single codeshare flight numbers
 

Just a late night random thought.. Instead of multiple codeshare flight numbers for a single flight (eg, UA 852 aka CO 6010 aka NH 7012 aka TG 5604 aka US 6514), why don't they assign single *A identifiers, eg *A 9876 for common use by all *A carriers that codeshare on the flight. Reprogramming systems would presumably be required but it might clear up confusion for travellers and simplify departure boards to boot....

*A is not an airline. It's a trade association. Turning codeshare flights into *A flights would be even more confusing: "where do a i check-in for my *A flight?", "why doesn't my upgrade go through on *A flight?"

Actually what would be best is that even when marketed as a code-share, all tickets
and itineraries should just show the operating carriers flight number.

Or alternatively ( although it would necessitate 5 or 6 digit flight numbers) use only a
single flight number for all code share partners: i.e. AC 100 = UA 100 = LH 100 = TG 100.

Exactly... the last three or four digits could be the same as the original flight number. You would still need to know the operating carrier, as the second poster notes, but with co-location and common check-in desks even that is becoming less relevant.

There could be one bucket of six digit numbers reserved for common *A use, eg

UA 852 = CO 110852 = NH 110852 = TG 110852 = US 110852 = *A 110852

The identifier is just that - an identifier. The actual flight number and airline are the original.

KL an NW would do that. I miss NW.

Many GDS and airlines systems can only accommodate 4-digit flight numbers. This will require massive amount of system upgrades across GDS and all airlines worldwide, not just *A as other airlines can interline to *A too. Tickets need to be redesigned too as current ATB only allows 4-digit. Yes, paper tickets still exist in parts of this world. The trouble with changing airlines systems is that it needs to be uniform worldwide for interlining.

It will be simpler to outlaw codeshares.:p I think codeshares are one of the biggest scams in the world with few benefits to customers.

KL and NW did that with 4-digit flight numbers.@:-)

Thanks...makes sense. I guess practically speaking one would be forced to use a block of 4 digit numbers eg 8xxx-9xxx though even that might require a lot of coordination among member airlines.

Agree that codeshares should go away ;)