WestJet, Delta in interline deal

Calgary-based WestJet announced Monday it has signed an interline agreement with Delta Air Lines.

The deal allows fliers on WestJet and Delta flights to purchase connecting flights on one ticket, receive boarding passes for all segments at their first check-in, and tag bags through to their final destination.

The agreement takes effect immediately at more than 25 airports in Canada and the United States.

"This news today demonstrates that we continue to deliver on our strategic plan to establish partnerships with airlines from around the world," said WestJet executive vice president Hugh Dunleavy.

"Delta is an established, worldwide airline, and this interline agreement will open yet another channel for guests from around the globe to connect to WestJet's network."

WestJet already has interline agreements with American Airlines, British Airways, Air France/KLM and China Airlines.

WestJet has said it aims to turn these interline agreements into full code-sharing partnerships, where each airline sells seats on the other's flights and shares the revenue. It already has a code-sharing relationship with Cathay Pacific.

WestJet shares closedup seven cents, or 0.5 per cent, to $13.27on the Toronto Stock Exchange Monday.