American Airlines, British Airways, and Iberia ready to integrate their frequent flyer programs

In an article published in the Dallas Morning News, American Airlines President Tom Horton announced that in October 2010 the three airlines will be able to coordinate their frequent flyer programs.   This means that you’ll be able to earn AAdvantage miles on American and redeem them for transatlantic travel on oneworld partners British Airways or Iberia.

This is really great news for AAdvantage travelers in cities like Washington D.C. without direct service on American Airlines to Europe.  Redeeming an AAdvantage award ticket from one of these cities to Europe often meant traveling to Dallas, Chicago, or JFK first before traveling to London, Barcelona, and then having to make a connection with BA or Iberia for destinations beyond these two cities.

This will also strengthen the oneworld alliance and allow the three member airlines to jointly sell their services, something that the competing Star Alliance and Skyteam are already doing.

Looks like they won’t be able to finish integrating their schedules till sometime in late 2011.

Dallas Morning News writer Terry Maxon does a great job covering all the details, make sure you read his article and then come back to share your thoughts or comments.