what is flight number?

It is quite normal to experience a gamut of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, as the departure date of your flight inches closer.

There are certain things that you need to familiarize yourself with, to make your first flight as stress-free as possible. Getting to know your flight number is one of them. You need to know your flight number to navigate through check-in points and gates at the airport. Here is an essential guide on how to find flight number along with other information you might be interested to know before taking your first flight.

Every flight has a unique flight number, which is a combination of the airline’s IATA code and 1-4 digit number. The airline’s code, approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), consists of two characters, and is written in uppercase letters. For example, AA is the IATA code of American Airlines and UA stands for United Airlines.

The 1-4 digit number that follows the IATA code represents the flight route. AI 144 is the flight number of Air India’s flights from Newark to Mumbai.

A flight number is like the identification number of each flight and it aids Air Traffic Control in organizing and tracking flights in the air. A flight number facilitates in tracking the number of flights that run on a specific route on a specific day.

You can find your flight number on your flight ticket and boarding pass. It is easy to spot your flight number now that you know of its structure. Moreover, whenever you book your flight tickets, you will also receive booking confirmation along with your flight number.

As stated, a flight number consists of two letters and 1-4 numbers. Some examples of flight numbers are:

AI 126: Air India’s flight from Chicago to Delhi

UA 867: United Airlines’ flight from San Francisco to Delhi

AI 108: Air India’s flight from Chicago to Hyderabad

AA 292: American Airlines’ flight from New York to New Delhi

SG 4001: SpiceJet’s flight from Hyderabad to Goa

In general, airlines depend on a complex algorithm to determine flight numbers. They take into account all the past and present flight numbers of every airline. However, there are a set of traditional rules as to how flight numbers are created. Conventionally, planes heading east and north have even numbers while the flights heading west and south end with odd numbers. These are not the hard and fast rules though. There are airlines that give even numbers for outbound flights and odd numbers for inbound flights. Each airline follows a different set of rules while determining flight numbers. Moreover, single or double-digit numbers may also mean that the route is prestigious to the airline. Nothing, it seems, is random in aviation.

No, flight numbers and PNR numbers are different. PNR (Passenger Name Record), also called PNR number or PNR Code or booking reference number, is made up of 6 alphanumeric characters, a mix of both letters and numbers in no specific order. PNR is generated for each booking, and this is sent to passengers in the form of a digital certificate, which also consists of your personal details as well as the details of your flight journey. PNR code is also printed on the top-left corner of your air ticket.

Suggested Read: How to Get the Best Cheap Flight Deals

Apart from your flight number, you can find the following information on your air ticket:

It may also contain additional information like baggage allowance and tax breakup among others.

What are flight numbers used for?

Every flight operated in commercial airspace is assigned a unique number (based on the operating airline and the route), and this makes it possible for air traffic controllers to monitor the flights in airspace and manage air traffic on a specific route.

From travelers’ point of view, flight numbers help passengers get to their boarding gate at the airport.

Is a flight number the same as a call sign?

An aircraft’s call sign may or may not be the same as its flight number. Call signs are what pilots and air traffic controllers use to refer to an aircraft while communicating on the radio. The call sign is a combination of alphanumeric characters and usually consists of the ICAO airline designator and flight number. When air controllers and airline crew communicate, they use the airline name even though they see alphanumeric characters on the screen. Airlines may also have a different radio call sign (like in the case of United Airlines, whose radio call sign is Speedbird).

Do flight numbers stay with the plane? Does the same flight number mean the same plane?

No. Since the flight number denotes the route an airline serves; it has nothing to do with the aircraft. Airlines operate the same type of aircraft for flying on their different routes with different flight numbers. Flight number, thus, is not specific to a particular physical aircraft, but a particular flight route.

What is flight number 1 for all the major airlines?

