United Strengthens Chindia Link

From Narita, JAL serves more than 85 markets, mainly in Asia.

"We have a very robust codeshare relationship with Japan Air Lines, and now connections for customers going to China or other locations in Asia are faster and easier than ever before," says American spokesman Tim Smith.

Oneworld also includes Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific and Dragonair, which serves 22 destinations in China. As for India, Jet code-shares with American on flights from several U.S. gateways and from Brussels, where connections with Jet are available. "It looks like Jet will go to Oneworld," Harteveldt says.

The third alliance, SkyTeam, offers China service through the Narita hub operated by Northwest(NWA Quote), while Northwest passengers can access India via joint venture partner KLM.

Additionally, SkyTeam welcomed China Southern in November. "As the largest carrier in the People's Republic of China, China Southern will extend SkyTeam's Asian network," SkyTeam said, in a prepared statement.