Swiss International Air Lines and United Airlines on Nov. 9 will begin a codeshare agreement, "expanding international destination options and mileage opportunities for customers of both carriers," the airlines said today. The agreement represents further integration of Swiss into the Star Alliance, following its merger and subsequent consolidation efforts with Lufthansa German Airlines
(BTN, April 18).
As an agreement between Lufthansa and Swiss, enacted Oct. 30 enables the carriers to share codes on all flights operated by either carrier between Germany and Switzerland
(BTN, Sept. 5), the United agreement gives Swiss further reach in the United States while giving United expanded presence in Europe and the Middle East.
"United's code will appear on Swiss International's service between Zurich and Los Angeles, Zurich and Chicago O'Hare, and connecting beyond Zurich to Dubai and Muscat," the carrier said in a statement. "Conversely, Swiss International's code will appear on United's Washington Dulles-Zurich service as well as between Los Angeles and Honolulu, with more routes to be announced-pending regulatory approval."
The deal also includes reciprocal frequent flyer mileage accrual and redemption between United and Swiss.
The Star Alliance in March granted Swiss membership upon its acquisition by Lufthansa and the carrier "will become a fully integrated Star Alliance member carrier in early 2006," Swiss said in a statement.