When the oneworld airline alliance was formed in 1999, its aim was to make global travel easy and accessible.
Founded by American Airlines, British Airways, Canadian Airlines (which later merged with Air Canada), Cathay Pacific, and Qantas, oneworld now counts 13 carriers as members.
Travelers in any of the oneworld carriers’ frequent flyer programs may earn mileage and receive elite status benefits like lounge access and priority boarding when flying with a oneworld partner airline.
The oneworld carriers also codeshare and sell one another’s flight inventory to encourage global itineraries.
Yet since the start of COVID-19, international travel has fallen dramatically in most parts of the world. Many airlines have turned to domestic or regional routes, with limited international flights.
So where exactly can you fly the airlines of a global alliance like oneworld during the pandemic?
Below we profile each oneworld carrier and where they are flying at present.
We also summarize how each airline is handling health, safety, and cleaning procedures.
It’s important to understand that just because carriers are flying to a particular airport, you may be restricted from traveling to that city due to to government travel policies on foreign arrivals.
Only passengers who are eligible to travel under the arriving country’s travel policies may board these flights so be sure to do your research before booking.
Home Airport DFW
American Airlines
American Airlines is considered the world’s largest carrier when measured by fleet size, and scheduled passengers carried. While it’s historically operated extensive domestic and international routes, it is domestically focused at present given international travel restrictions and low demand for international flights.
American recently announced the permanent cancellation of 19 international routes, including Charlotte-Douglas to Barcelona, Paris and Rome; Dallas-Fort Worth to Munich; Los Angeles to Beijing, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Sao Paolo; Miami to Brasilia and Milan; Chicago O’Hare to Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Prague, and Venice; Philadelphia to Berlin, Budapest, Casablanca, and Dubrovnik.
As AA focuses on domestic routes, it sees a need to restore strategic flights to London from its US hubs. American plans to return a full schedule to London Heathrow by next summer.
Where AA Flies Right Now
Primarily domestic, with international routes down 80% from last year. AA recently announced it will reduce or slow down the return of some international flights.
Cleaning Policy
Electrostatic spraying of aircraft using hospital-grade disinfectant every seven days. High-touch surfaces cleaned after every mainline flight.
Masks & Social Distancing
AA customers and employees must wear face masks while traveling, except when eating/drinking. AA notifies passengers on full flights allowing rebooking. Info…
Flexibility & Cancellation
One no-fee change allowed on new and existing tickets for travel through Sep 30 2020. Cancelled tickets become credit on AA. Info…
Home Airport LHR
British Airways
Before the pandemic, British Airways served over 160 destinations, with only eight being domestic. Heavily internationally focused, it reduced its flights for months but is beginning to restore routes to Europe, Asia, and North America from July 2020. Some routes will begin on a less frequent basis to gauge demand.
BA will resume flying to Tokyo Haneda. It has already been flying London – Hong Kong and London – Singapore.
It will restore North American routes to Dallas, Miami, Seattle, and Toronto by July 31.
BA resumes Barbados, Bermuda, and Kingston from London as well.
Where BA Flies Right Now
Reduced international schedule, but global routes slowly returning to key destinations in July, including HND, DFW, MIA, SEA, YYZ, & BDA.
Cleaning Policy
Key surfaces disinfected after every flight: seat, armrest, tray table, seat belt buckle, stowage area and toilets. More info…
Masks & Social Distancing
Passengers are required to wear face masks on board and at the airport. No stated policy on blocked seats or distancing on board.
Flexibility & Cancellation
No change fees for bookings from Mar 3 – Aug 31 2020 on trips ending by Apr 30 2021 (fare differences apply). Cancel travel thru Aug 31 2020 for credit on BA.
Home Airport HKG
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is an international carrier by nature. With its hub in Hong Kong, all of its flights are international or into Mainland China.
It substantially reduced its schedule with the onset of COVID-19, but has slowly started to resume flights. Cathay’s web site summarizes its July 2020 flight plans. Anyone familiar with CX’s pre-pandemic flight schedules will know this remains a significant decrease.
The airline flies from Hong Kong to the following cities between two and seven times per week:
- China and Taiwan: Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xiamen, Taipei
- Canada & USA: Los Angeles, San Franciso, New York, Toronto, Vancouver
- Asia: Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Tokyo
- Europe: Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London
Where CX Flies Right Now
Only flies internationally. Slowly resuming schedule with flights 2-7 times per week to select cities in China, Taiwan, Canada, USA, South and Northeast Asia, and Europe.
