Southwest, AirTran combine reservations networks
Southwest Airlines says it's finishing combination of reservations network with AirTran
DALLAS (AP) -- Southwest and AirTran are now selling itineraries for flights on both airlines in a single purchase.
Southwest Airlines Co. said Monday that it completed combining the two carriers' reservations networks. Southwest bought AirTran in 2011 but is still operating it as a separate airline.
The company says combined itineraries will be available on flights starting April 14 from both airlines' websites and call centers. A passenger could, for example, buy a single ticket that would cover a Southwest flight that connects to an AirTran international flight.
The two began linking itineraries in a few markets in January. Southwest plans to eventually eliminate the AirTran brand and repaint all the planes in Southwest colors.
Shares of Dallas-based Southwest rose 10 cents to $12.48 in midday trading.
