Last updated on Aug 21, 2024

What is the difference between a codeshare and an interline agreement?

If you are a frequent flyer, you may have noticed that sometimes your flight is operated by a different airline than the one you booked with. This is because many airlines have agreements with other airlines to share their flights, seats, and services. These agreements are called codeshares and interlines, and they have different benefits and drawbacks for passengers and airlines. In this article, you will learn what is the difference between a codeshare and an interline agreement, and how they affect your travel experience.

1 Codeshare agreements

A codeshare agreement is when two or more airlines agree to sell seats on the same flight under their own flight numbers and branding. For example, if you book a flight from New York to London with American Airlines, you may end up flying on a British Airways plane, but with an American Airlines flight number and logo. This is because American Airlines and British Airways have a codeshare agreement, and they share some of their transatlantic flights. Codeshare agreements allow airlines to expand their network, offer more destinations and frequencies, and increase their revenue. For passengers, codeshare agreements can provide more options, lower fares, and smoother connections.

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Kirby Gordon
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Codeshares and interline agreements are very similar but codeshares are possibly better viewed as tighter connections between the two airlines. In both agreements airlines agree to sell one another’s seats. Codeshares are deeper engagements in that that seat will be marketed and sold under the code and brand of the marketing airline, even though the airline operating the flight is different. In codeshare agreements, unlike interline agreements, the marketing carrier will honour points to loyalty programmes, ensure that the level of service offered is akin to what they sell for each class of travel and often subject the partner carrier to safety and service audits.

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Jeremy Clark

International Catering & Hospitality Consultant. CEO of APOT - Asia Pacific Onboard Travel. Writer, Chef, Judge, Worldchefs PAX International Asia Correspondent. Member Malaysian F&B Executives Assc.
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Codeshare is where 2 airlines agree to share flight numbers but absolutely nothing else. You cant even get miles on an MH flight number when its flown by a Star Alliance airline which is outrageous. Interline is when you check in your bag with one airline who then pass it to another who then lose it and neither of them wants to handle the problem.

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Adenike Macaulay, MBA

Transformational Leader | Aviation, Travel & Tourism Expert | NDC Expert| Chief Executive Officer | Choiseul 100 Africa Laureate | Board Ready | Speaker | GAIA AFRICA Member| POHAN Fellow
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Codeshare agreements indeed are deeper agreements between the participating Airlines as they literally extend each other's products to their respective customer base hence there is a high level of control and of course trust that the other party will extend the same level of service to passengers flying one Airline because of the trust and often affinity with the other. Fulfilling the agreed SLA and ensuring a unified passenger experience on board is critical for the success of codeshare agreements. A good example of a successful codeshare agreement is between Lufthansa and United Airlines allowing UA passengers reach the depth of Europe of the LH network and LH passengers reaching the inner coasts of the USA leveraging UA's network.

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2 Interline agreements

An interline agreement is when two or more airlines agree to cooperate on certain aspects of their service, such as ticketing, baggage handling, and check-in. For example, if you book a flight from New York to Tokyo with Delta Airlines, you may have to change planes in Seoul with Korean Air. This is because Delta Airlines and Korean Air have an interline agreement, and they can issue a single ticket and transfer your baggage for the whole journey. Interline agreements allow airlines to offer more complex itineraries, reach more markets, and reduce their costs. For passengers, interline agreements can simplify the booking process, avoid multiple fees, and reduce the hassle of transferring.

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Adenike Macaulay, MBA

Transformational Leader | Aviation, Travel & Tourism Expert | NDC Expert| Chief Executive Officer | Choiseul 100 Africa Laureate | Board Ready | Speaker | GAIA AFRICA Member| POHAN Fellow
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Interline agreements are considered to be less complex than codeshare agreements both for the Airlines and passengers as there is more clarity as to what Airlines are actually booked albeit on a single itinerary. The advantage it presents is an extension of each other's networks by combining flights in the same itinerary and facilitating the transfer of baggage providing a seamless experience for the passengers but at the same time maintaining some independence as to service delivery on board. The joint promise to the passengers is in providing a seamless transfer and transit experience however each party remains independently responsible for service delivery on their legs of the passenger’s itinerary.

