Codeshare Flights — Which Airline Do You Claim From?
Codeshare flights — where you book with one airline but actually fly on another — trip up a lot of valid claims, because passengers send them to the wrong airline and get rejected. The rule is simple once you know it: under UK261 you claim from the operating carrier, the airline that physically ran the flight, not the one whose name was on your booking.
This guide explains how to identify the operating carrier and claim correctly. Check your amount with the compensation calculator.
Who You Claim From
The Operating Carrier Rule
Liability follows whoever flew the plane:
- You claim from the operating carrier — the airline that ran the flight
- Not the marketing carrier whose name you booked under
- Example: book with BA, fly on American Airlines metal — you claim from American
- The booking airline will usually point you to the operator
Why This Matters for Coverage
The operating carrier also decides coverage:
- Whether UK261 or EU261 applies turns on the operating carrier’s nationality and the route
- A UK-departing flight is covered regardless of the operator’s nationality
- A flight into the UK is covered only if the operating carrier is UK or EU
How to Identify the Operating Carrier
Where to Look
Your documents will tell you:
- Look for “operated by” on your booking confirmation or boarding pass
- The flight number prefix often differs from the booking airline’s
- Then claim from that carrier — follow the how to claim steps
Common Questions About Codeshare Claims
I booked with British Airways but the plane was American Airlines. Who pays?
American Airlines — the operating carrier. Under UK261 the airline that actually operated the flight is responsible for compensation, not the one whose code was on your ticket. Sending the claim to BA will likely get you redirected; go straight to the operating carrier shown as “operated by” on your documents.
The booking airline says it’s not their problem. Are they right?
On a codeshare, broadly yes — the operating carrier handles the compensation claim. The marketing airline that sold you the ticket isn’t the one liable under UK261 for the operational disruption. It’s not them fobbing you off; it’s the rule. Identify the operating carrier and claim from them instead.
How do I find out which airline actually operated my flight?
Check your booking confirmation and boarding pass for the words “operated by”, which name the operating carrier. The flight-number prefix is another clue — a codeshare often carries the marketing airline’s code but is flown by a partner. If it’s unclear, the airline you booked with can confirm who operated it.
Does a codeshare affect whether I’m covered at all?
It can, because coverage depends on the operating carrier. A flight departing the UK is covered whoever operates it. But a flight into the UK is only covered if the operating carrier is a UK or EU airline — so if your codeshare was operated by a non-UK/EU carrier on the inbound leg, you may not be covered even though you booked through a UK or EU airline.
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Check If You Could Claim Compensation For Your Delayed Flight
If your flight was delayed by 3 hours or more, you may be entitled to compensation. Start a free flight delay claim check in minutes — no upfront cost. No win, no fee if your claim is accepted.
