Codeshares - Can I expect the same service when buying from different airline?
Singapore Airlines (SQ) is one of the best airlines in the world to fly. It's expensive as well. However, I found that Air India also sell ticket for an SQ-operated flight, and the price is like $600 cheaper from the one sold by SQ.
Other than the price, what difference can I expect between buying from Air India and from Singapore Airlines? Can I expect the same services that SQ is famous for? Is there any other difference that I should be aware of?
Best Answer
There is no difference other than the price, at least on the plane. On board, the only difference between passenger service is differentiated by the class. Usually, there are up to 4 classes: Economy, Premium Economy (or Economy Comfort), Business, and First class.
I think there will also be no difference at the airport for Economy class at least. Some airlines reserve their lounge to business tickets for their customers only (so if you buy a business class seat with Air India for a Singapore Airlines operated flight, you might not be able to access Singapore Airlines lounge for example).
Other than that, ticketing conditions are usually different on a lot of points. First, you will not get the same amount of frequent flyer miles, or even none. It might also affect which frequent traveller program you credit your miles to (as @Gagravarr added). Refund and exchange conditions will be specific too. There might other ticketing conditions I forget that depend on the seller and not the operating airline.
Note: on Germanwings, I was asked my name to know the fare class I booked with, and was given a small bag with food whose content depended on my fare class. So in this case, passengers in the same cabin may have a different flight experience.
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What does it mean when an airline is operated by another airline?
A codeshare agreement is an arrangement between two or more airlines to \u201cshare\u201d the same flight. Meaning, a ticket can be purchased from one airline for a flight that is actually operated by another, partner airline.What are the benefits of code-sharing networking between airlines?
Code sharing increases connectivity. It allows travelers to book connections in one place and have their journey completely taken care of by one airline. Travelers are also able to fly on multiple airlines with a single ticket and are protected if any delays arise.Can I book connecting flights on different airlines?
Technically, you're flying on separate point-to-point tickets with separate airlines \u2014 but virtual interlining services fill in the gaps. With search sites like Skyscanner, DoHop, and Kiwi, you can get to more destinations around the world that include mixing and matching low-cost and full service airline schedules.How do code share flights work?
A codeshare flight is a way that airlines can virtually fly to more destinations. Essentially, a codeshare is an agreement between airlines to sell seats on each other's flights. For doing so, the airlines share the revenue on that ticket according to the agreement.Airline - Interline Agreement
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Answer 2
It depends on the airline and the exact nature of the code-share.
For example, I did a code share with JAL and BA a few times. If you book with JAL you get two check-in bags for free, if you book with BA and travel on the exact same JAL flight and pay an extra £20 you get one free check-in bag. Otherwise service at the airport and on the flight is the same.
It is possible to be screwed this way. For example, you might book a return flight with JAL. Flying out you are on a JAL aircraft and get two free check-in bags. Flying back you are on a BA flight and only get one, so have to pay a surcharge.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Karolina Grabowska, Karolina Grabowska, Ksenia Chernaya, Anete Lusina