Who do I contact for a SkyTeam codeshare delay?

At the airport, the operating carrier (they handle day-of-travel care). For refund and ticket issues, the marketing carrier (the one on your ticket number).

Does EU261 apply to a Delta codeshare on Air France?

Yes if the flight departs from the EU or arrives in the EU on an EU carrier (AF). EU261 attaches to the operating carrier, regardless of marketing carrier.

Can SkyTeam rebook me on a non-SkyTeam carrier?

Sometimes yes if needed to complete travel. Interline agreements with non-alliance carriers exist but are not universal. Ask for specific alternatives.

What happens to my frequent flyer miles on a codeshare disruption?

Mileage accrues to the program of your marketing carrier regardless of operating carrier. Compensation miles also go through the marketing program (SkyMiles for DL, Flying Blue for AF/KL).

Does the 14-day notice rule apply to codeshares?

Yes. EU261 notice-of-cancellation provisions apply to the operating carrier's cancel decision, even if communicated through the marketing carrier.

If baggage is damaged on a SkyTeam codeshare, who do I claim from?

File with the operating carrier of the final flight (delivery carrier). Report within 7 days. Legal liability is typically on the most-significant-operating-carrier.

Is the rebook process for SkyTeam faster than on non-alliance carriers?

Generally yes within SkyTeam carriers. Interline agreements allow rebook on partner metal. Non-alliance rebooks take longer and sometimes require paid reissue.

← Back to blog

LegalApril 22, 2026•6 min read

SkyTeam Codeshare Rebooking Rules

SkyTeam codeshare rebook rules matter because the alliance has 20 member carriers and the question of 'who rebooks me' turns on marketing vs operating carrier distinctions. Delta, Air France, KLM, Korean, and others all publish similar but not identical rebook policies. Here is the SkyTeam-specific guide.

SkyTeam Codeshare Rebook: Marketing vs Operating

SkyTeam codeshare rebook starts with the marketing-vs-operating distinction. The marketing carrier is the one whose flight number you booked (e.g., DL123). The operating carrier actually flies the aircraft (e.g., KE operating DL123 between ICN and ATL). When the flight cancels, the operating carrier handles rebook, the marketing carrier manages the ticket, and the passenger's contract is with the marketing carrier.

Ticket issuer controls refund; operating carrier controls day-of-travel care. Ask at both carriers' service desks; they have different roles and different data.

SkyTeam Member Airlines

›
Aeroflot (suspended), Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines (suspended ops), Delta, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, XiamenAir.

Intra-alliance interline agreements exist between most members. Rebook onto a partner is usually possible for disruption handling, though not always at the same fare class. See codeshare marketing carrier vs operating carrier legal definitions for the full legal framework.

Rebook Priority Rules

1
Same-airline next flight (same operating carrier).
2
Marketing carrier's next flight (even if operated by different metal).
3
Partner airline's same-day flight.
4
Other-alliance carrier if needed to complete travel within reasonable time.
5
Ground transport for short distances.
6
Refund + passenger self-books.

Compensation Path

›
EU261: claim against the operating carrier on EU-origin or EU-carrier arrivals. Applicable even if booked as a DL codeshare.
›
UK261: same, for UK-origin or UK-carrier arrivals.
›
DOT refund: claim via the ticketing carrier (usually the marketing carrier).
›
Article 9 care: operating carrier provides day-of-travel (meals, hotel).
›
Frequent flyer status compensation: per marketing carrier's program, e.g., Delta SkyMiles, AF KLM Flying Blue.

Baggage on SkyTeam Codeshares

Baggage follows the most-significant-operating-carrier (MSC) for the whole journey. If DL operates the longest segment, DL baggage rules apply. See codeshare baggage damage: whose rules apply for the damage claim path.

Specific Carrier Quirks

›
Delta: primary SkyTeam interface for US passengers; typically owns the rebook.
›
Air France / KLM: common source of delays on transatlantic codeshares; French nationwide ATC strikes recurring cause.
›
Korean Air: newly merged with Asiana (2024); some route duplication during consolidation.
›
China Eastern / China Airlines: Pacific Rim service; compensation claims harder to enforce in Chinese-law venue but EU261 applies on EU-arriving flights.
›
Virgin Atlantic: newly transatlantic JV deepened with Delta, rebook often on DL for VS-operated disruption.

Pillar Link and Authority Sources

See the full pillar at Codeshare Flight Rights: Which Airline Is Responsible. Primary sources: Regulation (EC) 261/2004, DOT Aviation Consumer Protection, and codeshare between US and EU carriers: compensation path.

SkyTeam codeshare trouble? TravelStacks files the EU261 claim against the operating carrier. Start a claim in 30 seconds.

Think your flight qualifies?

Check in 30 seconds. Free to find out.

Check my flight