The byproduct of strengthening the alliance between American Airlines and Japan Airlines (JAL) is that travelers will be given greater access to cheap airplane tickets, cheap vacation packages, more routes, and easier connections on flights across the Pacific.
The two airlines have cooperated for the past 15 years. This cooperation will grow as a result of the U.S. and Japan signing an open skies deal for air travel in 2010 after which U.S. and Japanese regulators approved a strengthened alliance between American and JAL late last year.
American Airlines claims that working closely with JAL will make both airlines stronger and more competitive. Japan Airlines estimates that by bringing the two airlines operations closer their total sales will rise and they will achieve cost savings of $156 million.
Part of their plan is to make Chicago a major hub for JAL which will work closely with American for connections out of this city to other destinations in the U.S.
American will sell roundtrip coach tickets between Tokyo and New York or Chicago for travel in February and March for $930. Round trips between Tokyo and Dallas will start at $1,080 and Tokyo and Los Angeles or San Francisco at $833. These prices do not include taxes and other fees. Passengers will be able to fly on either airline or a combination of both.
JALs partnership with American is a critical element in Japan Airlines strategy to turn around its business. JAL filed for bankruptcy last year.
The partnership will include sharing airport facilities and services, as well as office buildings in both the U.S. and Japan. Online reservations will become more closely linked between the two airlines.
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