Continental Airlines and China Southern Airlines, the largest airline in China, will forge a strategic partnership for frequent flyer and airport lounge access reciprocity and extensive codesharing, providing better service to customers who travel between the United States and China.

In November, the carriers plan to begin codesharing. Continental will place its code (CO) on China Southern flights connecting to Continental's daily flight between New York and Beijing and on China Southern's flights between Guangzhou and Los Angeles. At the same time, China Southern will place its code (CZ) on Continental flights connecting with China Southern at Los Angeles, according to Continental Airlines Beijing Office.

"As an industry leader, Continental Airlines' cooperation with China Southern will significantly increase China Southern's market share on cross-Pacific and the U.S. domestic market," said China Southern Chairman Liu Shaoyong.

Beginning this September, members of the two airlines' frequent flyer programs, Continental's OnePass and China Southern's Sky Pearl Club, will be able to earn and redeem miles on all flights operated by the other carrier.

Continental and China Southern customers traveling on connecting itineraries will be able to have single check-in for all flights, including boarding passes and checked baggage to their final destination.

The largest airline in China for the past 28 years, China Southern Airlines connects more than 80 cities around the globe. Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline, serving 144 domestic and 138 international destinations.