What is considered the flight number?

Decoding Flight Numbers: The Difference Between Code and Number

When booking a flight or tracking its progress, you’ll often encounter a combination of letters and numbers, referred to as the “flight code.” But did you know there’s a distinction between the flight code and the flight number?

The flight code, commonly seen as “QF103” or “BA234,” includes both the airline’s identifier (QF for Qantas, BA for British Airways) and the flight number. This code is a unique identifier for that specific flight, distinguishing it from others operated by the same airline.

The flight number, however, is strictly numerical. It’s the four-digit sequence within the flight code, such as “103” in QF103. Though often used interchangeably, especially in casual conversation or within the aviation industry itself, understanding this distinction can be helpful.

The flight number serves as a crucial identifier for airlines and air traffic control. It allows for streamlined organization of flight schedules and efficient communication between air traffic controllers and pilots.

So next time you see a flight code like “DL456,” remember that “456” is the flight number, a vital component of flight management and identification.