Why do flights sometimes share the same flight numbers?

Flights sharing the same flight numbers can be confusing. Why do flights sometimes share the same flight numbers?

This means that one can find two flights that have the same flight number. Eg some airline might have one flight from x to y, another flight from a to b, and use the same flight number for both flights on the same date.

air-travel

Best Answer

Sometimes its just a marketing trick.

Some airlines simply combine two arbitrary routes through a hub, give it the same flight number and the market it as a "direct flight" from A to B.

Example: I booked a "direct flight" on United from Boston to Vegas and it turns out it had a stop in Denver. It was NOT the same plane, NOT the same crew, NOT the same gate. My outbound from Boston was delayed, our flight to Vegas had already left, so I had to spend the night in Denver.

So in this case the only difference between a "direct flight" and a normal connection was that both legs have the same flight number.

Pictures about "Why do flights sometimes share the same flight numbers?"

Why do flights sometimes share the same flight numbers? - Flight Schedule Screen Turned on

Why do flights sometimes share the same flight numbers? - Bird Flying Over Rolling Ocean Waves

Why do flights sometimes share the same flight numbers? - White Airplane in the Sky

Why are there two flights with the same number?

This happens fairly regularly if a flight is heavily delayed. The previous days flight may still be active the same time as the current days flight takes off. It is also fairly common that the same flight number is used to refer to more than one route - this is fairly common in the US.

Do airlines use same flight numbers?

For flights operating at the same time, numbers can't be repeated. Also, numbers must not exceed four digits. With a few exceptions, flights are usually numbered based on their direction of travel. For example, north and eastbound flights are assigned even numbers, while south and westbound flights are numbered odd.

Does same flight number mean same plane?

Just because two flights have the same flight number doesn't necessarily mean that you'll have the same aircraft. The way to find out is by going on AA.com and then entering the flight number (1819).

Do airlines use same flight numbers on different days?

Airlines can schedule multiple flights with the same flight number on the same day (sometimes on the same route and sometimes on different flight segments). This varies by carrier.

Why Your Flight Number Is More Important Than You Think

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Darli Donizete, LT Chan, César Coni, 정 규송