Cleaning Policy
Thorough sanitizing of high-touch surfaces, including in-flight screens and air conditioning controls, before each flight. More info…
Masks & Social Distancing
Mandatory face masks for passengers and crew onboard. All passengers are temperature checked. Empty seats blocked whenever possible.
Flexibility & Cancellation
Unlimited changes without rebooking or rerouting fees on new tickets booked until 31 Jul 2020. More info…
Home Airport HEL
Finnair
Finnair usually flies to 130+ cities in 40+ countries from its hub in Helsinki. With only 10+ domestic destinations, it is primarily an international carrier, using its strategic location in Finland to connect the world to Europe and vice-versa.
The pandemic has profoundly affected Finnair: its traffic was down 96% in June 2020 versus one year earlier.
But it is starting to scale its flight schedule back up from July onwards. Finnair plans to operate approximately 30% of its normal schedule in July, adding back routes each month as demand recovers.
Finnair has cancelled flights from Helsinki to the following European destinations through March 31, 2021: Alicante, Athens, Bergen, Billund, Bodo, Bologna, Gdansk, Santorini, Ljubljana, Lyon, Naples, Nice, Porto, Tarto, Tel Aviv, Trondheim, Umea, Visby, Venice
It has also cancelled the following intercontinental flights through March 31, 2021: Busan, Chicago, Beijing, Daxing, Fukuoka, Guangzhou, Los Angeles, Nanjing, San Francisco, Sapporo, Xi’an
Where AY Flies Right Now
Reduced international schedule, but adding back global routes from July onwards. Many secondary cities cancelled through March 31, 2021
Cleaning Policy
Aircraft cleaned after each flight, varying from light cleaning to regular power washes. Worked with Finnish Institute of Health & Welfare. Info…
Masks & Social Distancing
All passengers and crew must wear masks while onboard. Customers seated apart from each other whenever possible.
Flexibility & Cancellation
No change fees for bookings from 1 Apr – 31 Aug 2020. Refunds provided based on ticket rules. More info…
Home Airport MAD
Iberia
Iberia operates domestic and international flights to 109+ cities in 39 countries. Its brands include Iberia, Iberia Regional, and Iberia Express.
Since the start of the pandemic, Iberia has removed all long-haul flights from its schedule.
It has slowly started to increase domestic routes within Spain, and is adding in European short haul destinations.
Iberia’s actively flying to the following cities in Spain: Alicante, Almeria, Asturias, Bilbao, Granada, Jerez, La Coruna, Madrid, Malaga, Pamplona, Santander, San Sebastian, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Valencia, and Vigo.
Balearic Island routes are: Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca
Canary Island cities include: Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Lanzarote, Tenerife North, and Tenerife South
Iberia’s current European short-haul flights are to Amsterdam, Athens, Bologna, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Dubrovnik, Stockholm, Geneva, Lisbon, London Heathrow, Lyon, Marseille, Milan, Munich, Paris Orly, Porto, Rome, Toulouse, Venice, and Zurich.
In August Iberia resumes European flights to Berlin, London Gatwick, Manchester, Paris (CDG), and Prague.
Iberia has not yet announced when it will restart long-haul flights to Asia and the Americas.
Where IB Flies Right Now
Resuming some domestic and short-haul European routes in July and August. Long-haul flights remain suspended for the time being.
Cleaning Policy
Increased cleaning frequency using anti-COVID-19 products with focus on high-touch surfaces, lavatories, and crew areas
Masks & Social Distancing
Passengers and crew are required to wear masks on board. Passengers must complete health declaration during check-in and at airport.
Flexibility & Cancellation
One free flight change for bookings thru July 8 2020. Applies to all fares. More info…
Home Airports HND & NRT
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines normally flies both domestic and international routes. During the first few months of COVID-19, it reduced its international flights substantially.
It now flies a reduced schedule to some international destinations. Other international routes remain suspended.
In July it is flying to the following cities one to three times a week:
- East Asia: Dalian, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Taipei
- Southeast Asia: Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore
- Europe: Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Paris
- North America: Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Vancouver
Where JL Flies Right Now
Reduced international schedule, with certain routes suspended and others flown 1-3 times per week. Many domestic flights are also suspended in July.
Cleaning Policy
Aircraft are disinfected overnight in Japan, focusing on high-touch surfaces like seat tables, arm rests, IFE monitors, and lavatories
Masks & Social Distancing
Passengers and crew are required to wear masks on board. JAL has removed seat selection restrictions to encourage social distancing.
Flexibility & Cancellation
All international reservations purchased through July 31, 2020 may be changed free of charge regardless of standard fare rules. More info…
Home Airport KUL
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines is the flag carrier of Malaysia. It joined OneWorld in 2013.
