Code Share-where to check-in

Joann, I dont know. But I was recently (this week) on a code-share flight through Delta, operated by Alitalia. When I tried to check in online with Delta, their system first sent me to the Alitalia system (the first leg) which wanted a Alitalia confirmation number, which I had to call Alitalia to get. I wasn't able to complete that check-in for unclear reasons. But I did go back to Delta site, and skipping the first flight on Alitalia, i was able to checkin for the Delta legs separately.

Thanks Stan, Well that doesn't make me feel all warm & fuzzy. Even if I can check-in online I still may not be able to. The departing flight from Boston would be on Delta so that would probably be OK. The return from Budapest though would be KLM to Delta. hmmmm.

Delta does not have a check in desk in Budapest .

You check in with the airline actually operating the airplane: the "metal" in Flyertalk speak. At Budapest, that would be KLM.

I do not know why you were shuttled back and forth between Air France and Delta previously; if the plane was Air France you should have been able to check in there. The agent should be able to access it from your name and passport. The confirmation code is for automated check--in and managing your booking prior to check-in.

And if there are restrictions on baggage, younare under the rules of the airline flying the plane, not the codeshare partner.

yup - check-in with the airline operator not the codeshare partner

Joann, our experience has been the same as ramblin's. It does help, however, to have confirmation numbers from both airlines. That has saved us some confusion more than once.

Thank you all so much. I will definitely get both confirmation numbers. The members on this forum are always so helpful and I appreciate it.

Thanks again.
Joann

Yep, what the folks just above said.

"Codeshare" is mostly a marketing/business convenience for the airlines, and borders on deception. What really counts is whose airplane you will be on (usually that's whose name is painted on the plane's exterior, but occasionally there are leased planes and other complexities - I recall lots of passenger confusion a couple years ago when we flew from Sardinia to Prague - we had a ticket on "Smartwings", all the signage at the airport counter and staff was for CSA Czech Airlines (so we "czeched-in" with them), the plane we boarded was plain white with the name "Air Bohemia" on it, and some of the stuff on the plane eg seatback cushion covers said "Air Bohemia"....so it was a pretty mixed experience...but they got us there just fine).

A tip for all: anytime you are flying on an airline and there seems to be some mixed corporate identity or multiple airlines involved at any level, always be sure you have the confirmation number (sometimes referred to as "PNR) for every airline that you think might be involved. Have those numbers with you and handy when you travel and anytime you deal with the airline. Many airlines have isolated, proprietary systems that can not "talk to each other" so when you deal with Airline X, you must give them their own confirmation number, not Airline Y's number (even if you booked the ticket from Airline Y). At the check in counter or online, you probably won't be able to get the number for another (non-operating) airline. Shortly after you book your flight, go online or call the airline you booked with and be sure to get all the confirmation numbers/PNRs for all your flights for each airline that's involved, and don't lose that critical bit of info. You often will need that for choosing a seat online, online check-in, and other tasks that may be impossible without it.

My first preference would be the KLM/Delta flights. However, I am
wondering who is responsible for checking me in. I ask, as several
years ago, I purchased a code share ticket from Delta. From Boston the
flight was operated by Delta and all was fine. On my return from Paris
the flight was operated by Air France and I was shuttled back & forth
between the 2 check-in desks several times as each airline insisted it
was the other airline that should check me in.

You experienced the height of sheer idiocy on your return home. From your description, Air France should have checked you in without even the blink of an eye. You dealt with world-class morons. At Heathrow, when I was on Virgin flight before I had a smart phone, I checked in with Virgin. The same with flying on KLM from Amsterdam. I don't know what the problem is with AF but I had a cruel run in with AF agents at CDG so unfortunately, their brand of "service" may not be rare.

For me specifically, AF cancelled my wheelchair from the CDG service provider when I arrived on a Delta flight a few months ago. The AF agents said that since the DL pilots "chose" to park the aircraft away from the gate, it was the pilots' action that warranted AF cancelling my wheelchair. AF agents have no qualms about such egregious behavior.

I will say much of what has been previously said just simpler: Whoever operates the flight is who you check in with. (Whatever airline operates your flight should be mentioned in your reservation.)

When you try to check in online enter the name exactly as it is on the reservation.

I am trying to coordinate flights for 3 people flying in/out on
different dates and to/from different destinations.

I have offered this to someone on another thread and maybe it was you -- If you are buying the airline tickets, make sure you enter each person's name EXACTLY as it is written and spelled on each person's passport.

To be on the safe side, it would be best if you had the passports in front of you because some might assume they remember how their names appear on their passports without checking first.

Thank you all, I will make sure I have the 2 confirmation #'s.

@Continental - first I didn't know pilots "chose" where they parked the plane, that was just awful! and yes, I always make sure I have the passports in front of me when I book which is why I didn't book yesterday - My daughters are away at school and I'm waiting for them to email me copies of their passports. I usually keep a copy, but they just got new ones last year and i neglected to take a copy.

@David - I feel like in general the airlines just like to make things more difficult for us, especially with all the fees. I long for the good old days when everything was included (seats, bags, food, such as it is). I don't like having to do math homework every time I book a flight. Just give me the price and either I'll pay it or I won't.

In addition, to 'check in with the operating carrier', also note that when regional contract partners are involved, you typically check in with the 'parent' airline. From some home airport- Germany flight searches

'Operated By Skywest Dba United Express'-counter check in with United

'Operated By Lufthansa Cityline'- counter check-in with Lufthansa unless signs direct you otherwise

'Operated By Air Canada Express - Sky Regional'- counter check in with Air Canada.

This post bought to you by the posted who sometimes finds themself buying tickets through Delta that involve flight segments for things like 'Virgin Atlantic Little Red operated by Aer Lingus'

Pilots do not normally choose where to park the airplane. (Those folks at AF were really pulling one over your eyes.) They are assigned parking slots (gates). Airlines pay big money for certain slots and at certain times. It's possible that with the one flight where the Delta pilot parked away from the terminal that the plane already in the assigned slot may have been delayed and the Delta pilot didn't want to keep his passengers on board for a long time. They then can choose to park away from the terminal if offered. Usually jumbo's are not parked away from the terminal due to the number of passengers that have to be bused to the terminal. But there are always exceptions.