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

Decoding Codeshares: Which Airline Handles Your Check-in?

Navigating the world of air travel can be tricky, especially when codeshare flights are involved. A codeshare flight is where two or more airlines cooperate to offer a single itinerary, even though different airlines may operate different segments of the journey. This collaboration often leads to confusion about check-in procedures. So, which airline do you check in with?

The simple answer is: check in with the airline operating the specific flight segment.

Let’s break that down. Imagine a trip from New York (JFK) to London (LHR), then on to Rome (FCO). Your ticket might show “Airline A” as the marketing carrier for the entire journey. However, Airline A might only operate the JFK-LHR leg. Airline B might operate the LHR-FCO leg. This is a codeshare. Your ticket will reflect this, usually displaying the flight numbers and airline codes for each segment.

To determine where to check in, look at your itinerary:

• Identify the airline operating your first flight segment: This is the airline you’ll check in with for your entire journey, in most cases. They’ll handle baggage transfer and other logistical aspects.

• Find the airline code and flight number: These will be clearly listed on your ticket or confirmation email. Airline codes are usually two or three letters (e.g., UA for United Airlines, BA for British Airways).

• Check-in Options: Once you know the operating airline for your first flight, you can check in using one of these methods:

  • At the airport: Locate the check-in counters for the operating airline at your departure airport.
  • Online: Most airlines offer online check-in. Use your confirmation number or booking reference (found in your email confirmation) to access the airline’s website and complete the process. This is often the easiest and fastest option. However, check your specific airline’s website for the check-in window deadlines and restrictions.

Important Considerations:

• Baggage: Even if you check in with the operating airline of your first flight, ensure your baggage is tagged to your final destination. If you have any concerns about connecting flights or baggage transfer, contact the operating airline or your travel agent beforehand.

• Connecting Flights: If there are significant layovers between your flight segments, you may need to collect and re-check your baggage. Your itinerary should indicate if this is required.

• Special Circumstances: For passengers requiring special assistance (e.g., wheelchair users, passengers with medical conditions), contacting the operating airline in advance is strongly recommended.

In short, focusing on the operating airline of your first flight segment will greatly simplify your codeshare check-in process. Always refer to your ticket and confirmation email for accurate flight details and airline codes. If you’re still uncertain, contact the airline directly or your travel agent for clarification before heading to the airport.