Fiji Airways to adopt American Airlines AAdvantage as its loyalty program

At some point in the next year, Fiji Airways will make American Airlines' AAdvantage its loyalty program, the two airlines announced this week.

Passengers who fly on both American and Fiji will be able to enjoy reciprocal loyalty benefits like priority check-in as well as AAdvantage elite status member perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags and complimentary access to Preferred and Main Cabin Extra seats.

The announcement came just weeks after Fiji received approval to become the newest member of the Oneworld Alliance by 2025.

"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," Fiji managing director and CEO Andrew Viljoen said in a statement.

A deepening partnership

The two airlines actually already have a partnership, albeit a more limited one. Previously, American Airlines loyalists could earn and redeem AAdvantage miles on certain Fiji flights. However, Fiji Airways flights did not count toward AAdvantage elite status.

And though their relationship would have already been strengthened upon Fiji's 2025 Oneworld entrance, Fiji Airways' decision to adopt the AAdvantage frequent flyer program is a much more significant link-up between the two carriers.

"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," American vice president of partnerships Anmol Bhargava said in a statement.

Sharing loyalty programs

It's not completely unheard of for one airline to adopt another's loyalty program.

For instance, numerous airlines in Europe and around the world use the award currency Avios, including British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus (which are all owned by the same parent company, International Airlines Group), as well as Finnair and Qatar Airways.

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In fact, American Airlines made a similar move not too long ago. In March, TPG reported that South American carrier JetSmart would adopt AAdvantage as its loyalty program as well.

Flying on Fiji Airways

Fiji currently flies to 26 destinations in 15 countries and territories around the world.

In addition to service to Hawaii, the carrier operates nonstop contiguous U.S. flights to West Coast gateways Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — both with an Airbus A350-900.

There's not a confirmed date as to when the two airlines will officially cinch up — the move will happen "in the coming year," the companies said.

Maximize your purchase

Hoping to accrue AAdvantage miles for a future flight to Fiji? New cardholders who add the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) to their wallet can earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first three months of account opening.

The card, which comes with a $595 annual fee, also includes complimentary access to American's network of Admirals Clubs.

Related reading:

• Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
• Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
• American Airlines elite status: What it is and how to earn it
  
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• Everything you need to know about flying basic economy on American Airlines