What are "airline alliances and partnerships"?

What are "airline alliances and partnerships"?

Jen Leo (Daily Deal Blogger, LA Times Travel Section) gives expert video advice on: What is a "frequent flyer program"?; How do I accrue "miles" in my frequent flyer program?; Can my frequent flyer miles expire or transfer to other carriers? and more...

Airline alliances and partnerships are business relationships, usually between US domestic airline providers and international ones. The purpose of these alliances and partnerships is to extend the travel possibilities and opportunities for the customer, as well as making the airlines more money. An airline partnership, using the example of frequent flyer program, is a company that the airline has teamed up with or partnered to redeem their miles for retail products.