In summer 2022, Oman Air unexpectedly announced its intention to join the Oneworld airline alliance. At the time, it was expected that the accession would take place in 2024. However, the initially announced deadline of the second half of 2024 could not be met. Later, the end of June was mentioned as the joining date, and now the time has finally come.
As of today, Oman Air is officially a Oneworld member. This makes Oman Air the 15th member of the alliance and the third airline from the Middle East in the group (alongside Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian).
This has various implications for frequent flyers of all participating airlines. Oneworld frequent flyers (from Sapphire level upwards) now benefit from lounge access on Oman Air flights, can check in additional baggage, and can book award flights with Oman Air. Conversely, those who hold status with Oman Air Sindbad will receive benefits on all Oneworld flights.
However, when it comes to status benefits, one should not celebrate too early. The Oman Air First Lounge (which would now be open to Emerald status holders) is currently closed. And regarding the additional baggage allowance, it seems that the cheapest Economy Saver fare is excluded from this benefit and only includes hand luggage. At least this is currently how it is handled for frequent flyers in Oman Air’s own Sindbad program, and information for Oneworld Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald members is not yet available on the website.
Mileage credit at Oneworld partners
Many frequent flyer programs have published the new mileage tables on time. Additionally, there were already partnerships with some Oneworld airlines (including Alaska and Qatar) beforehand.
You can find the earning table for various programs below:
- Alaska Mileage Plan: ? up to 150% of the distance flown (unclear whether miles are awarded for class E)
- American AAdvantage: revenue-based miles
- The British Airways Club: 10% to 200% of the distance flown
- Cathay AsiaMiles: 0% to 150% of distance flown
- Finnair Plus: 10% to 240% of the distance flown
- JAL Mileage Bank: 0% to 150% of the distance flown
- Qatar Privilege Club: 10% to 200% of distance flown
- Qantas Frequent Flyer: zone-based
No corresponding information has yet been released by Iberia Plus or Royal Jordanian.
Translated by Ditmar
Cover Picture: © Oman Air