Air Canada, United Airlines reach an agreement to improve border travel

Air Canada and United Airlines have expanded their strategic relationship by announcing that they have entered into a joint commercial agreement for the Canada-US transborder market that will provide more flight options and better flight schedules for passengers traveling between the two countries.

Customers will soon be able to connect to up to 38 codeshare destinations in the US and eight major cities in Canada. Along the way, you’ll continue to enjoy more savings and redemption options from the carriers’ MileagePlus and Aeroplan loyalty programs.

advertisement

Under this new agreement, Air Canada and United will coordinate their networks and schedules, giving customers more choice on all-day flights and greater access to each airline’s seat inventory. The agreement improves codeshare on cross-border flights and allows carriers to sell seats on each other’s cross-border flights and share revenue on flights between hub markets.

With the move, carriers plan to align their customer policies and enable seamless on-board product delivery, establish airport commons and add value to their frequent flyer programs.

“United is a world-class airline and we are pleased to significantly expand our partnership to further enhance customer travel between Canada and the US,” said Mark Gallardo, senior vice president, network planning and revenue management, Air Canada, in a statement. “This agreement marks a new chapter in our ongoing relationship that will accelerate recovery from the pandemic and strengthen both carriers. It will also allow us to expand our global network to optimize our hubs and schedules and maintain our leadership in the market.”

“With this new agreement, we are further strengthening our long-standing partnership with Air Canada,” added Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of global network planning and alliances. “As international travel continues to recover, this expanded partnership will provide a superior experience for all cross-border travelers.”

According to the two airlines, the US-Canada transit market was the second largest international passenger air transport market in the world before the outbreak in 2019 and the largest international market for both Canada and the US.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to sign up for the daily TravelPulse newsletter here.