US Airways joins Oneworld: Qantas frequent flyer perks, and more

As the newest member of the Oneworld alliance, US Airways gives Qantas another stateside partner alongside existing member American Airlines.

So what's the impact for Qantas frequent flyers travelling in the USA?

Qantas + US Airways

Travellers can now earn points and status credits when travelling on US Airways flights with a 'US' flight number. Until June 30, you can also double your points haul by registering your frequent flyer number with Qantas' US Airways promotion.

Qantas Frequent Flyers at the Gold, Platinum and Platinum One tiers now gain access to US Airways' Club lounges in the United States before boarding a Oneworld flight – including in Boston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington (DCA).

Priority boarding on US Airways flights is also on offer, along with priority check-in and access to preferred seating (where available).

QFF members at the Silver tier and above who are waitlisted for a US Airways flight or travelling on standby are given priority over non-status passengers, while Qantas Platinum and Platinum One members can enjoy expedited screening in selected airports.

Also for Platinum-grade Qantas flyers is the ability to check an additional bag or an extra 20kgs, depending on whether your ticket mentions a piece or weight allowance.

Perks for Dividend Miles members

Closer to home, Chairman’s Preferred members get access to Priority Boarding on all Qantas domestic flights, while flyers at the Gold tier and above can do so only on international Qantas flights.

In Australia, US Airways' Gold and Platinum Preferred flyers can access the domestic Qantas Clubs and Qantas international business class lounges, while Chairman’s Preferred members can use the domestic business lounges and can enjoy the new Autumn menu in the Sydney and Melbourne international first class lounges.

(Note that US Airways’ Chairman’s Preferred status is not equivalent to Qantas’ invitation-only Chairman’s Lounge status – Chairman’s Preferred is perhaps likened to the Red Roo’s Platinum One tier.)

Other perks like access to Qantas' first class check-in counters and a boosted alliance-wide baggage allowance are also available to Chairman’s Preferred members, while business class check-in counters are offered to flyers at the Gold and Platinum Dividend Miles tiers.

Dividend Miles elite status levels

Members of US Airways' Dividend Miles frequent flyer scheme see their Star Alliance status replaced with a Oneworld tier, so here's how things shake out.

Dividend Miles Chairman’s Preferred lines up against Oneworld Emerald, Qantas Platinum and Qantas Platinum One.

Dividend Miles Gold and Platinum Preferred equate to Oneworld Sapphire and Qantas Gold.

Dividend Miles Silver Preferred matches Oneworld Ruby and Qantas Silver.

Earning and burning Dividend Miles

A spokesperson for US Airways tells Australian Business Traveller "We expect that all Dividend Miles members will be able to earn and redeem miles and status points when traveling on any oneworld member airline beginning March 31."

And as we've previously reported, US Airways has retained frequent flyer partnerships with several Star Alliance airlines even after signing on the dotted line with Oneworld.

Read: US Airways: earn & burn for Oneworld, Star Alliance from March 30

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Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.