What does it mean when it says that a flight is operated by American Airlines?

Understanding Codeshare Flights: What Does “Operated by ____” Mean?

When booking air travel, you may have encountered the term “operated by” on your flight details. This phrase indicates that while your ticket is issued by one airline, the actual flight operation, including the aircraft and crew, is handled by a different airline.

Example:

Your American Airlines ticket covers a codeshare flight operated by Qatar Airways. In this case, American Airlines is responsible for ticketing and customer service, but Qatar Airways provides the flight operation itself. You will board a Qatar Airways plane and be served by its crew.

Why Codesharing Occurs:

Codesharing arrangements are common in the airline industry for several reasons:

• Increased connectivity: Codesharing allows airlines to offer routes they would not be able to serve independently. By partnering with other airlines, they can expand their network and provide passengers with more travel options.
• Convenience for passengers: Passengers can book a single ticket for a complex itinerary involving multiple airlines. This simplifies the booking process and allows for easier connections.
• Loyalty benefits: Some codeshare flights allow passengers to earn loyalty miles with the operating airline, even though they booked the ticket with a different airline.

What to Keep in Mind:

When booking a codeshare flight, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

• Check the operating airline: Verify who will be providing the actual flight operation. This is especially important if you have specific airline preferences or concerns about the quality of service.
• Understand the baggage policy: The baggage policy of the operating airline may differ from the ticketing airline’s policy. Check the terms and conditions of both airlines to avoid any surprises.
• Be aware of loyalty restrictions: Some codeshare flights may not allow you to earn loyalty miles with the ticketing airline. Check with both airlines before booking to ensure you understand the loyalty benefits.

Conclusion:

Codeshare flights are a common practice in the airline industry that offers passengers increased connectivity and convenience. When booking a codeshare flight, it’s essential to understand who will be operating the flight and to check the relevant terms and conditions to ensure a smooth travel experience.