If you’ve ever booked a flight and noticed a note that says “Operated by [another airline]”, you’ve been on a codeshare flight. Codeshare flights are very common in modern air travel and are often part of larger airline alliances such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld. These partnerships are designed to give passengers more flexibility, better connections, and a wider range of route options across multiple airlines.
But what exactly does codeshare mean, and how does it affect things like check-in, baggage, and compensation rights? Let’s break it down.
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What Is a Codeshare Flight?
A codeshare flight is a partnership between two or more airlines that allows them to share the same flight. One airline sells the ticket under its own code (the marketing airline), while another airline actually operates the aircraft (the operating airline).
For example:
You book a British Airways flight from London to New York (flight number BA 1516).
Your booking shows the note “Operated by American Airlines.”
This means that the plane, crew, and onboard service all belong to American Airlines — even though your ticket was issued by British Airways.
So, while you bought the ticket from one airline, you’ll actually fly with another.
Why Airlines Use Codeshare Agreements?
Codeshare agreements help airlines expand their networks without adding new aircraft or routes.
For passengers, that means:
- More destinations with fewer connections.
- No need to risk unprotected self-transfer (DIY) connections. Thanks to codeshare agreements, you can book connecting flights with different airlines on a single ticket — ensuring your transfer is fully protected, just like a regular connection with one airline.
- Easier booking for multi-airline trips. No need to book each flight leg separately.
- One ticket and booking reference for the entire journey.
- The ability to earn frequent flyer miles across partner airlines.
Essentially, codeshare flights allow airlines to work together — giving you more travel options without needing to book separate tickets.
Codeshare Flights and Airline Alliances
Codeshare partnerships are often part of global airline alliances, such as:
- Star Alliance
- SkyTeam
- Oneworld
These alliances make global travel smoother by letting airlines share routes and offer consistent benefits — like through-checked baggage and loyalty points — across member airlines.
However, it’s important to note that codeshare agreements and airline alliances are not the same thing.
What is a codeshare flight? It is an agreement or a partnership between two airlines on specific routes, where one airline sells seats on another airline’s flight under its own flight number. An airline alliance, on the other hand, is a large global network of airlines that cooperate more broadly — sharing loyalty programs, flight schedules, and customer services.
In short: every alliance involves codeshare partnerships, but not every codeshare flight is part of an alliance.
Check-In for Codeshare Flights
When flying on a codeshare route:
Normally, you have to check in with the operating airline — that’s the one running the flight.
If you booked a flight with British Airways, but the flight is actually operated by American Airlines, check in with American Airlines.
If your trip includes multiple airlines on one ticket, check in with the airline operating your first flight. They’ll usually issue boarding passes for all your connecting flights.
For your return journey, you’ll check in with the carrier operating the first segment of the return trip.
What are codeshare flights? Codeshare flights are shared flights between two or more airlines, where one airline sells the ticket while another operates the aircraft. This arrangement allows passengers to access more destinations, seamless connections, and shared frequent flyer benefits across partner airlines.
How do Codeshare Flights Work on Connecting Flights?
Codeshare agreements are especially useful for connecting flights.
They allow airlines to cooperate and offer smoother travel across different carriers.
When airlines have a codeshare partnership, you can book an entire multi-leg trip on a single ticket, even if the flights are operated by different airlines. This setup simplifies the process for travelers — from booking to baggage handling — while offering more route options and flexibility.
Example:
You book a connecting flight on a single ticket. It’s a flight from Paris to Los Angeles via Amsterdam.
Paris → Amsterdam might be operated by Air France.
Amsterdam → Los Angeles might be operated by Delta.
Even though you purchased your ticket through one airline’s website, each segment of your journey is operated by a different partner airline. However, because both airlines have a codeshare agreement, they coordinate your travel to make it feel like one continuous trip.
Here’s how codeshare connections work in real life:
- You’ll receive one booking reference and a single ticket for the entire journey.
- When you check in with the airline operating your first flight, they’ll usually issue boarding passes for all connecting segments.
- Your checked baggage is transferred automatically to your final destination, even across airlines.
If your first flight is delayed and you miss your connection, the airlines will work together to rebook you on the next available flight — you don’t have to handle it yourself.
This cooperation means you can enjoy the convenience of a protected connection, without the risk of missed flights or lost baggage that often comes with self-transfer bookings.
Baggage Rules on Codeshare Flights
Baggage policies can vary between airlines.
On codeshare flights, the operating airline’s rules usually apply, especially for cabin baggage.
That means:
- Your baggage allowance might differ between flights.
- When multiple airlines are involved, the most restrictive baggage rule often applies to your whole journey.
- Always double-check the baggage information for each airline on your itinerary before you pack.
Example: You have a connecting flight operated by KLM and airBaltic. While KLM allows a cabin bag of up to 12 kg, airBaltic limits hand baggage to 8 kg. Because the most restrictive rule applies to your entire trip, your carry-on for the whole journey must not exceed 8 kg.
Codeshare Flights: Compensation and Passenger Rights
If your codeshare flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, the operating airline is responsible for handling your rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 and UK 261.
So if you booked with Airline A but Airline B operated the flight, Airline B must handle:
Always file your claim with the airline that operated the affected flight.
Keep in mind that not all codeshare flights are operated by airlines based in the EU or UK, where EU261 and UK261 compensation regulations apply. For example, if you book your ticket with a European airline but your return flight is operated by a non-EU partner, such as an American or Asian carrier, and that flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, you may not be eligible for EU261 compensation.
Read more:
- You Are Flying With a Non-EU, Non-UK Airline: Which Laws Protect You as a Passenger?
- UK Flight Delay Compensation
- UK Flight Cancellation Compensation
- UK Denied Boarding Compensation
What is airline codeshare? Codeshare flights make global travel simpler and more connected — but it’s important to know who actually operates your flight, since that determines check-in, baggage rules, and your flight compensation rights.
Featured photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels