both our airlines and our guests who will benefit from the exclusive perks."

An airline without a rewards program?

For context, Fiji Airways currently doesn’t have a loyalty program in the conventional sense. Its Tabua Club is a paid program (annual membership costs A$466) with a basic set of perks including lounge access.

Status credits earned from Fiji Airways flights elevate travellers to the Tabua Club Plus tier with broader benefits such as upgrade credits, priority airport services and a higher checked luggage allowance.

However, the core element of a conventional airline rewards program – earning points which can be converted into a free flight, an upgrade or other benefits such as lounge passes – are nowhere to be seen.

Viljoen has previously explained this as being due to the airline’s “small local market” and a reliance on travellers who “may only visit Fiji once or twice a year.”

However, “there is potential to tie up with another loyalty program that we adopt as our own,” Viljoen admitted – a move which would allow travellers on Fiji Airways to “earn and redeem miles in a more familiar program they can use elsewhere.”

Fiji Airways will soon be serving up AAdvantage Miles and Loyalty Points.

Fiji sees an AAdvantage

Having recently teased “a big announcement soon in the loyalty program space,” many industry observes expected Fiji Airways to formally adopt the Qantas Frequent Flyer program – especially as Qantas holds a 46% stake in the airline, while 47% of Fiji’s inbound tourism comes from Australia.

Some pundits were backing a switch to the powerhouse Avios currency of British Airways, Finnair and Qatar Airways, among others.

But Viljoen has his eye on growing the North American market, which today represents only 13% of inbound tourism.

“With this partnership, Fiji Airways is set to gain access to a vast network of American travellers, potentially increasing visitor arrivals to the enchanting destination of Fiji.”

“The allure of Fiji's pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality is expected to attract a growing number of American tourists, contributing to the nation's thriving tourism industry.”

No firm starting date has been announced for the launch of Fiji Airways AAdvantage, only that it will go live “in the coming year”.

At that point, Fiji Airways customers will be able to join AAdvantage directly on the Fiji Airways website; we'll also have a better idea of the interplay between AAdvantage and the Tabua Club.

Earning AAdvantage miles on FJ flights

Under the current American Airlines partnership, travellers booked on Fiji Airways and listing their Advantage membership number earn anywhere from 33% to 100% of ‘base miles’ in economy and 100% of base miles in business class, with the premium business class fares also attracting a cabin bonus of between 25% and 50%.

“We are taking our partnership with Fiji Airways one step further by offering our mutual customers the opportunity to unlock more destinations and travel experiences through the AAdvantage program,” says Anmol Bhargava, American’s Vice President of Partnerships.

“We look forward to welcoming Fiji Airways customers into the AAdvantage program so they can experience all the ways we deliver on our commitment that travel is better as an AAdvantage member.”