China Airlines Partners with Southwest Airlines to Expand North American Network

Fly from Taiwan and Major Asian Cities, Seamlessly Connect Across the U.S. & Mexico

China Airlines is partnering with Southwest Airlines to connect Taiwan and major cities across Asia to over 30 destinations in the United States and Mexico. With seamless transfers and one-stop booking, passengers can fly into one of five Middle/ West Coast gateways and easily connect to Southwest Airlines flights for a smoother, more efficient travel experience across North America.

Easy U.S. Connections

5 Middle/ West Coast Gateways

Fly non-stop with China Airlines to Ontario, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, or Phenix, then transfer easily to Southwest Airlines flights across the U.S.

Popular U.S. / Mexico Destinations

Daily Departures, 30+ Cities

Connect the same day to San Deigo, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago(MDW), Dallas(DAL), Houston(HOU), Atlanta, Cancún, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and over 30 other cities.

Convenient Transfers

Through-Checked Bags, Quick Transfers

China Airlines and Southwest Airlines support through-checked baggage and one-time boarding pass pickup for smoother connections.

One-Stop Booking

Seamless Reservations

Starting today, you can book itineraries that include travel on or after January 19, 2026, featuring both China Airlines and Southwest Airlines, directly on the China Airlines website for a simpler experience.

China Airlines × Southwest Airlines – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I book both China Airlines and Southwest Airlines segments on a single ticket? +
Yes. Starting today, for travel on or after January 19, 2026, you can purchase combined itineraries with both China Airlines and Southwest Airlines on a single ticket directly through China Airlines’ website for a smoother, more convenient connection experience.
2. Will checked baggage be transferred between China Airlines and Southwest Airlines? Do they support Inter Airline Through Check-In? +
Yes. With a single ticket, passengers can enjoy through-checked baggage service to the final destination. However, U.S. regulations require you to claim your baggage at the first port of entry for customs inspection and then recheck it for your onward flight. Inter Airline Through Check-In (IATCI) is also supported, so you can get all boarding passes at your first departure.
China Airlines Airport Information
3. Which airports support smooth connections between China Airlines and Southwest Airlines? +
Recommended transfer airports include Ontario (ONT), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), and Phoenix (PHX). These gateways offer frequent flights and streamlined connections between the two carriers.
4. Are Global Entry and TSA Pre✓® services available when connecting from China Airlines to Southwest Airlines in the U.S.? +
Yes. Eligible travelers can enjoy Global Entry for faster immigration and TSA Pre✓® for expedited security screening.
Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) | TSA Pre✓® Info
5. Is mileage accumulation available between the two airlines? +
Mileage accumulation between China Airlines and Southwest Airlines is currently under discussion. Future updates will be announced on both airlines’ official websites.
6. Does China Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer unaccompanied minor (UM) services for connecting flights? +
Southwest Airlines does not accept unaccompanied minors (UM) for interline travel. Therefore, if the itinerary of a 5–11-year-old passenger traveling alone involves a Southwest Airlines (WN) flight, our company will not provide booking and ticketing services for this interline itinerary.
7. Does China Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer unaccompanied youth (YP) services for connecting flights? +
Southwest Airlines does not accept passengers under the age of 18 traveling alone for interline travel. Therefore, if the itinerary of a 12–17-year-old passenger traveling alone involves a Southwest Airlines (WN) flight, our company will not provide booking and ticketing services for this interline itinerary.
8. How can I book an itinerary including both airlines? +
You can book through the China Airlines website, call center, or authorized travel agents. Enter your final U.S./ Mexico destination (e.g., Chicago, Houston, Los Cabos), and the system will display available connections with Southwest Airlines.
9. Can I select seats when booking? +
Seat selection is available for China Airlines flights after booking. Southwest Airlines operates on an open seating policy.
10. Can I purchase value-added services such as seat selection or extra baggage in advance? +
As the ticket includes a Southwest Airlines segment, advance purchase of additional checked baggage is not available. Seat selection is available for China Airlines segments, while Southwest Airlines operates on an open seating basis.
11. Will fares for both airlines be displayed on the China Airlines website? +
Yes. The China Airlines website displays the total fare including taxes for itineraries combining both carriers. There is no need to purchase tickets separately.
12. Where should I check in? +
On the day of departure, please check in at the counter of the operating airline for your first flight. Your baggage will be tagged to the final destination. Upon arrival in the U.S., collect your baggage for customs clearance before rechecking it for your connecting flight.
13. Will I receive all boarding passes at check-in? +
In most cases, you will receive boarding passes for all segments at the first check-in. If boarding passes for onward flights cannot be issued due to documentation or system constraints, please obtain them at the transfer airport.
14. What should I do if my connection time is short? +
We provide reasonable minimum connection times. Please proceed directly to immigration, security, and your next gate as soon as you deplane.
15. Can my baggage be checked through to my final U.S./ Mexico destination? +
Yes, if issued on a single ticket. However, U.S. regulations require you to claim your baggage at the first port of entry for customs inspection and then recheck it for your onward flight.
16. What is the baggage allowance? +
China Airlines segment: Two checked bags (23–32 kg each) depending on cabin class. Southwest Airlines segment: Two checked bags (23 kg each) free for U.S. domestic flights, subject to applicable fare rules.
17. Will I have to go through security again when connecting in the U.S.? +
Yes. After clearing customs at your first U.S. entry point, you must pass through security screening before boarding your connecting flight.
18. What are the differences in onboard service? +
China Airlines offers hot meals, personal entertainment systems, and long-haul amenities. Southwest Airlines offers complimentary beverages on domestic flights and operates on an open seating policy.
19. Does Southwest Airlines serve meals? +
Southwest Airlines provides complimentary beverages but no hot meal service. Passengers may bring their own snacks.
20. Can I use airport lounges during my connection? +
Dynasty Flyer Paragon, Emerald, and Gold members and Premium Business Class passengers may use China Airlines lounges when flying on China Airlines flights. Southwest Airlines does not operate lounges.
21. What if I miss my connecting flight? +
If you hold a single ticket, China Airlines and Southwest Airlines will rebook you on the next available flight.
22. Who should I contact for delayed or damaged baggage? +
Report baggage issues to the ground staff of the airline operating your final arrival segment, providing your ticket, boarding pass, and baggage tag.
23. How do I request special assistance or travel with a pet? +
Submit your request to China Airlines at least 72 hours before departure. If your trip includes a Southwest segment, we will coordinate arrangements in line with their policies.
24. Can I earn or redeem Dynasty Flyer miles for these itineraries? +
You can earn miles for China Airlines segments. Southwest Airlines segments currently do not accrue miles, and mileage redemption is not available for itineraries including other airlines.
25. Can I redeem Dynasty Flyer miles for Southwest Airlines flights? +
Not at this time. A frequent flyer partnership is under discussion.
26. Are extra baggage privileges for elite members applicable to both airlines? +
China Airlines segment : Paragon/ Emerald/ Gold members receive additional baggage allowance. Southwest Airlines segment: No extra baggage allowance for Dynasty Flyer members.
27. As a non‑U.S. citizen transiting through the United States to Mexico, do I need a visa for the U.S.? +
You must hold one of the following : A valid U.S. transit (C‑1) visa or a valid visitor (B‑1/B‑2) visa, unless you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an approved ESTA.