Interline Ticket vs Codeshare Ticket Differences

Interline ticket vs codeshare ticket differences: an interline ticket covers segments flown on multiple airlines, each operating under its own flight number. A codeshare ticket uses one airline's flight number but the flight is actually operated by another carrier. Interline is multi-airline; codeshare is cross-branded.

Your boarding pass tells the story. If the airline on the plane differs from the airline selling the ticket, you are on a codeshare. If segments have different flight numbers by airline, it is interline.

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  Codeshare delay/cancel: the operating carrier (the one actually flying) is usually responsible, even if you booked via the marketing carrier.

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  Interline delay/cancel: each carrier is responsible for their own segment.

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  EU261 specifically: the operating carrier has primary EU261 liability.

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  DOT refunds: marketing carrier typically processes; operating carrier reimburses marketing carrier behind the scenes.

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  Baggage: last carrier in the chain is typically liable.

Interline bag tags carry you through the chain; the last carrier is liable for delivery. Codeshares typically follow the same rule but disputes arise when bag damage is alleged at a transfer. Report at first arrival airport if damage is visible.

See codeshare between US and EU carriers compensation path, Delta KLM joint venture codeshare rules, and your ticket says one airline but you're flying another rights.

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  Interline: each carrier handles rebooking for its segment.

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  Codeshare: marketing carrier can typically rebook you on any carrier in its alliance.

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  Disrupted codeshare: operating carrier often declines rebooking; ask marketing carrier.

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  Flat-tire rule: some carriers cover late-check-in on connection delays caused by upstream carrier.

Scenario 1: You book BA LHR-JFK on a flight operated by American (codeshare). Flight delays 4 hours. American, as operating carrier, is responsible for EU261. You can file with American or ask BA to process.

Scenario 2: You book Lufthansa LH 0740 FRA-DEN with a connection to United UA 2418 DEN-SFO (interline, each own flight number). LH is responsible for the first segment; UA for the second.

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   Check the boarding pass: identifies operating carrier.

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   Read the fare rules: who handles refunds and changes?

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   File with operating carrier first: primary responsibility.

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   Escalate to marketing carrier if no response: they can push.

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   Use the airline that owns your booking reference: may process fastest.

For the pillar see Codeshare Flight Rights: Which Airline Responsible. For primary sources see DOT Codeshare Rules and IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreements.

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