Pre-COVID-19, Malaysia Airlines flew to 64 destinations, including 10+ domestic airports in Malaysia.
Like all airlines, it reduced its schedule in the first few months of the pandemic. Domestic flights are now operated at reduced frequency.
Malaysia Airlines has also started to resume international flights with reduced schedule frequency in July.
In Europe it flies to London 5-7 times per month in July and August.
In Australia, it flies to Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth a few times per month in July and August.
In North Asia, it flies to Tokyo and Guangzhou with limited frequency in July and August. Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei flights are scheduled to return at reduced frequency in September.
In Southeast Asia, flights to Bali (Denpasar), Jakarta, and Singapore operate at reduced frequency in July and August.
Where MH Flies Right Now
Significantly reduced domestic and international schedule, but some international routes return a few times per month in July and August. More international routes are planned to return (at reduced frequency) in September onwards.
Cleaning Policy
Aircraft cleaned and disinfected with approved products after every flight. Lavatories cleaned throughout flights.
Masks & Social Distancing
Passengers and crew are required to wear masks on board. No required on-board social distancing, but it’s encouraged at the airport.
Flexibility & Cancellation
Tickets booked by June 30, 2020 can be changed / cancelled without rebooking fees. Tickets booked after July 1 are subject to the ticket’s terms and conditions.
Home Airport SYD
Qantas
Australia’s flag carrier, Qantas normally operates flights to 85 destinations. It flies an extensive domestic flight network in Australia, as well as international flights to Asia, the Americas, London, Johannesburg, New Zealand and Fiji.
Qantas has suspended international flights through March 2021.
Flights between Australia and New Zealand are suspended until mid-August 2020.
As Australia is not allowing international visitors (only Australian citizens and residents may travel to Australia for the time being), Qantas’ schedule is domestic for now.
Its domestic inter-state and intra-state flights are operating at reduced frequency but being reintroduced over time through October 2020. More info about Qantas domestic routes are on its web site.
Where QF Flies Right Now
Suspended international flights through March 2021. Australia – New Zealand flights suspended until mid-August. Domestic only schedules for the time being.
Cleaning Policy
Enhanced aircraft cleaning and disinfecting, focusing on high-touch surfaces like seats, seatbelts, overhead bins, air vents, and toilets
Masks & Social Distancing
Passengers encouraged to wear a mask (provided by Qantas). Social distancing during boarding / deplaning, but no distancing policy on board
Flexibility & Cancellation
Generally flights thru Oct 31, 2020 may be cancelled and retained as credit. More info…
Home Airport DOH
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways flies only international routes. Before the pandemic, it flew to 172 destinations.
Qatar Airways is now flying a reduced schedule, but still operates daily or 2-5x weekly flights to many destinations.
It’s current flight destinations from Doha include:
- Africa: Dar Es Salaam and Tunis
- Americas: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Montreal, New York (JFK), Sao Paolo, Washington DC, and Toronto
- Asia-Pacific: Bali Denpasar, Bangkok, Brisbane, Colombo, Dhaka, Hong Kong, Islamabad, Jakarta, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manila, Melbourne, Perth, Peshawar, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo (NRT)
- Europe: Amsterdam, Ankara, Athens, Barcelona, Belgrade, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Larnaka, London (LHR), Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Prague, Rome, Stockholm, Venice, Vienna, Zagreb, and Zurich
- Middle East: Beirut, Kuwait, and Tehran
Where QR Flies Right Now
Only flies internationally. Reduced schedule with some airports suspended, but flies daily or 2-5x weekly to many cities in Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East (see list above)
Cleaning Policy
Aircraft disinfected with cleaning products recommended by the World Health Organization after every flight. More info…
Masks & Social Distancing
Passengers are required to wear masks and face shields on board. Face shields are provided. Crew wear PPE suits, glasses and gloves.
Flexibility & Cancellation
Unlimited rebookings free of charge for for travel until 31 December 2020. Exchange for future travel credit with 10% added value. More info…
Home Airport CAS
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc, also known as RAM, is owned by Morocco’s government.
The carrier normally flies to 90+ destinations, the vast majority of which are international. RAM’s international routes include other African countries, Asian gateway cities, Europe, and the Americas.
Since COVID-19 the airline reduced schedules to only fly domestically within Morocco.
However, starting July 15, Royal Air Maroc will resume flying to 23 international cities. These include:
- Europe: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Lyon, Madrid, Malaga, Marseille, Milan, Moscow, and Rome.
- Middle East & Africa: Abidjan, Algiers, Dakar, Dubai, Istanbul, Jeddah, Nouakchott, Tunis
- North America: Montreal and New York City.
