single codeshare flight numbers
#1
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Join Date: Apr 2001
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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....
#2
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Join Date: Jun 2001
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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....
#3




Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,697
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.
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.
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Platinum, ex-UA 1P
Posts: 228
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.
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.
Last edited by nycflyer; Jun 3, 2011 at 6:41 am Reason: clarification
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,810
It will be simpler to outlaw codeshares.
I think codeshares are one of the biggest scams in the world with few benefits to customers.
Last edited by TerryK; Jun 3, 2011 at 4:23 pm
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Platinum, ex-UA 1P
Posts: 228
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.
Agree that codeshares should go away

