FCF’s Perspective on the American-US Airways Merger Don’t let it get you down. Airline economics—the pressure on both carriers to get bigger—made it inevitable. You won’t lose your miles in either program. There’s no telling right now which upgrade strategies will work best on the new carrier. Right now, neither American nor US Airways probably even know what they’re going to do with their loyalty programs and fares, so don’t get wrapped up in conjecture.
Aeroflot: In April this SkyTeam partner starts offering flat-beds in Business Class on B777-300ERs flying New York-Moscow as well as Premium Economy (see page 7). Aeroflot Link
Air China: This Star Alliance airline starts non-stop Houston-Beijing service on July 11, using the latest B777-300ER. 42 Business Class seats (lie-flat beds) and 8 in First Class. This is the carrier’s fifth North American route; others are New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Air China Link
Air Tahiti Nui: Phasing out First Class, starting with LA-Paris. Business Class will increase from 24 to 32 seats and will offer a new, angled, lie-flat cocoon seat with 60 inches of legroom in a 2-2-2 configuration. Air Tahiti Nui Link
American: Dropping its Boston-London non-stop (AA108 and 109) on March 29/30. Will code-share route with BA. If you’re trying for an award ticket on BA, go for First Class because the taxes are about the same as Business Class.
Finnair: This oneworld member starts installing flat-bed seats on most long-haul aircraft in January 2014. (Rollout reported to finish that fall.) The new seat is already on four new A330s, which sometimes fly New York-Helsinki. Finnair Link
Hainan Airlines: Launches Chicago-Beijing non-stop Sept. 3, with flat-bed seats in Business Class. Currently flies to Beijing from Toronto and Seattle. Hainan Airlines Link
US Airways: Bad news again: more loyalty program downgrades. One of the best deals in the sky for years, off-season Business Class mileage awards to Europe (just 60,000 miles) have disappeared. US Airways Link