The vocabulary of the Airline Lookup API

A 2-character code assigned by IATA to identify airlines in reservation and ticketing systems.

IATA codes appear on tickets, boarding passes, and in booking systems. They are assigned to airlines that meet IATA membership requirements. Some regional carriers share codes with their major airline partners.

ExampleAA is the IATA code for American Airlines.

A 3-letter code assigned by ICAO for use in flight planning and air traffic control.

ICAO codes are used in flight plans, radar displays, and ATC communications. They often relate to the airline name or country. Unlike IATA codes, ICAO codes are used by all aircraft operators, not just commercial airlines.

ExampleAAL is the ICAO code for American Airlines.

The radio telephony name used by pilots when communicating with air traffic control.

Callsigns are combined with flight numbers for radio communication (e.g., "American 123"). They must be clearly pronounceable and distinct from other airlines. Some callsigns differ from the airline name to avoid confusion.

ExampleAmerican Airlines uses the callsign "AMERICAN."

The airline that actually operates the aircraft and crew for a flight.

When flights are codeshared, the operating carrier determines the actual onboard experience—aircraft type, service quality, and crew. Passengers should check the operating carrier to know what to expect.

ExampleA United flight from LAX to Tokyo might be operated by ANA as the operating carrier.

The airline that sells and markets a flight, which may be operated by a different carrier.

The marketing carrier appears on the ticket and handles customer service. Their flight number is used even though another airline operates the plane. This allows airlines to show more destinations in their network.

ExampleAmerican Airlines as marketing carrier selling seats on a flight operated by British Airways.

A partnership group of airlines that coordinate operations and share benefits.

The three major alliances are Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam. Members coordinate schedules, share lounges, and allow reciprocal frequent flyer benefits. Alliance membership is important for travelers maximizing loyalty programs.

ExampleUnited Airlines is a founding member of Star Alliance.

An arrangement where one airline sells tickets on a flight operated by another airline.

Codeshares let airlines expand their networks without operating flights. A passenger might book a Delta flight but fly on an Air France plane. The marketing carrier sells the ticket; the operating carrier flies the plane.

ExampleDelta sells tickets as DL8350, but the flight is operated by Air France as AF123.

A smaller airline that operates shorter flights under contract with a major airline.

Regional carriers operate smaller aircraft on routes connecting smaller cities to major hubs. They fly under the major airlines brand (e.g., United Express, American Eagle) but are separate companies. Service and aircraft differ from mainline flights.

ExampleSkyWest Airlines operates as United Express, Delta Connection, and American Eagle.

The primary airline representing a country, often historically government-owned.

Flag carriers were often national airlines like British Airways (UK), Air France (France), and Lufthansa (Germany). While many are now privatized, they typically have the largest network in their home country and operate long-haul international routes.

ExampleJapan Airlines (JAL) is the flag carrier of Japan.

An airline that offers low fares by reducing costs and amenities.

LCCs like Southwest, Ryanair, and Spirit minimize costs through single aircraft types, no free meals, and point-to-point routing. They often serve secondary airports and charge for extras like seat selection and bags.

ExampleSouthwest Airlines is the largest low-cost carrier in the United States.