In the aviation industry, a flight number or flight designator is a code for an airline service consisting of two-character airline designator and a 1 to 4 digit number. For example, "BA 98" is a British Airways service from Toronto-Pearson to London-Heathrow. A service is called "direct" if it is covered by a single flight number, regardless of the number of stops or equipment changes. For example, "WN 417" flies from Jacksonville to Baltimore to Oakland to Los Angeles on Southwest Airlines. A given flight segment may have multiple flight numbers on different airlines under a code-sharing agreement. Strictly speaking, the flight number is just the numerical part, but it is commonly used for the entire flight designator.

The flight designator of the operating carrier of a commercial flight is used as a call sign. This is distinct from the aircraft's registration number, which identifies a specific airplane.

A number of conventions have been developed for defining flight numbers, although these vary widely from airline to airline, and are increasingly being modified. Eastbound and northbound flights are traditionally assigned even numbers, while westbound and southbound flights have odd numbers. Other airlines will use an odd number for an outbound flight and use the next even number for the reverse inbound flight. For destinations served by multiple flights per day, numbers tend to increase during the day. Hence, a flight from point A to point B might be flight 101 and the return flight from B to A would be 102, while the next pair of flights on the same route would usually be assigned codes 103 and 104.

Flight numbers of less than three digits are often assigned to long-haul or otherwise premium flights. For example, flight number 1 is often used for an airline's "flagship" service (see below for a 'List of flight number 1 by airlines'). However, for airlines in Mainland China, one-digit and two-digit numbers are only reserved for administrative charters. Furthermore, Cathay Pacific assigns flight numbers which are less than 100 for cargo flights.

Four-digit numbers in the range 3000 to 5999 typically represent regional affiliate flights, while numbers larger than 6000 are generally codeshare numbers for flights operated by different airlines or even railways.

Likewise, flight numbers larger than 9000 usually refer to ferry flights; these carry no passengers and are used to relocate aircraft to or from a maintenance base, or from one air travel market to another in order to start new commercial flights. Flight numbers starting with 8 are often used for charter flights, but it always depends on the commercial carrier's choice.

In a codeshare, airlines share their aircraft with others, resulting in the flight having more than one flight number on the same sector, and either the same or different flight numbers on joined sectors.

As a hypothetical example, flight QQ1234 may fly from airport AAA to BBB to CCC. The AAA-BBB segment may be serviced by airline QQ, and the BBB-CCC segment by airline RR, on a different aircraft. The same flight may also be sold as RR3210, and by a third airline SS as SS2345. Also, the individual flight legs may have multiple flight numbers: AAA-BBB may be QQ12, RR23, and SS45.

For example, Alaska Airlines flight AS61 as of June 2018 flies from Juneau (JNU) to Yakutat (YAK) to Cordova (CDV) to Anchorage (ANC). A ticket for the Yakutat to Anchorage segment is specified as AS61 YAK-ANC. It is even possible for a given flight number to cover a sequence beginning and ending at the same airport.

Most flights are non-stop from A to B, and few are from A to B then to C (both A-B and B-C have flight number 1). Aircraft type may change due to operation need.

A notable former flight number 1 was British Airways flight BA1, operated by the Concorde between London Heathrow and New York's John F. Kennedy airport. After the retirement of Concorde in 2003 the flight number was retired with it, however in 2009 it was given to the all business class A318 flight between London City Airport and New York JFK via Shannon in Ireland. This route ceased operation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and British Airways has since announced it will not be restarting the service.

