Codeshare questions -liability?

RachVG

Hi,

I have a question about how codeshare flights work.

For example, if I book a flight with American Airlines that is actually operated by British Airways, and AA were to go out of business (example airline only, I'm not suggesting its likely!) but the flight was still running (operated by BA) where would I stand?

Alan_Bowen

So long as the ticket has been issued, I think BA would honour it. I think I would be more concerned about care and assistance in bad weather where you booked through BA but were flying American. As non EU carrier, it is not bound by the EU Regulations on flights back to the UK and so would have no liability to look after you. If you booked through AA but were flying BA, as the actual carrier, they would look after you.

richardw

If one part of the codeshare agreement runs into financial problems, it is likely the other would end the codeshare agreement quickly and suspend the codeshare sales.

RachVG

Alan_Bowen wrote: »

So long as the ticket has been issued, I think BA would honour it. I think I would be more concerned about care and assistance in bad weather where you booked through BA but were flying American. As non EU carrier, it is not bound by the EU Regulations on flights back to the UK and so would have no liability to look after you. If you booked through AA but were flying BA, as the actual carrier, they would look after you.

Thanks for that - after a bit further investigation for the best priced flights, I've found a direct LHR to San Diego flight operated by BA that is booking through Iberia for around £580 whereas booking directly with BA is over £700. If BA would likely honour the ticket should anything go wrong then for that price I think I'll go ahead!

richardw

Iberia and BA are going to merge to be International Airlines Group, so if IAG goes that's it.

RachVG

Thanks for that info - I've only ever really flown with Virgin Atlantic before so different airlines and their reliability is all new to me!

Alan_Bowen

You will be pleasantly surprised by the BA flight to San Diego if you have only ever flown Virgin before, and make sure you sit on the left side of the aircraft for the spectacular views of downtown SD as you land.