Connecting Across Airlines May Soon Take One App Instead of Three

The oneworld alliance has launched a digital check-in capability for itineraries that involve more than one member airline. Instead of checking in separately with each carrier, passengers can complete the process through one airline’s app. The technology is available across all oneworld members, though the announcement did not give a specific launch date or a full list of participating airlines.

The alliance’s own example shows how it works. An American Airlines passenger flying Kuala Lumpur to Dallas Fort Worth via Tokyo Narita can check in entirely through the American app, including passport verification and boarding passes for the connecting flight. Those passes can be added to a smartphone wallet and carry the branding of the airline operating each leg.

In that example, the traveler can then go straight to bag drop or security, unless extra document checks are required at the airport. A oneworld-developed platform links participating airlines’ reservation and departure systems so passenger and check-in details can pass between carriers.

The alliance says more is coming, including expanded functionality for codeshare reservations and boarding passes that update automatically to reflect the latest flight information. For travelers who book complicated trips across partner airlines, the main promise is fewer apps, fewer repeated forms and less guessing about which carrier handles what.

Sources: The Bulkhead Seat, oneworld