Taiwan-based China Airlines (CAL) announced it is partnering with Southwest Airlines in the U.S. to set up a transfer network for trans-Pacific routes. Improved accessibility means in the coming future travelers will be able to fly non-stop from Taiwan to the United States (West Coast) and then transfer initially to more than 30 inland cities. China Airlines and Southwest Airlines flights at four major gateways, namely Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (ONT), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA), will offer transfers to Southwest Airlines’ extensive network spanning the entire United States.
Southwest Airlines currently operates the fourth-largest fleet in the world and is also the largest airline within the U.S. by passenger volume. The high frequency of flights and extensive destination network make it a key partner for developing the U.S. inland market, and China Airlines is Southwest Airlines’ first partner in Asia. The new cooperation will connect China Airlines’ trans-Pacific long-haul capacity with Southwest Airlines’ nationwide domestic network, providing global travelers with a quick and a way to reach any part of the U.S. by transiting through Taiwan and the West Coast.
China Airlines is committed to improving the efficiency and quality of transfer services for travelers by providing more flight options. The partnership with Southwest Airlines allows travelers to use the carriers’ four main gateways to continue on to other major U.S. cities including Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Atlanta, and Chicago. Popular vacation destinations such as Florida are also covered. In the future, travelers will be able to book interline tickets for China Airlines/Southwest Airlines flights and domestic legs within the US operated by Southwest Airlines through the China Airlines website or major travel agencies. By purchasing the China Airlines/Southwest Airlines flights under one itinerary travelers can enjoy services including through check-in, and baggage checked-through to their final destination.
The China Airlines network in North America currently encompasses Los Angeles, Ontario, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and Vancouver. The latest interline agreement with Southwest Airline will expand connecting services to the Midwest and East Coast, resulting in a more comprehensive North American network that caters to different traveler itineraries.
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