All Nippon Airways makes flying more convenient to US than before

Japan’s second-largest carrier All Nippon Airways has made travel to the United States more convenient than before. The airline said that the customers taking flights to Mexico from Tokyo or travelling to South and Central American destinations via a stopover at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport will not be required to recheck their baggage during the layover.

The airline’s move is aimed at increasing its appeal to customers booking flights to those areas. The leading Japanese carrier also hoped that this move is also going to benefit many business travellers visiting Japanese automobile companies being currently operating in Mexico.

Jean Saito, spokeswoman of All Nippon Airways, said, “The airline started operating its nonstop flights between Houston and Tokyo effective from June. The flights are being operated with the help of All Nippon Airways’ partner United Airlines for routes south of the U.S. border. The airline saw nearly 15 percent of its first month’s customers conveniently connecting to those destinations.”

Media reports quoted Lance Lytle, Chief Operating Officer for the Houston Airport System, as saying that All Nippon Airways was granted permission for offering the service through a baggage program with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. United Airlines, which is currently partnering with All Nippon Airways, has also been approved for the similar program at Bush Intercontinental Airport. 

Lytle further stated that United Airlines had expanded this baggage check-in program at quite a dramatic pace in Houston over the past decade. She said that it is a matter of great delight that All Nippon Airways is also taking advantage of this program.