Codeshare

A shared flight sold under the codes of several airlines but operated by a single carrier. This lets partner airlines sell seats on each other's flights under their own flight number, expanding the routes each can offer without operating the aircraft themselves. Travellers booking a codeshare flight should check which airline actually operates the flight for check-in and baggage purposes.

In a codeshare, the airline that operates the aircraft is known as the operating carrier, while the airline selling the seat under its own flight number is the marketing carrier. A single flight can carry several flight numbers from different partner airlines. Codeshares are common within airline alliances such as Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam, as well as in bilateral partnerships, and they allow airlines to offer passengers one ticket to destinations they do not serve themselves. For airlines, codeshares are a cost-effective way to extend their network and fill seats without adding aircraft or crew.

For travellers, codeshares have practical implications. Check-in usually takes place at the operating carrier's desk or terminal, onboard service and seat comfort follow the operating carrier's product, and baggage rules may differ from what the traveller expects from the airline that sold the ticket. Frequent flyer miles can often be earned with the marketing carrier, but the rules vary. The same seat can also be sold at different prices under different flight numbers, so comparing options matters.

Tumodo helps travellers compare flights from 500+ airlines in one search and filter results by airline, airport and number of stops. Fare conditions, including baggage allowance, are shown before booking, and travellers can add their frequent flyer numbers to their profile to earn miles. If questions arise about check-in or baggage on a codeshare flight, Tumodo's 24/7 support team is available to help at any stage of the trip.