In an unusual move that may hint of moves to come, Germany's rail operator Deutsche Bahn has joined the airlines of the Star Alliance, the first non-airline to join any of the groups.
With increased pressure against short-haul flying, an arrangement that allows booking air and rail tickets on the same itinerary makes increasing sense. The DB hookup means that itineraries with, say a passenger from New York to Frankfurt could continue to Hamburg by train on the same ticket; equally, it could include tickets with a train to the plane.
Germany's Lufthansa has already had some booking tie-ups with DB, but the new plan will open the connection for other Star Alliance partners as well, and will include loyalty point earning, lounge access and more; possibly it will eventually be possible to check baggage through.
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