Three of the airline industry’s biggest carriers have a signed a “cooperative marketing agreement” that will combine several key passenger programs and infrastructure. Northwest Airlines, Continental
Airlines and Delta Air Lines will connect the three carriers' domestic and international networks, frequent flyer program reciprocity, and a shared airport lounge program. The pact will offer
travelers a broad network connecting hundreds of cities. Ticketing, check-in, and luggage handling will also be combined. The three airlines have no plans to merge their operations and will retain
separate boards, management and headquarters. No layoffs, mergers of workforces, transfers of flying, assets, or closures of facilities are planned as a result of the proposed agreement. The three
carriers will remain competitors. No word yet as to when or if the new alliance will be touted to travelers in an ad campaign.
