With the DOT giving its blessing, the AA/US Airlines merger is in its final stages. Late 2014 or early 2015 will see the end to one on my favorite frequent flyer programs, Dividend Miles.
Dividend Miles was the first frequent flyer program that I ever signed up for. Its the program that I earned the most miles with. Its been a fun ride. I am going to miss you, my friend.
The loss of the Dividend Mile program is a win for you. Why? Any miles that you earn now will later turn into American Airlines miles. Therefore, it is time to start thinking about earning Dividend Miles.
The most obvious place to earn Dividend Miles is by getting the Barclay's US Airways Mastercard. This credit card is definitely going away. The "New" American has already stated that they are going to be issuing credit card from Citibank. If you never had the card or had the card a while ago, why not apply for this card one last time. The current public public offer is for
30,000 miles. However, there are reports of 40,000 mile offer.
A quick search will lead you to a landing page. Applying for a US Airways credit card is a great start of earning miles.
Similar to US Airway credit card, many other partnership will likely be discontinued. The best partnerships to target are the ones with overlap between US Airways and American already. When partnerships overlap, my best guess is that the US Airways program will be shut down or merged into the American program.
Here are some examples of programs that I am sure with go bye-bye:
Dining Rewards
- I wrote about this program
here. The current sign-up bonus is 1,000 miles.
eMiles
- More about the program can be found
here. Check your email for bonus offers. American Airlines does
not participate in e-Miles.
eRewards
-This is an invite only program, which I described
here. Invites are sent out via email all the time. Check your email for an invite from US Airways. AA does participate with this program, so you may be able to get
two bonus eventually.
Insurance Quotes
-
21st Century will give 200 points for getting a car insurance quote.
Conclusion
There are probably other partnerships that will end before the merger. The key to get double bonuses will be transferring points out and canceling the membership before the end of the program. My guess is that some of the programs above will merger with their AA Counterparts. Others like eMiles will simply stay put, but turn into AA affiliated.
The biggest question is when will this merger with partnerships occur. Some might send emails to you letting you know its coming. When you get one these emails, make transfers quickly. However, the best indication is when you hear that US Airways Mastercard being turned into the Barclay's Arrival. This is the best indication the end is near.
The end of US Airways can be a great thing for the community.
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