The start of Delta Airlines’ operations in the Dominican Republic as of this summer makes travel on Continental Airlines, that already flies to the DR, more convenient for Dominicans. As of June, Continental, Delta and Northwest customers will enjoy joint-frequent flyer accrual and redemptions, as well as being able to purchase seats on any codeshare flights offered by the three carriers. On 29 January, Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines announced the expansion of the codeshare service for customers traveling between the United States and 11 destinations in Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada. Delta announced it would place its code on Continental flights to Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo and Santiago in the Dominican Republic. Likewise, Delta, Northwest and Continental VIP lounge members would have equal access to the same facilities offered by all three airlines. While Continental, Delta and Northwest continue to operate independently and compete vigorously with each other for customers, the alliance enables each carrier to serve a greater number of customers and preserves service to small communities and those communities’ access to broad route networks.