Complete guide to Oneworld benefits, arguably the world's best alliance
Founded in 1999, Oneworld is one of the three major airlines in existence, along with Star Alliance and SkyTeam. It is based [...]
Qatar Airways
Qantas
Japan Airlines
Iberia
Finnair
Cathay Pacific
British Airways
American Airlines
Born in 1999, Oneworld is one of the three major airlines in existence, along with Star Alliance e SkyTeam. It is headquartered in New York City and boasts a total of thirteen member and affiliate companies.
In this article:
Here is the complete list:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific (founding member)
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Royal Jordanian
- S7 Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
Several companies have exited the alliance over the years. Of particular note was the farewell of Canadian Airlines, which was acquired by Star Alliance member Air Canada in 2000.
The services offered by Oneworld apply to more than 1,000 destinations, in more than 170 territories around the world. Among other benefits, you can earn and redeem frequent flyer points, as well as access to more than 650 airport lounges.
The main advantages
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There are three elite categories provided by Oneworld, which guarantee a large number of benefits in order to make one's experience with any alliance company exceptional.
Ruby
Here are what benefits are provided by Oneworld for Ruby customers, who have access to basic benefits, so to speak. In case you have purchased business class tickets, you will be able to join the group of passengers with priority access to the check-in phase. The ability to indicate preferred seats on board is also recognized, receiving these or others pre-assigned by the company for the specific elite category. Another important benefit is obtaining priority in all waiting or stand-by lists.
Sapphire
Sapphire customers can apply for mid-level facilities. A rather extensive list, which includes the entire Ruby package. Added to this are access to Business Class lounges, priority boarding on the aircraft, and priority handling of one's luggage. This means. one's own suitcases will take precedence than those of "regular" passengers, both when loading and delivering to the conveyor belt. This is a big time saver that should not be underestimated. Finding yourself in particularly touristy locations and being able to leave the airport earlier than the great mass of passengers on the same flight can make all the difference.
The final advantage offered by Oneworld is represented by a extra baggage loadable on board. A way to be able to carry everything you need with you, depending on the type of trip, without having to provide for additional expenses or sacrifice certain items. Thus, it is possible to carry an extra suitcase completely free of charge, in addition to what is normally included in the ticket purchased.
Emerald
Emerald customers have access to the most exclusive tier of benefits offered by Oneworld. Access to the many lounges around the world covers not only those in Business Class, as for Sapphire customers, but also the First Class. Priority check-in access refers to the same category. Every service is priority for those in the Emerald category, from boarding to baggage handling, from position on wait or stand-by lists to seat assignment.
It is possible to bring with you, should you wish, a extra baggage at no cost. Valuable time will be saved by accessing the access lanes fast lane and, in general, enjoy an experience well above average standards.
The best lounges
The number of Oneworld lounges worldwide exceeds 600. However, some of these deserve a separate mention. Here, then, are the First Class areas not to be missed:
- Qantas First Class Lounge - Sydney
- Qantas First Class Lounge - Melbourne
- Cathay Pacific The Wing First Class Lounge
- Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge Doha
- British Airways Concorde Room London
