codeshare

Codeshare is a marketing arrangement in the airline industry where two or more airlines share the same flight. In a codeshare, a flight is operated by one airline but can be marketed and sold under the flight numbers and designators of multiple airlines. The operating carrier handles the actual aircraft, crew, and operations, while the marketing carriers provide their own flight numbers and branding on the ticket.

How it works and terminology: The operating carrier provides the service, and one or more partner airlines place their own designators on the same flight. A passenger may book a ticket under a marketing carrier’s code, even though the flight is operated by another airline. Tickets and reservations typically display both the operating carrier code and the marketing carrier’s code, along with the corresponding flight numbers. Codeshares are common among alliances (such as Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam) but also occur between non-allied partners.

Benefits and purposes: Codesharing expands an airline’s network without requiring additional aircraft or crews. It allows carriers to offer more destinations, convenient connections, and coordinated schedules. Passengers can earn and redeem frequent-flyer miles across partner airlines, and marketing carriers can access routes they do not operate directly.

Limitations and considerations: The operating carrier determines the in-flight service, aircraft type, and on-time performance, which can affect passenger experience. Schedule changes or cancellations may be tied to the partner airline’s operations. Baggage handling, fare rules, and loyalty benefits may differ between marketing and operating carriers, so travelers should verify the actual operating carrier and rules at booking and check-in.

Regulatory and industry context: Codeshares are governed by interline and revenue-sharing agreements, with oversight to ensure transparency and fair competition. They are common within major airline alliances and also occur between independent carriers.