What Is a Codeshare Flight
A codeshare flight is a flight operated by one airline but sold by multiple airlines under their own flight numbers.
Featured in the Thursday, August 13 edition →
It's often said that a codeshare is a connecting flight—in fact, the label can also appear on a nonstop flight because it describes how the flight is sold, not whether you change planes.
Codeshare flights help airlines expand their networks without flying more planes themselves, making travel more convenient and seamless for passengers.
It's like two friends sharing one bike but each telling their other friends they have their own bike ride to the same place.
Knowing how codeshares work can help you compare flight options more clearly, especially when one trip shows up under several airline names. It also helps you know which airline to turn to if you need to check in, choose a seat, or ask for help.
Imagine a travel site lists one nonstop flight twice: once as Airline A's flight 123 and once as Airline B's flight 456. You book the listing from Airline A, but the confirmation says the flight is operated by Airline B, so the airport's screens and boarding information may use Airline B's number even though both numbers refer to your one flight.
One airline runs the flight
The airline that operates the plane handles things like the crew, check-in process, and what happens on board.
Your ticket may show two names
When booking, look for the words “operated by” so you know which airline will actually fly you.
Rules can vary by airline
Seat choices, baggage allowances, and loyalty points may depend on both the airline that sold the ticket and the one operating the flight.