The linking of the Southwest and AirTran networks opens the route maps of both carriers to passengers of either airline.

[USA TODAY]

The linking of the Southwest and AirTran networks opens the route maps of both carriers to passengers of either airline.
The linking of the Southwest and AirTran networks opens the route maps of both carriers to passengers of either airline.

All Southwest and AirTran flights can now be booked together as part of a connecting itinerary.

That development marks a significant milestone in the merger of the two carriers. However, it has taken nearly two years for Southwest to make that happen. Southwest closed on its acquisition of its former rival AirTran in May 2011.

Until earlier this year, customers hoping to fly on a combination of Southwest and AirTran flights had to buy separate tickets on each carrier, an impractical solution for most travelers.

Read more about the Southwest and AirTran merger at USA Today.

Freddie Allen is the National News Editor for the NNPA News Wire and BlackPressUSA.com. 200-plus Black newspapers. 20 million readers. You should follow Freddie on Twitter and Instagram @freddieallenjr.