( CNN ) -- Frequent fliers on American Airlines and US Airways can now enjoy some benefits of both airlines ' mileage programs , American announced Tuesday . The two airlines completed their merger in December and retained the American name for the larger company . While members of American 's AAdvantage and US Airways ' Dividend Miles will eventually belong to one program , that wo n't happen right away . This is the first step in an integration process that will last months . `` We 're kicking off the new year by bringing our customers the first phase of enhanced benefits , including the ability to earn and redeem miles when traveling across our stronger combined network , '' said Scott Kirby , president of the new American Airlines and former president of US Airways . `` Our customers are ready to reap the benefits of our merger , and we are pleased they 'll get to experience these perks they value most so early in the integration process . '' Members of both programs can earn and redeem miles on either airline , and eligible travel on either airline will count toward elite status on the customer 's chosen program . American Admirals Club and US Airways Club members now have access to both airline clubs , and American AAdvantage Citi Executive cardholders have access to US Airways Clubs . 50 states , 50 spots for 2014 . Elite members can enjoy elite benefits across both programs , including check-in , boarding and checked baggage benefits . And check-in timeframes and elite member boarding announcements are to become consistent across both airlines . This is the honeymoon period for frequent fliers of both airlines , said Brian Kelly , founder of ThePointsGuy.com . `` There 's nothing being taken away right now , '' Kelly said . Fliers can pick the benefits they like from each program , like choosing one program 's lower mileage redemption levels for similar flights . When airline officials finally do merge the two programs into one , the merged program is likely to retain higher redemption levels for similar flights , he said . Other changes are expected soon . They include the first phase of a codeshare agreement to provide easy access to each airline 's global network , which is expected to be implemented in the next few weeks , American said . Upgrades and other frequent flier program policies will be made consistent across the two airlines . US Airways will exit the Star Alliance on March 30 and enter into the oneworld alliance on March 31 . American 's new Find Your Way website , aa.com/findyourway , has more information on the merged airline 's frequent flier programs and other travel information .
American and US Airways frequent flights can also , save money on both airlines . Club members can take a break at each airline 's clubs . The bigger benefits that are yet to come , says one expert .