Airline Codes
When you look at an airline ticket you have most likely noticed most of it is taken up with the airline codes, which appear to be a secret language developed by the airline to keep you in the dark about where you are really going or where your luggage may end up. While it may appear confusing at first, a little understanding about the need for airline codes may help clear up some of the mystery.

Most people can pretty well understand the airline city codes because typically they will be two or three letters hinting at the city in which the airport is located. However, there are three designators appearing on all tickets issued. The first, usually two or three numbers is the accounting prefix, followed by the airline designator identifying the airline, and the location designator, the country of departure/destination.

The International Air Transport Association maintains the list of codes to prevent confusion among the airlines, destinations, and airplanes. The IATA codes help keep your luggage on the right plane going to the same place that you are going. Airline IATA airline codes are not always obvious in their meaning, for example it is common knowledge that AA is the code for American Airlines while Arrow Air is designated by the initials JW. United Airlines enjoys the designation of UA while Continental Airlines is known as CO, but Continental Airways is known as PC.

Discount codes are like grocery store coupons. The airline does not usually care where you got them, if they are valid at the time you use them, they will be honored. Many times, you can find airline discount code coupons on the airline’s web site or in travel magazines especially during the lean travel seasons. By entering the airline codes in the right boxes you can often get a discount on your fare. However, it has been noted on some travel sites that even when using discount airline codes, the price may be higher than then booking through an online agency.

Often you will see airline promotion promotional codes in a variety of venues, and by using these airline promotion codes you can save a lot of money when you use them during the reservation process.