Codeshare — Codeshare Agreement

Codeshare Agreement

Codesharing is one of the most common commercial partnerships in aviation. It allows airlines to extend their network coverage without operating additional aircraft by placing their flight number on a partner's service.

Operating vs Marketing Carrier

In a codeshare arrangement: the operating carrier (OA) is the airline that physically operates the aircraft, employs the crew and takes operational responsibility. The marketing carrier (MA) is the airline that sells seats under its own flight number. A passenger may book LH 1234 (Lufthansa) but board an aircraft operated by United Airlines.

Types of Codeshare

Passenger Impact

Passengers booking a codeshare flight may find that: check-in is at the operating carrier's counter, baggage allowance rules follow the operating carrier, frequent flyer accrual follows the marketing carrier's programme, and customer service contacts differ between booking and operation.

Regulatory Framework

Codeshares must be filed with and approved by aviation authorities in the countries of both carriers. IATA manages codeshare data through SSR codes (OTHS) in the PNR and through the interline settlement system.