The global trend towards sustainable travel has fueled the rise of intermodal travel, allowing passengers to seamlessly connect between various modes of transportation with a single booking. In the United States, approximately 55% of the country’s 14,000 passenger transportation terminals offer intermodal connectivity among scheduled passenger transportation modes, with rail stations being more likely to provide such connectivity compared to airports.
Despite the popularity of air-rail intermodal travel in Europe, its adoption has faced challenges in the U.S., primarily due to the limited availability of rail connections at airports. However, U.S. airlines are taking steps to facilitate air-rail bookings for travelers venturing abroad. United Airlines, in collaboration with Lufthansa Group and Deutsche Bahn, has introduced a commercial agreement enabling United customers to seamlessly connect between air and rail services across 25 cities in Germany and various U.S. destinations using a single ticket. This initiative expands upon the Star Alliance’s Intermodal Partnership model, launched in July 2022, which streamlines loyalty systems and simplifies transitions between airports, stations, and ports.
While air-rail connections have faced challenges domestically, there have been notable efforts in the past. United Airlines had previously partnered with Amtrak for air-rail connections out of Newark Airport, offering passengers mileage benefits and reciprocal lounge access. However, this service ceased in 2021 following the breakdown of the partnership between United Airlines and Amtrak.
On the global stage, Lufthansa Group, a Star Alliance partner of United Airlines, has a robust history of air-rail collaboration. Partnering with Deutsche Bahn (DB) and ICE express trains, Lufthansa offers intermodal travel with combined rail and flight bookings. The airline has expanded its air-rail options to Asia through a new partnership with KORAIL, the primary train operator in South Korea. Additionally, SWISS, another airline within the Lufthansa Group, has extended its joint SWISS Air Rail network with the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) to include Geneva Airport, providing passengers with enhanced intermodal connectivity in Switzerland. These developments reflect a growing trend towards integrating air and rail travel options, offering passengers more seamless and sustainable transportation solutions.
The Air+Rail Program by Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines introduced the Air+Rail program in 2021, connecting Amsterdam, Brussels, and Antwerp. In 2022, it expanded to include more partners and destinations like Brussels, Manchester, Rome Fiumicino, Zurich, and Geneva. Passengers can seamlessly book air-rail tickets for these locations under a single Delta ticket, collaborating with local rail operators for onward train journeys. The initiative responds to the increasing demand for sustainable travel in Europe. Additionally, KLM, Delta’s partner, negotiated with Thalys and NS Dutch Railways to replace certain flights between Brussels and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with rail journeys, offering eco-friendly travel options and improved connectivity for passengers heading to intercontinental destinations.
Airline technology improves intermodal travel.
SITA, a travel technology firm, identifies intermodal travel as a prominent trend for airlines in 2024. A passenger survey revealed that 75% of participants plan to make at least one intermodal booking this year, with 36% intending two or three such trips. The primary concern for intermodal travelers is convenient baggage handling. Sergio Collela, President of Europe at SITA, emphasizes the industry’s focus on providing seamless, door-to-door passenger experiences. Instead of viewing rail and airlines as competitors, Collela sees them as complements, offering a unique multimodal experience. Combining air travel with other forms, such as high-speed trains, enhances efficiency and sustainability. Collela mentions global traction for intermodal travel and its potential beyond air-rail connections, extending to multimodal experiences that include cruises. SITA is exploring technology solutions for end-to-end passenger experiences, simplifying baggage transfer between airports and cruise ships.
Challenges in U.S. Intermodal Air Travel.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigated the feasibility of establishing more air-rail connectivity in 2013 due to increased passenger travel and congestion in the air transportation system. Experts proposed integrating air and intercity passenger rail services to improve mobility and alleviate congestion. However, the GAO concluded that the financial costs of implementing an air-rail network in the U.S. might be prohibitively high. Despite recognizing potential benefits, there was no strong support for funding the initiative, and opinions varied on the economic and environmental advantages of air-rail connectivity.
