Thanks to a new interline arrangement between Rex and Delta Air Lines, travellers from Armidale and Wagga Wagga may book a single ticket for round-trip travel to the United States. All flights can be booked on a single ticket and checked bags can be through-checked.

Passengers flying Delta out of the United States, Canada, or Mexico can transfer to any of the cities in Rex’s domestic or regional network. Delta’s only Australian route is currently Los Angeles-Sydney. Fares under the interline agreement are now available for purchase.

Previously, Delta was Virgin Australia’s partner in the United States. However, in early 2022, a dramatic shakeup saw Virgin choose United Airlines instead, leaving Delta in the lurch without a partner in Australia.

As Australia’s third-largest domestic carrier, Rex is the ideal choice for Delta to keep some connectivity across the country.

Initially, Rex and Delta interline fares could only be purchased through travel agents (both traditional and online); these tickets would not be available on the Rex or Delta websites. Both airlines’ flights will be issued under Delta’s ticket stock; therefore, Delta will control the total booking.

For example, on the same ticket, you can now buy a flight from any place in Rex’s eastern state network to Los Angeles and beyond, including nearly 50 locations in the United States and Latin America. This can save costs and make travel more convenient.

When departing Australia, check in with Rex and have your luggage tagged to the United States. Suppose you have a connecting flight within the United States. In that case, you must collect your luggage and re-check them in Los Angeles before continuing.

If you’re travelling Delta from Sydney and connecting with Rex, you may check in with Delta and have your bags tagged all the way. However, you must collect your bags at Sydney T1 (International) and make your way to Sydney T2, which houses Rex’s check-in counters. A dedicated lane will be established to connect Delta passengers.

To get to T2 from Sydney T1, take the T-Bus (free), the public 400 bus, the train, or taxis (all charged options).

In comparison, Qantas provides a seamless light’ transfer in which you drop your luggage at T1 again and then board a transfer bus to the airline’s T3 domestic terminal.

On domestic flights to Brisbane, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast, Delta One (Business Class) customers can connect to Rex Business Class. Onward travel is in Rex Economy on all other itineraries and price levels (including Premium Select and Delta Comfort Plus).

An interline is the first stage in the budding airline alliance, but it means that many more benefits are on the way. The next step might be a codeshare; wherein Rex customers can book a Rex-coded Delta ticket and vice versa.