**Southwest Airlines & China Airlines Announce New Interline Agreement**

Southwest Airlines has revealed plans to enter an interline agreement with Taiwan-based China Airlines, aiming to enhance connectivity on the West Coast of the United States. This strategic collaboration will allow passengers to seamlessly book travel that includes both airlines on a single ticket, offering more travel options and convenience.

As detailed in Southwest's announcement, the agreement will provide China Airlines' customers new opportunities to experience Southwest's renowned hospitality. The interline agreement will specifically focus on key China Airlines' gateways at Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Ontario (ONT), and Seattle (SEA), providing an extended network throughout Southwest's domestic routes. Tickets under this new partnership are expected to go on sale in late 2025, with operations commencing in early 2026.

Southwest's foray into trans-Pacific partnerships marks a significant step, as this is its first partnership across the Pacific Ocean. This move not only highlights the airline's intent to increase customer choices but also underscores the potentially strained relationship between China Airlines and Delta, despite both being SkyTeam members. While Delta offers connectivity at most of these West Coast gateways, the inclusion of Ontario, where Southwest has a significant presence, adds a unique value to this new collaboration.

Despite the significance, the agreement is noted to be a basic form of airline cooperation. Unlike more comprehensive partnerships, this interline agreement does not include codesharing or loyalty program integration. It's primarily about making it easier for passengers to book combined itineraries involving both airlines. This development is not expected to have a substantial impact on the financial bottom line of either airline.

Southwest’s strategy seems to be oriented towards gradual entry into more complex partnerships, consistently enhancing passenger options. As they continue to navigate and establish new collaborations, the industry will be keeping a watchful eye on potential future developments that could bring more perks and exclusivity to travelers.