Austrian Airlines Codeshare Flights: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever booked a flight and noticed a note that says “Operated by [name of another airline]”, you’ve been on a codeshare flight. Codeshare flights are very common in modern air travel. They exist to give passengers more route options and flexibility.

But what exactly does ‘codeshare’ mean, and how does it affect your check-in, baggage, and compensation rights? Let’s break it down.

Check your compensation online.

What Is a Codeshare Flight?

A codeshare flight is a partnership between two or more airlines that allows them to share the same flight. In simple terms, one airline markets and sells the flight under its own code, while another airline operates the aircraft.

For example:

• You book a Lufthansa flight from Vienna to Frankfurt (flight number OS 199).
• On the website, you’ll notice the note “Operated by Austrian Airlines.” You can also tell it’s an Austrian flight because the flight number starts with “OS,” while Lufthansa flight numbers begin with “LH.”
• The flight is operated by Austrian Airlines — meaning the plane, crew, and in-flight service are all from Austrian.
• You still have a Lufthansa ticket and booking reference, but the operating airline runs the flight.

Why Airlines Use Codeshare Agreements?

Codeshare partnerships help airlines expand their network and offer passengers more destinations without adding new aircraft or routes.

For passengers, codeshare flights offer several benefits:

• More destinations with fewer connections.
• One single booking for multi-airline journeys.
• Simplified check-in and ticketing — under one reference number.
• Frequent flyer miles across partner airlines.

Marketing Airline vs. Operating Airline

A common source of confusion with Austrian Airlines codeshare flights is understanding the difference between the marketing airline and the operating airline:

• Marketing airline: The airline that sells you the ticket.
• Operating airline: The airline that physically operates the flight — its aircraft, crew, and onboard service.

You can easily spot this information on your booking confirmation. Look for the line that says:

“Operated by [Airline Name]”

That’s the airline you’ll actually be flying with.

Check-In for Codeshare Flights

For direct flights, simply check in with the airline operating the flight listed on your ticket.

If your trip includes multiple flights operated by different airlines under a single booking, you should check in with the airline operating the first leg of your journey. They will usually issue boarding passes for all connecting flights on the same ticket.

If the first segment of your return trip is operated by a different airline, then you’ll need to check in with that carrier for the return journey.

Codeshare Flights and Airline Alliances Explained

Is Austrian Airlines Star Alliance member? Yes. Austrian is a Star Alliance member.

Codeshare flights and airline alliances go hand in hand — both are designed to make global travel smoother and more connected. Through alliances like Star Alliance, airlines such as Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal, Swiss, and United Airlines share routes and flight codes, allowing passengers to book long-distance or multi-city trips on a single ticket.

This cooperation means travelers can enjoy seamless connections, through-checked baggage, and frequent flyer benefits across partner airlines. While each carrier operates independently, their alliance partnership ensures a consistent travel experience and broader access to destinations worldwide.

Austrian codeshare flights allow passengers to book routes operated by partner airlines while enjoying seamless connections and benefits across the Star Alliance network.

How Codeshare Flights Work on Connecting Routes?

Codeshare agreements are widespread on connecting flights, where more than one airline operates different legs of your journey.

For example, you’re flying from Vienna to New York via Frankfurt, and you book the entire trip through Austrian Airlines. Your itinerary might look like this:

• Vienna → Frankfurt (operated by Austrian Airlines)
• Frankfurt → New York (operated by Lufthansa)

Even though both flights appear on the Austrian Airlines website, and can be booked under one booking reference from Austrian, the second leg is actually operated by Lufthansa — a partner airline within the Star Alliance network.

How do Connecting Flights on Codeshare Partners Work?

• You book both flights under one ticket through Austrian Airlines.
• Your checked baggage is usually transferred automatically to your final destination, even if different airlines operate each leg.
• You’ll check in with the first airline (Austrian in this case), and they’ll issue boarding passes for all segments of your journey.
• During travel, you might change planes or terminals, but you won’t need to collect your bags until your final stop.

If you’ve ever wondered what is airline codeshare, it refers to an agreement between two or more airlines that allows them to share the same flight under different flight numbers.

Baggage Rules on Austrian Airlines Codeshare Flights

Baggage policies can vary between airlines.

On codeshare flights, the operating airline’s baggage rules usually apply — particularly for cabin baggage.

This means:

• Your carry-on and checked baggage limits may differ depending on which airline operates the flight.
• If multiple airlines are involved in your trip, the most restrictive baggage policy applies to your entire journey.

Codeshare Flights: Compensation and Passenger Rights

If your codeshare flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, the operating airline is responsible for providing assistance and compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

For example:

• If you booked with Austrian Airlines but your flight is operated by Lufthansa, Lufthansa is the airline responsible for handling any refunds, rebooking, or compensation claims.
• If Austrian operates the flight, Austrian handles your care rights and compensation directly.

Frequent Flyer Miles and Benefits

Most major airlines belong to global alliances such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld.

This means you can still earn and redeem miles on Austrian Airlines codeshare flights across partner airlines.

If you’re a Miles & More member, for instance, you can earn miles when flying with Lufthansa, Swiss, TAP Air Portugal, United, and other Star Alliance partners — even if your flight is marketed by Austrian Airlines but operated by another carrier.

Just make sure to enter your frequent flyer number when booking or checking in.

Practical Tips for Codeshare Flights

• Always check the “operated by” note on your booking.
• Confirm the baggage allowance of both airlines. Especially carry on baggage.
• Check in with the operating airline (for connecting flights – airline operating the first flight).
• Expect notifications (like cancellations or gate changes) from both airlines.
• File any compensation claim with the operating airline if your flight is disrupted.
• Request care from the operating airline.
• Make sure to enter your frequent flyer number when booking or checking in.

Featured photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels