What is a Codeshare Flight? Understanding Your Rights and Benefits

Usually, the airline that issues the ticket is the same one operating the flight, but that’s not always the case. In the case of codeshare flights, the ticket is issued by one airline (the marketing airline), but the flight—or part of it—is operated by another airline (the operating carrier). So when you book a flight, you may notice a notification on your ticket indicating that the flight is a codeshare, meaning it’s operated by a different airline.

Codeshare flights are quite common and generally don’t cause complications for passengers. The benefits are clear—like more destination options—but you might wonder what this means for your travel experience. For example, if there’s a delay or cancellation, who is responsible for your flight: the marketing airline or the operating carrier? And if you’re entitled to a refund or compensation, how do you file a claim? In this article, we’ll walk you through how codeshare flights work and what your rights are in the event of a flight disruption.

A codeshare flight is a flight where one airline handles the actual operation of the flight—such as providing the aircraft, crew, and other services—while another airline markets and sells the flight under its own branding and flight number. This means you could book a ticket through one airline, e.g., British Airways, but find that your flight is actually being operated by a different airline, such as American Airlines.

This arrangement is not just a convenience for airlines; it's also designed to benefit passengers by offering a broader range of destinations and more flexible travel options. For example, if you need to travel from New York to a smaller city in the U.K., American Airlines might not operate a direct flight. However, through a codeshare arrangement, they can sell you a ticket that includes a leg of the journey operated by a partner airline, making your trip easier to book with just one transaction.

What is a Codeshare Agreement?

A codeshare agreement is a collaborative arrangement between two or more airlines that allows them to share certain flights. The benefits include:

• Airlines can effectively expand their reach

• They don't need to operate their own aircraft on every route.

Under these agreements, airlines can sell tickets for flights operated by their partners as if they were their own. For example, you might book a flight with Lufthansa but find that part of your journey is operated by United Airlines.

Airlines can thus maximize the use of their fleets, but there are also advantages for passengers. For instance, thanks to codeshare flights, passengers can reach their desired destination with a single booking, without having to purchase two separate tickets or rely on other airlines. Additionally, less accessible areas become easier for passengers to reach.

Codeshare flights are a strategic tool used by airlines to enhance their services and expand their global presence without incurring the significant costs associated with launching and maintaining new routes. These partnerships allow airlines to increase their network reach by offering flights to destinations they don't serve directly. Instead of investing in additional aircraft, crew, and ground operations, they can simply share existing flights operated by partner airlines. This arrangement also helps airlines fill more seats on their flights, boosting profitability by tapping into the customer bases of their partners.

Codeshare flights offer several advantages for passengers. One of the primary benefits is the increased flexibility in choosing flights. Passengers can book a single ticket through one airline, even if their journey involves multiple carriers, simplifying the booking process and often resulting in smoother connections. Additionally, passengers enjoy streamlined services across different airlines, such as check-in and baggage handling, making their travel experience more seamless and convenient.

What Does Operated by Another Airline Mean?

When your ticket indicates flight operated by another airline, it means that while you booked your flight through one airline, another airline actually provides the aircraft, crew, and other services for that segment of your journey. This situation arises from a codeshare agreement between the airlines involved, allowing them to share resources and offer a broader range of routes. For example, you might purchase a ticket from British Airways but find that your flight from London to New York is actually operated by Delta Airlines.

This practice is particularly common on international routes or in regions where airlines participate in global alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld. These alliances help airlines offer more comprehensive service networks without each airline having to operate its own flights on every route. For passengers, it’s essential to be aware of which airline is operating the flight, as this will determine where you check-in, the baggage policies that apply, and the in-flight services you can expect. Understanding this distinction can help you avoid confusion at the airport and ensure that your travel experience is as smooth as possible.

While codeshare flights offer numerous advantages, they can also introduce some challenges. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

Flight Cancellations, Delays, and Compensation

When your codeshare flight is canceled or delayed, the compensation and care you are entitled to as a passenger are determined by the operating airline and the specific regulations governing your journey. If your flight is within or departing from the European Union, Regulation EC 261 is the key piece of legislation that protects your rights. Under EC 261, you may be eligible for compensation of up to $650 (no more than €600) if your flight is significantly delayed, canceled without sufficient notice, or if you are denied boarding due to overbooking.

The compensation amount depends on the length of the delay and the distance of your flight. For instance, a delay of more than three hours on a flight over 3,500 km (2,175 miles) can entitle you to the maximum compensation. It's important to note that these rights apply regardless of which airline you booked with; what matters is the airline operating the flight.

Additionally, your right to compensation may be affected by the cause of the disruption. If the delay or cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather or security risks, the airline may not be required to provide compensation. Understanding these regulations is crucial to ensure you claim what you are entitled to should your travel plans be disrupted.

Lost and Damaged Luggage

If your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed during a codeshare flight, it is the responsibility of the airline operating the flight to address the issue. For domestic flights, as we specified in this guide, it is the US Department of Transportation that sets the rules regarding delayed, lost, or damaged baggage, including passengers' rights to compensation and reimbursement. In the case of international flights, the Montreal Convention protects passengers' rights.

Depending on the situation, you can claim compensation for any inconvenience caused. For instance, if your luggage is delayed, the operating airline may be required to reimburse you for essential items you had to purchase while waiting for your bag. In cases of lost or damaged luggage, you can claim compensation of up to $3,800 for a domestic flight. It’s essential to report any issues with your luggage as soon as possible at the airport and keep all relevant documentation, such as your boarding pass and baggage claim tickets, to support your claim.

As we’ve seen, a codeshare flight operates almost exactly like any other flight. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, particularly when it comes to check-in and frequent flyer programs. Let’s break it down:

1. First, always double-check which airline is operating each segment of your journey. This information is crucial because the airline you book with might not be the one responsible for the flight itself. Knowing this allows you to go to the right terminal or check-in desk.

2. Review the policies of the operating airline, especially regarding check-in procedures, baggage allowances, and in-flight services. These policies can differ significantly from those of the airline you booked with.

3. If you're a member of a frequent flyer program, keep in mind that not all codeshare flights qualify for earning miles. However, if you want to earn miles or points, it's a good idea to check that the operating airline is a partner of your frequent flyer program.