Your AAdvantage miles, Atmos points will soon be good on Philippine Airlines
American Airlines will soon have a new partner in the South Pacific.Over the weekend, the Oneworld alliance announced that Philippine Airlines will soon become its newest member.The move will see the airline, based in Manila, become a full-fledged alliance partner of American and more than a dozen other global airlines — like British Airways, Iberia, Qatar, Qantas and Japan Airlines.The news of Philippine Airlines joining Oneworld came via a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Saturday at the International Air Transport Association’s general meeting in Brazil.Best Airlines Report 2026: Delta edges out rivals to win for eighth straight yearA new partner for American, Alaska and othersWhat will this shift mean for frequent travelers?In the future, you’ll be able to redeem your AAdvantage miles on a Philippine Airlines flight to Manila (or even elsewhere in Asia). You’ll also be able to make use of your AAdvantage elite status perks on the flight, from lounge access, priority boarding and free baggage.MARKUS MAINKA/GETTY IMAGESThe same would be true for travelers with a stash of Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles or award currency from any other Oneworld carrier.Typically, Oneworld elite members receive reciprocal loyalty benefits when flying with any airline in the alliance — as long as they book their flight using the loyalty number of the airline they have status with.Oneworld alliance guide: Learn about airlines, lounges and elite statusAlaska, Hawaiian to deepen PAL partnershipAmerican isn’t the only U.S. airline gaining this new alliance partner.Here in the U.S., fellow Oneworld member Alaska Airlines already had a more limited partnership with Philippine Airlines, allowing travelers to earn Atmos Rewards points on PAL flights.But that tie-up will grow deeper once the carrier becomes a Oneworld member.What PAL in Oneworld means for travelersFrom its home base at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippine Airlines currently serves five airports in the U.S.:John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New YorkLos Angeles International Airport (LAX)San Francisco International Airport (SFO)Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in HonoluluWith PAL’s arrival in Oneworld, you’ll be able to use your favorite Oneworld award currency to fly straight to Manila or, for instance, fly Hawaiian Airlines to Honolulu and then connect to the Philippines.Skyline of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. AZMANL/E+/GETTY IMAGESYou could also use your AAdvantage miles to fly PAL to Manila and then connect onward to one of the many destinations PAL serves in Asia.And, again, if you have status with American (or Alaska … or BA), you’d get some of those elite benefits on PAL.Oneworld expandsPhilippine Airlines will be the 16th Oneworld carrier (and the 17th airline brand, including both Alaska and the recently acquired Hawaiian).Other recent Oneworld entrants include Oman Air and Fiji Airways.In a statement, Philippine Airlines called this move a “defining and transformative moment” for the airline.American, for its part, touted the carrier’s arrival in Oneworld as a boost to its partner footprint in the Pacific.”Philippine Airlines’ entry into Oneworld supports our long‑term strategic growth and strengthens our connectivity across key markets in the Asia Pacific region,” American CEO Robert Isom said. “The airline has a proud heritage and will serve a critical role in our Southeast Asia network.”Related reading:When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?The best airline credit cardsWhich US airline is best? TPG’s 2026 rankingsFlight delayed or canceled? Here’s what to doThe best credit cards to reach elite statusWhat are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuationsSpirit is gone. Can the other budget airlines survive?Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

