Code-Sharing Flights: Exactly Who Owe You Compensation?

"Codeshare" agreements are the daily practice where one airline sells the marketing ticket but a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT airline physically operates the aircraft and staff.

The Golden Legal Rule: The Operator Pays

For the strict purposes of the European Regulation EU261, only the airline physically conducting the flight (the Operating Carrier) holds legal liability for delays or cancellations.

Practical Example: If you bought a ticket via the KLM website (carrying a KL1234 code) but the airplane says "Air France" written on the side and the pilots wear Air France uniforms, your sole and exclusive target for legal claims is Air France.

The Intercontinental Trap

Imagine buying a ticket on Iberia, but the aircraft and operating carrier is American Airlines departing from New York towards Madrid. Because American Airlines (a non-EU carrier) operates the flight originating outside the US... EU Regulation 261 DOES NOT APPLY AT ALL, even though you hold an Iberia marketing ticket. Always check whose logo is painted on the aircraft tail!