Quincy Regional Airport once more has all the pieces in place to provide a high level of service and convenience to travelers.

Cape Air, which will begin serving Quincy Nov. 8, announced Thursday that a code-share agreement with American Airlines will be in effect by early spring.

That means travelers can buy a single ticket for Cape Air and connecting American Airline flights, rather than having to buy two separate tickets. It also means that Cape Air and American Airlines will be using the same concourse at St. Louis Lambert Field. Baggage will be transferred by the airlines and passengers will not have to pass through security a second time.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin was an invaluable ally in the effort to secure the agreement. Durbin held both airline's feet to the fire to reach an agreement crucial to the immediate and long-term success of Cape Air.

The experience of Great Lakes Airlines shows how the lack of a code-share agreement can cripple ridership. Great Lakes has maintained good reliability, with very few cancellations. Yet the number of passengers has fallen, and there is no doubt that a major factor was the difficulty of making connections, moving baggage and going through multiple security screenings. In September, Great Lakes transported only 74 passengers.

Cost was a factor as well, with ticket prices in the $200 range for a one-way trip on Great Lakes. Cape Air will charge $50 and provide the added convenience of six round-trip flights weekdays.

A code-share agreement completes the list of elements needed for successful air service.

Flights must be reliable, and Cape Air has recorded good on-time performance and very few cancellations at the airports it serves along the East Coast and in the Caribbean.

Schedules must meet the needs of travelers. Cape Air's six weekday options will make for timely connections.

Ticket costs must be reasonable, and the $50 price should be popular with travelers. Free parking at Quincy Regional Airport also is an appealing alternative to paying high parking fees at St. Louis.

A code-share agreement completes the list, providing passengers with easy connections, one-ticket operations and no baggage hassles.

Now, then, is the time for area travelers to get on board and take advantage of the opportunity to again experience the benefits of convenient, affordable air service.