A flight number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned by an airline to identify a specific route and service.
It appears on your boarding pass, itinerary, and booking confirmation, and helps airlines, airports, and passengers track flights accurately in real time.
Learn More About the Definition of "Flight Number"
Each flight number consists of two parts:
- The airline code (two letters or a mix of letters and numbers) — for example, TP for TAP Air Portugal or BA for British Airways.
- A numeric sequence — usually one to four digits that identify the route or service (e.g., TP1368 or BA204).
Together, they form the official reference for a flight, used by air traffic control, airport systems, and EU261/UK261 compensation claims.
Example:
- TP1368 = TAP Air Portugal flight from Lisbon to Paris
- FR4452 = Ryanair flight from Porto to London Stansted
- BA204 = British Airways flight from Miami to London Heathrow
Flight Numbers and Codeshare Flights
Your flight number is the primary identifier of your journey. It’s used to:
- Track real-time flight status (departure, delay, cancellation, diversion).
- Identify operating and marketing carriers in codeshare agreements.
- Link your case to airline databases when filing a compensation claim.
- Verify flight eligibility under EU261/UK261.
Even when flights share similar routes or departure times, their unique flight number distinguishes them legally and operationally.
Sometimes, one flight may appear with multiple flight numbers — this is known as a codeshare flight.
For example, a Lisbon–Paris route operated by TAP Air Portugal (TP1368) might also be sold as AF9442 by Air France.
Only the operating carrier’s flight number (in this case, TAP) determines your rights under EU261/UK261.
Why does it matter?
When submitting a claim, the exact flight number ensures AireClaim can:
- Retrieve operational data (delay, cause, weather, ATC logs).
- Identify the responsible airline in codeshare cases.
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Verify whether the flight falls under EU or UK jurisdiction.
Without the correct number, the airline may reject or delay your claim — so always check your boarding pass or itinerary carefully.
How does AireClaim help with EU261 Claim?
AireClaim’s automated system cross-references your flight number with:
- Airline operational databases
- Flight radar and METAR weather data
- EU/UK airport coverage lists
This allows us to confirm eligibility instantly and handle your claim faster and more accurately.
You only pay a success fee if we win.
- Start here: Check eligibility & start your flight claim
- Read more: Passenger Rights under EU261
FAQs about What is a Flight Number
It appears on your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and in airline notifications. It usually starts with two letters (the airline code) followed by numbers. Learn more in Boarding Pass.
Yes, but only for a given day. Airlines can reuse the same number for the same route on different days — for example, TP1368 operates Lisbon–Paris daily. Learn more in Flight Itinerary.
Yes. Airlines may change flight numbers during operational rescheduling, mergers, or codeshare adjustments. Always use the one printed on your boarding pass for claims. Learn more in EU261 Regulation.