English edition · checked 2026-10-18
Codeshare flights: find the operating airline before departure
A codeshare can show one airline’s flight number while another airline operates the aircraft. Record both roles for every segment before you travel.
Read each segment separately
The marketing carrier sells or markets the flight under its flight number. The operating carrier supplies the aircraft and crew. An itinerary may switch between carriers, so do not assume that one check-in desk, baggage rule or customer-service channel applies to every leg.
Before travel
- Find the ‘operated by’ line in the confirmation for each flight.
- Save both the ticket number and each carrier’s booking reference if they differ.
- Check in with the operating carrier when its system handles the flight.
- Confirm baggage allowance, seat selection, special assistance and boarding-pass availability with the carrier operating the relevant segment.
- Check which programme will receive credit and whether the fare booking class qualifies.
At the airport
Follow the operating carrier’s instructions for check-in and bag drop, while keeping the ticketing airline’s itinerary and contact details available. Ask the agent to confirm the bag tag’s final destination when the trip has a connection. At a transfer airport, check the monitor and the operating carrier’s app for gate or schedule updates.
Benefits can depend on the exact flight
Alliance or partner recognition does not make every service identical. Lounge eligibility, priority services, baggage handling, seat access and mileage credit depend on programme terms, itinerary, operating airline and fare. Verify a benefit with the airline that will provide it, especially on a mixed-carrier trip.
If a flight changes
Contact the airline shown as the ticketing carrier for ticket changes, and ask which carrier controls same-day airport handling. Keep messages and receipts. If you bought separate tickets, the carriers may treat each booking as a separate journey.
Official sources
- American Airlines: codeshare flights and partner airlines.
- Star Alliance: benefits and privileges.
- Checked 18 October 2026. Confirm each segment with its operating carrier.
Keep reading: Partner-flight credit · Checked baggage allowance · Through-checked baggage