Qatar Airways is joining forces with carriers like American Airlines and British Airways as part of a global alliance.

The agreement is expected to cut costs for Qatar Airways, and promises to deliver benefits for frequent fliers in and out of the US.

The Oneworld alliance may make sense for airlines particularly those struggling with rising fuel costs and shrinking profits, but critics say there is a downside for travelers as well as airline employees.

Pilots in the US have voiced concern at the deal saying, the agreement will put their jobs at risk.

Al Jazeera's Kristen Saloomey reports from New York.