Southwest Airlines has announced it is taking the next step in its merger with subsidiary AirTran Airways.

Customers are now able to purchase a growing number of itineraries between the Southwest and AirTran networks for travel on a single itinerary.

Soon, Customers will be able to book flights to any of the airlines’ combined 97 destinations, including international, in one transaction.

“Connecting the networks is a priority in 2013 and a major milestone as we work to combine our two companies,” said Bob Jordan, chief commercial officer, Southwest Airlines and president, AirTran.

“With a connected network, we can offer Customers more itineraries, more destinations, more low fares, and a taste of what’s to come once the integration is complete.”

Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways took the first step in connecting their networks on January 26th, 2013, by offering a small number of shared itineraries in five markets.

The initial phase was successful, and the airlines are prepared to launch in 39 cities on February 25th, 2013.