Flight numbers are often taken out of use after a crash or a serious incident. For example, following the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, the airline changed the flight number for subsequent flights following the same route to MAH 318. Also, American Airlines Flight 77, which regularly flew from Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC, to Los Angeles International Airport, was changed to Flight 149 after it crashed into the Pentagon during the September 11 attacks. After the crash of Air France Flight 447, a regular scheduled flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, was changed to Air France Flight 443. On the other hand, other considerations may lead an airline not to change a flight number; for instance, the aforementioned "flagship" American Airlines Flight 1 retains its designation despite a major accident in 1962 and two other accidents in 1941 and 1936. There are at least four instances of the same flight numbers that have suffered two serious accidents: Flight 253 of Linea Aeropostal Venezolana (both in 1956, the first in June, and the second in November), Flight 869 of United Arab Airlines (the first in 1962 and the second in 1963), Flight 800 of TWA (the first in 1964 and the second in 1996), and Flight 383 of American Airlines (the first in 1965 and the second in 2016). As of October 2019 the most recent flight number change due to an accident was from Aeroflot Flight 1492 to Aeroflot Flight 1316. In 2016 after the crash of flight 804, Egyptair changed it to 802 from Paris to Cairo. In 1998, after the crash of flight 111, Swissair changed it to 139 from New York To Geneva. In 1997, after the crash of flight 801 from Seoul to Guam, Korean Airlines changed it to number 805.

Airline mega mergers, in markets such as the United States, have made it necessary to break conventional flight numbering schemes. Organizations such as IATA, ICAO, ARC, as well as CRS systems and the FAA's ATC systems limit flight numbers to four digits (0001 to 9999). The pool of available flight numbers has been outstripped by demand for them by emergent mega-carriers. As such, some carriers use the same flight number for back-and-forth flights (e.g., DCA-PBI-DCA), or in other cases carriers have assigned a single flight number to a multi-leg flight (e.g., ICT-DAL-HOU-MDW-OMA-DEN-ABQ-LAS-BDL).

Although 'flight number' is the term used colloquially, the official term as defined in the Standard Schedules Information Manual (SSIM) published annually by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Schedules Information Standards Committee (SISC), is flight designator. Officially the term 'flight number' refers to the numeric part (up to four digits) of a flight code. For example, in the flight codes BA2490 and BA2491A, "2490" and "2491" are flight numbers. Even within the airline and airport industry, it is common to use the colloquial term rather than the official term.

Flight numbers are also sometimes used for spacecraft, though a flight number for an expendable rocket (say, Ariane 5 Flight 501) might more reasonably be called the serial number of the vehicle used, since an expendable rocket can only be launched once. Space Shuttle missions used numbers with the STS prefix, for example, STS-93. SpaceX uses sequential numbers for flights of reused boosters. As an example, Crew-2 used booster B1061.2 (the second flight of booster B1061).

From confusing airline schedules to getting on the right flight on time, things can be overwhelming when you first set foot in the terminal. One of the first necessary steps is knowing how to find your flight number for a smooth flight.

Let's review these tips together to boost your confidence. With careful preparations, you can ensure your first time flying will be an excellent and worry-free experience.

Flight numbers are usually displayed on airport monitors for passengers to check their flight information. Photo by andreas160578 on Pixabay

The flight numbers listed on airport display monitors seem random at first glance. However, each of them has a meaning. They are assigned systemically to each flight for easy identification.

Flight numbers are internationally recognised codes assigned to aircraft to identify each aircraft and its path. There are over thousands and thousands of flights daily. So having an organised system helps. Both passengers and aviation personnel can locate flights easier.

With most flight numbers, there are two parts: an airline code that is recognised internationally and a numeric sequence up to four digits long. For most airlines, the airline codes are usually short abbreviations for their full names. For example, here are the codes for some of the most popular airlines:

Example of a flight number on your ticket. Photo by detakstudio - stock.adobe.com

You can find flight numbers on your boarding pass, flight ticket, or booking confirmation. One of the most direct ways to locate your flight is to see it near the top of your physical or digital ticket.

Keeping your flight ticket and boarding pass handy at the airport is helpful. You might need them during check-ins, at security checkpoints or while figuring out the direction to your boarding gate.

If you cannot find your flight numbers on your boarding pass or flight ticket, don’t panic. There are other ways to find your flight number. Let’s explore the options below.