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3 Differences between codeshares and interlines

While codeshares and interlines are both forms of airline partnerships, they have some key differences. Codeshares involve sharing the same flight, while interlines involve connecting different flights. Codeshares require a higher level of integration and coordination between airlines, while interlines are more flexible and independent. Codeshaares affect the passenger's experience on board, while interlines affect the passenger's experience on the ground. Codeshares are usually part of larger alliances or joint ventures, while interlines are more ad hoc and bilateral.

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Adenike Macaulay, MBA

Transformational Leader | Aviation, Travel & Tourism Expert | NDC Expert| Chief Executive Officer | Choiseul 100 Africa Laureate | Board Ready | Speaker | GAIA AFRICA Member| POHAN Fellow
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The major difference between codeshare and interline agreements is that the former being codeshare agreements allow one Airline to sell a seat on the other Airline as their own with their own brand, flight number and ticket stock, basically selling the product as theirs however actual operation is by the other party. Whilst an interline agreement is offering combined flights from both Airlines to offer an extended route network and reach a new customer base both Airlines are unable to independently serve.

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4 Advantages of codeshares and interlines

Codeshares and interlines have some common advantages for both airlines and passengers. They can increase the efficiency and profitability of the airlines, by allowing them to optimize their resources, reduce their risks, and access new customers. They can also improve the convenience and satisfaction of the passengers, by allowing them to choose from more routes, schedules, and prices, and enjoy a seamless travel experience.

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Adenike Macaulay, MBA

Transformational Leader | Aviation, Travel & Tourism Expert | NDC Expert| Chief Executive Officer | Choiseul 100 Africa Laureate | Board Ready | Speaker | GAIA AFRICA Member| POHAN Fellow
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Both codeshare and interline agreements present similar advantages to both the Airline and passengers being extended route offering and cost efficiency.

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5 Disadvantages of codeshares and interlines

Codeshares and interlines also have some potential disadvantages for both airlines and passengers. They can create confusion and inconsistency for the passengers, who may not know which airline is responsible for their flight, service, or baggage. They can also cause problems in case of delays, cancellations, or changes, as the airlines may have different policies, procedures, and responsibilities. They can also reduce the competition and diversity in the market, as the airlines may align their fares, products, and standards.

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Adenike Macaulay, MBA

Transformational Leader | Aviation, Travel & Tourism Expert | NDC Expert| Chief Executive Officer | Choiseul 100 Africa Laureate | Board Ready | Speaker | GAIA AFRICA Member| POHAN Fellow
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A big potential disadvantage for codeshare agreements is brand confusion particularly when passengers are unaware that the marketing carrier differs from the operating carrier hence a negative experience is projected onto the marketing carrier.

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6 Tips for codeshare and interline passengers

If you are flying on a codeshare or interline flight, here are some tips to help you avoid any issues and enjoy your trip. First, check the details of your booking carefully, and make sure you know which airline is operating your flight, and which airline is your ticket issuer. Second, confirm your reservation and seat assignment with both airlines, and check their rules and regulations regarding baggage, fees, and loyalty programs. Third, arrive early at the airport, and have your confirmation number, itinerary, and identification ready. Fourth, check the departure and arrival terminals, gates, and screens, and follow the signs and instructions of the staff. Fifth, keep your boarding passes, receipts, and baggage tags until you reach your final destination.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What is the difference between a codeshare and an interline agreement?

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1 Codeshare agreements

2 Interline agreements

3 Differences between codeshares and interlines

4 Advantages of codeshares and interlines

5 Disadvantages of codeshares and interlines

6 Tips for codeshare and interline passengers

7 Here’s what else to consider

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