How Do Airlines Assign Flight Numbers?

Whether you are flying for the first time on a plane or frequently travel by air, you must have come across the different flight numbers. Now, seeing the combination of alphabetical and numerical codes set for the flights may lead you to think about how do airlines assign flight numbers. Different airlines follow a specific pattern for assigning unique codes to a flight. The flight numbers include the airline code in the first two digits, and then a unique code is given for the flight identification, which signifies the route. 

Now, review some of the patterns used by the airlines to determine the flight numbers outlined here. 

Traditional Pattern

Most airlines follow a simple traditional rule for assigning flight numbers, that is, even numbers for eastbound and northbound flights. Odd numbers for the westbound and southbound flights. 

Long Haul Flights 

The pattern used by the airlines for assigning numbers for long-haul flights is choosing 3-digit numbers along with the arrival and departure destination code. Some of the examples of this pattern are as follows:

• DL1 JFK-LHR; DL2 LHR-JFK
• UA18 MXP-EWR; UA19 EWR-MXP
• EK38 BHX-DXB; EK39 DXB-BHX

Medium and Short Haul 

Domestic medium and short flights are usually assigned the same flight number scheduled on a day for outbound and return. Some of the general examples of this pattern are as follows:

• AA1415 DFW-YVR
• AA1416 PHL-BOS
• AA1417 MBJ-ORD

Regional and Codeshare Flights 

The numbers range from 3000 to 6999 and are determined to be assigned for the regional flights. Numbers ranging from 7000 to 8999 are set for assigning for the codeshare flights. 

Are flight numbers and PNR numbers the same thing?

PNR numbers and flight numbers are completely different things. PNR Numbers, also called Passenger Name Record numbers, are generated after completing a reservation with an airline. A ticket's PNR Number includes the reservation holder’s personal and trip details. On the other hand, a flight number is a unique code that recognizes a flight. Airlines Assign Flight Numbers on the basis of the route the flight is scheduled to, along with the airline’s code. 

Both of these numbers can be navigated on the flight ticket or on the confirmation email of a reservation shared by the airline. The flight number will help you view the status of your flight, whereas the PNR number will help you access your booking. 

What information is on a flight ticket?

A flight ticket contains all the necessary information about the trip, from the reserved destination to the cost paid. By viewing a flight ticket, one can recognize the flight route, airline name, arrival and departure times, passenger information, and the total fare. You can also find the flight number and the confirmation code for the reserved ticket. 

What are flight numbers used for?

A flight number is a distinctive code for identifying the particular airline service and the designated route. It allows passengers and operators to conveniently differentiate various flights as per their needs, as unlimited flights are operated daily worldwide. So, flight numbers will help you recognize a particular flight easily and will help you obtain information regarding the same from an operational point, such as tracking status or getting updates.

Does the same flight number mean it's the same plane? 

If you frequently travel by air and encounter the same flight number twice, you may wonder are flight numbers the same plane. No, it is not necessary for the same flight number to indicate the same plane at an airline. The flight numbers are assigned based on the airline and the route, and they are detached from the aircraft once the aircraft lands at the destination. To avoid any confusion with the flight identity, check the departure time as well along with the flight number.