As your flight departure date approaches, it’s completely normal to go through a range of emotions, To ensure your first flight goes as smoothly as possible, there are specific details you should acquaint yourself with, and one of these is your flight number. 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.
What is a Flight Number?
Flight number is a combination of the airline’s IATA code and 1-4 digits which is unique to each flight. The airline’s code, approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), consists of two characters, and is written in uppercase letters.
How do Airlines Assign Flight Numbers?
Airlines rely on a complex algorithm to determine flight numbers, taking into consideration the past and present flight numbers of all airlines. However, there are a set of traditional rules as to how flight numbers are created. Traditionally, flights heading east and north are assigned even numbers, while those going west and south are assigned odd numbers. However, these rules aren’t universally rigid.
How to Find Your Flight Number?
To find your flight number, simply locate it on your ticket. The first two letters (or one letter and one digit) of the flight number indicate the airline, while the second two letters (or one letter and one digit) represent the flight number itself. The IATA airline code, consisting of two letters, is used to identify a particular airline. This code is followed by the flight number, which can be one to four digits long.
