On June 2, 2025, Southwest Airlines announced an interline partnership with Taiwan-based China Airlines, marking a significant step in its international expansion. This agreement, shared in a press release, enhances travel options for Utah travelers by connecting Southwest’s U.S. network with China Airlines’ trans-Pacific routes. Here’s what this means for Utah travel enthusiasts.
What Is the Partnership?
The interline agreement allows passengers to book single-ticket itineraries combining China Airlines’ flights with Southwest’s domestic routes, with seamless connections through West Coast gateways: Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Ontario (ONT), and Seattle (SEA). Bookings are expected to open later in 2025, with flights commencing in early 2026. Travelers can check bags through to their final destination, simplifying trans-Pacific travel.
For Utah residents, this opens new possibilities for international travel, particularly to Asia, via Taiwan. China Airlines, a SkyTeam member, operates a robust network from its Taipei hub, offering connections to major Asian cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore. This is Southwest’s second international partnership, following its Icelandair agreement launched in February 2025.
Why It Matters for Utah Travelers
Southwest is a major player at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), offering numerous daily flights to domestic destinations, including the West Coast gateways involved in this partnership. For Utahns, this agreement means:
- Easier Access to Asia: Travelers can fly from SLC to LAX, SFO, ONT, or SEA on Southwest, then connect to China Airlines’ trans-Pacific flights to Taipei and beyond, streamlining planning for business or leisure trips.
- Affordable Options: Southwest’s low-cost model, combined with single-ticket itineraries, could make trans-Pacific travel more budget-friendly compared to traditional carriers.
- Seamless Connections: The interline agreement ensures coordinated schedules and baggage handling, reducing the hassle of international transfers.
- New Vacation Opportunities: Popular Asian destinations like Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam become more accessible, appealing to Utah’s growing interest in international tourism.
Relevant City Pairs for Utah Travelers
The partnership connects Southwest’s Salt Lake City (SLC) flights to China Airlines’ trans-Pacific routes through West Coast gateways (LAX, SFO, ONT, SEA) to Taipei and onward Asian destinations. Below are key international destinations Utah travelers can reach from SLC via this partnership:
- Salt Lake City (SLC) to:
- Taipei (TPE): Connect via LAX, SFO, ONT, or SEA on China Airlines.
- Tokyo (NRT/HND): Connect via LAX or SFO to Taipei, then onward to Tokyo.
- Hong Kong (HKG): Connect via LAX or SFO to Taipei, then onward to Hong Kong.
- Bangkok (BKK): Connect via LAX or SEA to Taipei, then onward to Bangkok.
- Singapore (SIN): Connect via LAX or SFO to Taipei, then onward to Singapore.
- Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Connect via LAX or SFO to Taipei, then onward to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Manila (MNL): Connect via LAX or SEA to Taipei, then onward to Manila.
- Brisbane (BNE): Connect via LAX or SFO to Taipei, then onward to Brisbane.
- Melbourne (MEL): Connect via LAX or SFO to Taipei, then onward to Melbourne.
- Sydney (SYD): Connect via LAX or SFO to Taipei, then onward to Sydney.
These city pairs are relevant because they leverage Southwest’s strong domestic network from SLC and China Airlines’ extensive Asian routes from Taipei, making international travel more accessible for Utahns.
What’s Next?
The partnership is currently an interline agreement without codesharing or loyalty program integration. Southwest has indicated potential for future expansions, with ongoing discussions with other global carriers, suggesting more partnerships may follow. Utah travel pros should monitor booking updates expected later in 2025 and prepare to promote these new options to clients.
Sources: Southwest Airlines, PR Newswire