Codeshare Partnerships
Code sharing refers to a practice through which a flight operated by one airline is jointly marketed as a flight by one or more other airlines. Through our codeshare partnerships, we place our designator code (AC) on flights operated by our codeshare partners, which allows us to provide you with worldwide services through an extensive network of convenient flight connections.
How to Recognize a Codeshare Flight
When you're selecting flights for purchase on aircanada.com, a number appears next to all flights which are operated by either a codeshare or other airline partner. The number refers to an 'Operated by' note which appears at the bottom of the page and indicates which carrier is operating the flight.
Here's an example of a codeshare flight:
Codeshare flight
This image highlights the way in which you can identify a codeshare flight during the flight selection process. Flights operated by one of Air Canada’s codeshare partners still bear Air Canada’s designator code (AC). The name of the codeshare carrier is displayed along with the other flight details once you select a fare.
In the example above, Flight AC9320 is operated by Lufthansa. Because it is a codeshare flight, we display the Air Canada designator code (i.e. the flight number starts with the letters 'AC'). Your electronic itinerary/receipt also provides the name of the operating carrier of each flight.
Air Canada's Other Airline Partners
Air Canada also has what are called interline partnerships. An interline partnership allows two or more airlines to issue tickets on behalf of each other, while retaining the designator code of the other airline. Their purpose, again, is to facilitate travel for customers by allowing them to travel across the networks of multiple airlines with a single reservation in order to reach their final destination.
How to Recognize a Flight with an Interline Partner
When you're selecting flights for purchase on aircanada.com, a number appears next to all flights which are operated by either a codeshare or interline partner. The number refers to an 'Operated by' note which appears at the bottom of the page and indicates which carrier is operating the flight.
Here's an example of an interline flight:
Interline flight
This image highlights the way in which you can identify an interline flight during the flight selection process. Flights operated by one of Air Canada’s interline partners will bear the designator code of the interline partner, so the flight number will not start with AC. The name of the interline partner is displayed along with the other flight details once you select a fare.
In the example above, flight CX903 is an interline flight operated by Cathay Pacific. Because it is an interline flight, we display the other airline’s designator code (i.e. the flight number starts with the letters ‘CX’, which represent Cathay Pacific). Again, your electronic itinerary/receipt will provide the name of the carrier operating each of your flights.
What All of This Means to Customers
When you check in with one of our codeshare or interline partners sold on aircanada.com, you may see differences in checked baggage fees as well as in optional service and other charges.
Each airline also has its own terms and conditions of carriage. That's why it's important to familiarize yourself with the operating carrier's terms and conditions, including those regarding:
- Check-in times and procedures
- Baggage
- Sports and hunting equipment, and musical instruments
- Fragile and perishable items
- Travel with infants and children
- Customers with special needs
- Travel with your pet
- In-flight services and special meals
- Airport lounge access