Where AT Flies Right Now
Formerly flying domestic routes, but resuming 23 international routes on July 15, including AMS, BCN, BRU, FRA, LHR, LYS, MAD, MXP, FCO, IST, JFK, and TUN
Cleaning Policy
Aircraft sprayed daily with approved disinfectant. Enhanced, more frequent cleaning of aircraft interiors and airport spaces.
Masks & Social Distancing
Passengers and employees must wear face masks at the airport and on board RAM aircraft.
Flexibility & Cancellation
No change fees for tickets issued before Jun 30, 2020 with travel dates before Oct 31, 2020. Dates and destination may be changed. More info…
Home Airport AMM
Royal Jordanian
Royal Jordanian is Jordan’s national airline and flies from its hub in Amman.
All RJ flights were suspended but some domestic routes resumed in June, including between Amman and Aqaba.
Royal Jordanian has resumed some international routes including Amman to Dubai.
Schedule updates are forthcoming but the airlines has cancelled flights to the following destinations through July 31, 2020: Amsterdam, Athens, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Chicago, Dammam, Detroit, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, Larnaca, London, Madrid, Montreal, Moscow, Munich, New York, Paris, Riyadh, Rome, Tel Aviv, Vienna, Zurich
RJ has cancelled flights from Amman to Copenhagen through August 30, 2020.
Where RJ Flies Right Now
Starting to resume domestic and international flights. Many international routes remain cancelled through July 2020. Further news remains forthcoming.
Cleaning Policy
Enhanced disinfection and deep cleaning of aircraft between every flight. Lavatories sanitized more frequently.
Masks & Social Distancing
Passengers required to wear face masks during RJ flights. No stated on-board social distancing policy
Flexibility & Cancellation
Change fees waived if flights are cancelled due to airport closure. Passengers may rebook tickets by Jul 31 2020 for travel before Dec 31 2020. More info…
Home Airport DME
S7 Airlines
S7 Airlines was founded as Siberia Airlines. It rebranded in 2005 and flies from Moscow and normally serves 150 destinations. S7 is also Russia’s largest domestic airline.
Russia temporarily suspended both international and domestic travel as a result of the coronavirus.
Domestic travel has resumed and S7 Airlines announced it would restart all domestic routes in June.
The ban on foreigners entering Russia remains until August 1 and may be extended depending on the global health situation.
On July 7, S7 Airlines resumed selling reservations to Alicante and Nice. No further updates on international flights have been announced yet.
Where S7 Flies Right Now
Domestic schedule resumed, but most international routes remain suspended. Flights to Alicante and Nice are being sold again as of July 7, 2020.
Cleaning Policy
Aircraft being disinfected. Between every flight, surfaces are wiped-down and cleaned. More info…
Masks & Social Distancing
Passengers and crew must wear masks on board. Crew also wear gloves. At least one empty seat between passengers on board.
Flexibility & Cancellation
Any ticket can be cancelled for eCredit on S7. Basic Fare rebookings cost 1000 rubles or 15€. Flex Fare rebooking are free. More info…
Home Airport CMB
SriLankan Airlines
SriLankan Airlines joined oneworld in 2014. The flag carrier of SriLanka, it normally flies to 96 destinations from its hub in Colombo. Domestic flights in Sri Lanka are operated by codeshare partner Cinnamon Air.
Following the start of the coronavirus, the country of Sri Lanka closed its borders to foreign arrivals. Foreign arrivals remain suspended until August 1, 2020 (at the time Safe Travel Guide published).
Though Colombo airport is now open, only passengers with ongoing connections within 12 hours are permitted to transit.
As of June 28, 2020, SriLankan Airlines began to restore flights to a small number of cities at reduced frequency. Only passengers who are eligible to travel under the respective countries’ travel policies can board these flights.
In July, SriLankan will fly to/from the following cities several times with frequency depending on the destination: London, Melbourne, Milan, Shanghai, Tokyo (Narita).
The schedule is subject to change.
Where UL Flies Right Now
Reduced international schedule, but select routes returning with reduced frequency in July 2020, including LHR, MEL, MXP, PVG, & NRT.
Cleaning Policy
Aircraft are deep cleaned following WHO guidelines. Disinfecting of high-touch surfaces like tray tables and personal TV screens with 70% alcohol.
Masks & Social Distancing
Passengers and SriLankan employees must wear masks at the airport throughout flights.
Flexibility & Cancellation
Change dates/routing without change fees on tickets purchased by Jul 31 2020 for travel thru Dec 31 2020. Cancel tickets for eCredit on SriLankan. Info…
