What Is a Codeshare Flight?
A codeshare flight is a single physical flight sold under the flight numbers of two or more airlines. One airline operates the aircraft; the other or others simply sell seats on it under their own brand and flight code, usually as part of an alliance or a bilateral partnership.
How to spot a codeshare
Your ticket will show a flight number for the airline you booked with, but the check-in, boarding, and the aircraft itself belong to the "operating carrier." This is usually disclosed at booking and on your confirmation, labeled something like "operated by [Airline]."
What it means for you practically
- The check-in counter, boarding gate, and cabin crew belong to the operating airline, not the one shown on your ticket
- Frequent flyer miles usually still credit to the marketing airline's program, subject to that airline's partner rules
- Baggage allowance and fare rules generally follow the marketing airline's policy, though the physical handling of checked baggage follows the operating airline's process
Why airlines codeshare
It lets an airline sell routes it doesn't physically fly, expanding its network through partners. This is common within alliances such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld, and also between partner airlines outside any formal alliance.
What to check before booking a codeshare
- Who actually operates the flight, for seat comfort, aircraft type, and service expectations
- Whether your frequent flyer status perks, such as lounge access or priority boarding, carry over on the operating carrier
- Whether a separate check-in step is needed when connecting between the marketing and operating carrier's systems