Most airlines have customer support hotlines for passengers who need help finding their flight numbers or require additional information. They also help you with ticket refunds, purchasing extra baggage and other services. Most customer service representatives are available 24/7, and you can simply check your airline's website for the hotline.

Most airlines have help desks at airports to support passengers with flight schedule information and additional services. You can reach out and request instant support from your airline's representative.

Located near the entrance of most airports, you can find a wide range of services available at airports’ information desks. They'll do everything from guiding you in the right direction to your boarding gate to informing you of your flight time and flight number.

Major international airports have staff available 24/7, so you can get instant support from information desks at any time of the day.

Flight numbers are usually displayed on monitors for passengers to check their boarding gates, flight status, and more. Photo by Ekaterina Pokrovsky - stock.adobe.com

From the essential checklist to good air travel practices, let's review our tips before your first flight to make your trip easier and hassle-free.

Travel documents are a must-have before flying by airlines for all flights, depending on the national regulations of the destination country.

Ensure you have your essential travel documents handy at security checkpoints, as you might need them for identity verification anytime.

It is helpful to note that you might have to get some items out for security checks, such as your laptop, tablet, phone and other devices. Pack your electronic devices in a way that you can quickly unpack them as you go through security.

Metal will slow you down at a security line. Therefore, jewellery that is hard to remove and bulky accessories are not recommended. On that note, you should avoid wearing shoes with metal studs or high heels with metal nails.

Packing in advance with a carefully planned checklist is a great way to minimise pre-trip anxiety.

Each airline has different guidelines for baggage regarding weight and size. Thus, picking suitable cabin bags is essential. You should always double-check with your airline to avoid last-minute hassles such as additional charges for overweight luggage or oversized carry-ons.

It is helpful to be aware of the allowed versus prohibited items for air travel. Ensure you do not have any items that are banned in your carry-on and check-in baggage while packing at home.

Choosing what to wear for your first flight can be as challenging as deciding what to pack. However, you can express your style and still have a comfortable long flight.

Opt for water or non-alcoholic beverages during your first flight to ensure you are properly hydrated. Photo by Svitlana - stock.adobe.com

Are you nervous and worried about motion sickness? Know yourself and be well prepared. Visit your local drugstore for motion sickness pills or wristbands before your flight. This will give you peace of mind, and you can get on the plane less stressed.

Avoid being super hyper or intoxicated in the middle of a long flight. Remember, water is your best friend. For your first flight, it is okay to be nervous. You can ensure your first flight goes smoothly if you can be your best self.

On that note, you should stay hydrated but not too hydrated. Aeroplane aisles are pretty narrow, so going to the bathroom frequently is not a comfortable idea.

Terminologies used in airports can be confusing, even for seasoned travellers. Here are frequently used air travel terms for you to know before your first flight to boost your confidence.

Air travel can be an exciting experience, whether solo or in a group. Photo by adrian agawin on Pexels

You can locate your flight number on your flight ticket, boarding pass or booking confirmation. You can also contact your airline via the customer service hotline or help desk. Information desks available at airports can help you as well.

No, they are not the same. Flight numbers are used to identify different flights operated by different airlines. Ticket numbers are used to identify each passenger on each flight.

Depending on each airline, a general rule of thumb is to be at the airport for at least two hours for domestic and four hours for international flights. You can check with your airline for specific requirements.

For first-time flyers, arriving early at the airport before your flight can give you more wriggle time. You can check in your baggage, collect your boarding pass and finish security screening with less pressure.

You can search for flight schedules and delays and track flight information in real-time via your airline's website. Simply enter your flight number, and you should find what you want. You can also use flight tracker applications and websites as well.

Whether you are flying domestically or internationally, your first flight will always be memorable. With the growing popularity of air travel, flying is an easy and convenient way to discover new destinations.

For most people, a new experience, such as flying, can be daunting. However, knowing how to find flight numbers is the first step toward discovering how fun exploring exciting new places can get. All these preparations will be worth it. Congratulations on your first flight, and have fun travelling!