Continental Airlines and China Southern Airlines Partnership

Continental Airlines and China Southern Airlines have entered into a “strategic partnership,” making travel between China and the U.S. a little easier. The new partnership will allow for interchangable frequent flyer miles, as well as make airport lounge access available to members of each airlines’ elite members. And in the coming months, codeshare flights between the airlines facilitate travel between the U.S. and China.

“As we look to build upon our successful service to China, we are honored to partner with China Southern. Our customers will appreciate the benefits of this new agreement,” said Larry Kellner, chairman and chief executive officer of Continental Airlines. “China Southern is the right partner for us in China and we look forward to welcoming them into the SkyTeam alliance in the very near future.”

When does the fun begin? In September, members of each airlines’ frequent flyer program will have the option to earn and redeem miles of flights operated by the other carrier. So, OnePass members can earn miles on a China Southern flight and vice versa. For the high rollers, airport lounge access for eligible customers will also begin when China Southern joins the SkyTeam Global Alliance.

Shortly thereafter, the carriers plan to begin offering codeshare flights. Continental will place its code (CO) on China Southern flights connecting to Continental’s daily flight between New York and Beijing and on China Southern’s flights between Guangzhou and Los Angeles. At the same time, China Southern will place its code (CZ) on Continental flights connecting with China Southern at Los Angeles.

Continental and China Southern customers traveling on connecting itineraries will be able to have single check-in for all flights, including the issuance of electronic tickets, boarding passes and checked baggage to their final destination. That’s awesome!

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