Why is my flight number different?

Understanding Different Flight Numbers: The Role of Code-Sharing

Passengers often encounter discrepancies between the flight number they booked and the one displayed on the boarding pass. This puzzling phenomenon stems from a common practice in the aviation industry known as code-sharing.

Code-Sharing: A Collaborative Approach

Code-sharing is a strategic alliance between two or more airlines that enables them to offer flights on routes they do not directly operate. By utilizing a different airline’s flight number on the same aircraft, airlines can expand their network reach and provide passengers with greater flexibility.

Benefits of Code-Sharing

Code-sharing offers numerous advantages for airlines and passengers alike:

• Increased Network Reach: Airlines can extend their flight schedules to destinations they do not physically serve, offering passengers a wider range of options.
• Enhanced Connectivity: Code-sharing facilitates connections between different airlines, enabling seamless travel across multiple carriers.
• Improved Revenue Sharing: Airlines can generate additional revenue by selling seats on code-shared flights operated by their partners.
• Passenger Convenience: Passengers have the flexibility to book and travel on a single ticket, even if the actual flight is operated by a different airline.

Distinguishing Flight Numbers

When an airline code-shares a flight, it assigns its own flight number to the aircraft. This flight number is different from the one used by the operating airline. Passengers should be aware of this difference to avoid confusion during check-in and boarding.

Example

Consider a flight from London to Paris booked with Airline A. Airline A may code-share this flight with Airline B, resulting in a different flight number displayed on the boarding pass. For instance, Airline A’s flight number may be BA123, while Airline B’s flight number for the same aircraft is BX145.

Conclusion

Code-sharing is a common practice in the aviation industry that allows airlines to expand their networks and provide passengers with greater choice and convenience. However, it is important for passengers to be aware of the potential difference between the flight number they book and the one displayed on the boarding pass, as this discrepancy is a result of code-sharing agreements.