Flying with partner airlines
What you need to know before you travel
Flying on another airline as part of your trip? Learn which airline to check in with, where to select seats, how bags work and what to expect when your flight is operated by a partner airline.
Booking your flight
Our partnerships allow you to book flights on American and participating partner airlines in a single reservation. Fly with American, a partner airline or a combination of both.
At the airport
On most trips, you can check in with the airline of your first flight to get boarding passes for your entire trip. You’ll only have to check your bag once too ― we’ll transfer it between flights. Keep in mind bag policies might differ between airlines, so be sure to check before you go.
Clubs and lounges
Get access to clubs and lounges around the world. Access may be available based on your ticket, lounge membership, airline status or eligible credit card benefits.
When your trip includes more than one airline
Understanding codeshare flights
We have partnerships called “codeshares.” A codeshare lets you book a trip that includes flights with our partner airlines. That way it’s easier to book, check in, connect between flights and travel to more destinations around the world.
Partner airlines may also offer benefits like earning and redeeming AAdvantage® miles.
The operating airline is the airline that flies the plane, and the marketing airline is the partner airline that sells seats on the operating airline’s flights.
Here’s where you’ll learn which airline operates your flight:
- Next to the flight number when you book the flight
- In your AAdvantage® account after you book
- In your trip confirmation email
- On the check-in reminder email 24 hours before your flight
Important: The airline you book with and the airline operating your flight may not be the same.
What to expect throughout your trip
Whether you're flying with American, a oneworld Alliance member or another partner airline, we'll help you navigate each step of your journey. Though some services, policies and onboard experiences depend on the airline, you'll find the information you need to prepare for your trip.
Before you travel
Prepare for your trip with information about booking and managing reservations, check-in, travel requirements and special assistance.
You can book flights on American and partner airlines in a single reservation.
In most cases, you can manage your trip with the airline you booked through. However, some services may need to be completed with the airline operating your flight.
Choosing seats, meals and more
You may need to visit the operating airline's website or app to:
- Select seats
- Request special meals
- Buy an upgrade
- View airline-specific travel options
Look for "Operated by" in your trip details to learn which airline operates your flight.
For example, if your trip includes a flight operated by Alaska Airlines, you may need to visit Alaska's website or app to select seats.
Some services depend on the airline operating your flight. This includes:
- Special meals
- Medical assistance
- Traveling with pets or service animals
- Assistance for children traveling alone
If your trip has more than one airline, some services may not be allowed:
- Assistance for children traveling alone
- Traveling with pets
- Young adult assistance (ages 15-17)
For these requests, review both airlines’ policies as needed.
If your trip includes a oneworld Alliance member
You can check in on the American app, even if your first flight is operated by another oneworld® airline.
If your trip includes other partner airlines
Check in with the airline operating your first flight. For example, if your first flight is operated by Porter Airlines, use the Porter Airlines website or app to check in, select seats and download your boarding pass.
A few things to know:
- You’ll need the partner airline’s booking reference from your confirmation.
- Boarding groups and processes are managed by each partner and may differ from American.
- Follow the instructions on your boarding pass and airport screens.
Day of travel
Get ready for departure with guidance on bags, airport lounges, flight status updates, gate information and connecting flights.
Your bag allowance depends on your airline, fare and ticket.
- Your bag allowance is shown on your ticket or trip confirmation.
- For trips that start or end in the U.S. or Canada, the bag allowance and fees that apply at the start of your trip may apply throughout your entire journey.
Checked bag fees may be waived if you have AAdvantage® or oneworld® status.
Airport lounges may be available throughout your journey via American Airlines, partner airlines and our oneworld Alliance. Access depends on your ticket and fare type, frequent flyer status or lounge membership.
For the most up-to-date information on departure times, gates and delays, check the operating airline’s site on the day you travel.
If another airline operates your flight:
- Find your flight status on aa.com
- For real-time updates, refer to their website
If your trip includes a connection, you may need to change terminals or complete additional airport procedures before your next flight. Follow airport signage and allow extra time between flights.
On your flight
Learn about boarding, seat options, inflight amenities and what to expect during your journey.
Customers board in groups based on their operating airline, ticket, AAdvantage® or oneworld® status and boarding privileges. Your boarding group will be shown on your boarding pass.
Cabin features, seats and amenities vary by aircraft, route and the airline operating your flight.
Visit the partner airline’s website to learn more about what to expect on board:
- Seats and cabin features
- Inflight entertainment
- Wi-Fi
- Meals
AAdvantage® benefits
Depending on the airline and route, you can earn AAdvantage® miles and redeem with our partners. You may also receive status benefits if you’re flying with a oneworld® airline.
Explore our partner airlines
Find participating airlines and learn about earning miles, redeeming miles and available travel benefits.
Frequently asked questions
In most cases, you can check in on the American app when traveling on another oneworld® airline. When you’re traveling with our other airline partners, you can check in with the airline operating your first flight.
Bag allowances and fees depend on the airlines included in your itinerary and where your trip begins.
Yes. Many partner airlines allow eligible travelers to earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points.
Seat selection is managed by the airline operating your flight. After booking, visit the airline's website or app using your confirmation code to view available seats and select a seat, if eligible. Seat policies and fees vary by airline.