Deal calls for code-sharing, through ticketing

Southwest Airlines has unveiled plans to forge a code-share partnership with Canadian low-cost carrier WestJet, although full implementation won’t come until sometime late next year, the company said. Founded in 1996, WestJet is Canada’s largest low-cost airline, serving 49 destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean with a fleet of 75 Boeing 737s. Southwest said it is too early to name specific routes, schedules or fares in the partnership, although “the initial agreement puts the two airlines on a path toward bringing more low fares and a better customer experience across the U.S. Canadian border,” a Southwest spokesman said. For example, the pact is intended to provide for passengers and their luggage to be checked through to the final destination on interline itineraries. Some government approvals are needed for the partnership, which could be expanded beyond code-sharing to “an integration of each carrier’s frequent flyer program,” among other things, the spokesman said. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly called WestJet “a perfect fit” for Southwest’s corporate culture.