Southwest Partners With China Airlines for Interline Agreement

Southwest Airlines has been busy lately. However, most of the press has been negative. With the airline now charging for checked bags and reducing elite benefits, loyal fans have been debating their loyalty.

Southwest wants to add some positive news by announcing a partnership with China Airlines.

Will that be enough good press — or any benefit — to Southwest flyers? Let’s take a look at the details.

Southwest and China Airlines Partnership

Southwest announced its newest partnership will be with China Airlines, with sales starting in late 2025 for flights in 2026.

This will be an interline agreement, which will allow passengers on China Airlines to connect to destinations in the U.S. via Southwest‘s existing routes and vice versa. Since this is not a codeshare, passengers will not receive any elite status or loyalty benefits.

As we continue our mission to bring more choices to our Customers, we’re thrilled to announce our newest interline partnership with China Airlines (CAL), a Taiwan-based carrier. This agreement brings the opportunity for China Airlines’ customers to experience our renowned Southwest hospitality

Southwest Airlines

China Airlines passengers will be able to continue their journey in the U.S. from West Coast connection points, including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Ontario (ONT), and Seattle (SEA).

While this is good news for anyone flying China Airlines who wants to get somewhere Southwest flies to, China Airlines already has a partnership with Delta that allows it to connect passengers across Delta’s network. The only difference here is that Southwest has more options out of Ontario.

Southwest Airlines’ Many Changes

Southwest is in the middle of significant changes that have shaken up its identity.

Once popular with travelers for its cheap flights and free bags, the airline is shifting towards a more traditional model that includes new fare classes, charging for bags, and has even removed benefits for elite members.

While the company has said these steps are necessary for future success, other airlines are poaching customers who have realized the grass may be greener on the other side. American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue have extended status match offers to many Southwest elites looking to try a competitor.

Final Thoughts

Southwest Airlines and China Airlines have partnered on an interline agreement that will allow passengers to connect from Taiwan throughout Southwest’s U.S. network.

This is good news for some passengers. However, without any codeshare perks, there aren’t too many benefits for most Southwest passengers.