Travel to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia from Raleigh-Durham International airport could be easier by the end of the year.
Lufthansa has signed a ticketing agreement with JetBlue that allows the German airline to sell tickets to JetBlue's customers as if they were their own. JetBlue customers out of RDU will connect via JFK in New York or Logan in Boston to fly to one Lufthansa's 180 international destinations.
Lufthansa is promising a "seamless flight experience."
The deal must be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. If it is, customers could start buying tickets later this month or early in October.
RDU is one of 12 cities that will offer the connecting service.
Mary Cornatzer has worked at The News & Observer for more than 25 years, covering the local music industry, state movie industry and travel. She has been the paper's Business editor since 2000. Contact Mary at 919-829-4755 or 
