Interesting factsabout codeshare

  • Codesharing accounts for around 15% of global airline passenger traffic.
  • Some airlines have codeshare agreements with more than 20 other airlines (for example, United Airlines, Emirates and Turkish Airlines).
  • Codeshare agreements can be bilateral (between two airlines) or multilateral (involving three or more airlines).
  • While codeshare agreements are typically negotiated between airlines, they can also be facilitated by global airline alliances such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld.
  • Codeshare agreements can also involve airlines sharing lounge access, allowing passengers to use lounges operated by partner airlines.
  • Codesharing can sometimes result in different baggage allowances and fees depending on the airline that operates the flight, leading to potential confusion for passengers.
  • Some travel bloggers have documented their experiences of flying multiple codeshare flights in a single trip, often referred to as a “mileage run”.

 

Learn more

How does code sharing work?

Codesharing works by allowing airlines to expand their networks and offer more travel options to customers without actually having to operate flights to all of the destinations themselves. The airlines involved in a codeshare agreement will often have a revenue-sharing arrangement, with each airline receiving a portion of the fare paid by the passenger.

When airlines enter a codeshare agreement, they agree to sell tickets on each other's flights under their airline code. This means that a passenger can book a flight with one airline, but actually travel on a flight operated by another airline. For example, a passenger could book a flight with Emirates but actually fly on a Qantas aircraft.

The operating airline is responsible for providing the aircraft, crew, and ground handling services, while the marketing airline is responsible for selling the tickets and marketing the flight.

Why do airlines use codeshare agreements?

Airlines use codeshare agreements for various reasons. One of the primary reasons is to expand their route network and offer passengers more travel options. By partnering with other airlines, they can offer flights to destinations they don't serve directly.

Additionally, codeshare allows airlines to share costs and revenue from the flight, which can be beneficial for both parties.

Difference between codeshare and airline alliance

While codeshare and airline alliance may seem similar, there are some key differences.

While codeshare agreements allow airlines to share flights and seat inventory under their own airline designator code, airline alliances are more comprehensive partnerships that involve multiple airlines working together to offer customers a range of benefits. Airline alliances, such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and oneworld, typically involve a deeper level of coordination and cooperation between airlines, including shared frequent flyer programs, joint marketing, lounge access, and coordinated schedules.

Airlines can participate in both codeshare agreements and airline alliances.

Examples of codeshare agreements

There are thousands of active codeshare agreements between airlines worldwide.

Some examples of notable codeshare agreements include American Airlines and British Airways, Delta Air Lines and Air France, Emirates and Qantas, United Airlines and Lufthansa.

How do I know if my flight is a codeshare flight?

When booking a flight, it's important to pay attention to the flight number and the airline operating the flight. The itinerary should indicate whether the flight is a codeshare flight. The airline designator code for the airline operating the flight will usually be listed alongside the airline designator code for the airline you booked with.

Additionally, the airline operating the flight should be listed on the ticket or booking confirmation. If you're still not sure, you can contact the airline or your travel agent for clarification.

Are codeshare flights more expensive than regular flights?

Codeshare flights are not necessarily more expensive than regular flights. Depending on the airline and the specific codeshare agreement, they can be priced differently than regular flights. In some cases, codeshare flights may be priced higher than regular flights, as airlines may have more control over pricing on partner flights.

However, codeshare flights can also be priced similarly or even lower than regular flights, as airlines may use the agreement to compete with other airlines in the market by offering more travel options to customers.

Should I book a codeshare flight?

It all depends on your travel needs and preferences. Codeshare flights can offer more travel options and flexibility, especially if you're traveling to a destination that is not served directly by the marketing airline.

However, they can also be more complicated to navigate, especially if you need to switch airlines during your journey.

Can I book a codeshare flight on the website of either airline?

Yes, you can typically book a codeshare flight on either airline's website involved in the codeshare agreement.

When searching for flights, make sure to select the option to include codeshare flights in the search results. You can also book codeshare flights through travel agents or online travel agencies.

Which airline do I check In with for a codeshare flight?

For a codeshare flight, you should check in with the airline operating the flight, not the airline you booked with.

The operating airline is responsible for providing the aircraft, crew, and ground handling services, and will issue your boarding pass and baggage tags.

If you're not sure which airline is operating your flight, you can ask the check-in agent when you arrive at the airport.

Will I have to switch planes on a codeshare flight?

It depends on the specific flight and route. Some codeshare flights involve a seamless transfer of passengers and baggage between airlines, while others may require passengers to switch planes or go through additional security screenings when changing airlines.

If you're unsure whether you'll need to switch planes on a codeshare flight, it's a good idea to contact the airline directly or speak to a travel agent.

Do I have to recheck bags when changing airlines?

Whether you have to recheck bags when changing airlines on a codeshare flight depends on the specific flight and route. In some cases, you may have to collect your bags and recheck them with the operating airline. However, in other cases, the airlines may have an interline baggage agreement, which allows your bags to be checked all the way through to your final destination.

It's important to check the details of your codeshare flight and baggage policy before traveling.

How do frequent flyer miles on a codeshare flight work?

Frequent flyer miles on a codeshare flight are usually credited to the frequent flyer program of the airline you booked with, not the airline operating the flight.

However, frequent flyer miles on a codeshare flight may work differently depending on the specific airline and program. Always check the terms and conditions of the codeshare agreement and the frequent flyer program before booking and traveling.

References

  1. US Department of Transportation, Code-share Report (PDF)
  2. Star Alliance, Operating Carrier and Codeshare Information
  3. Emirates, Our network and codeshares
  4. ANA, List of codeshare flights
  5. Garuda Indonesia, Codeshare network
  6. Qatar Airways, Code-share partners
  7. Singapore Airlines, Our codeshare partners
  8. Wikipedia, Codeshare agreement