booking flights (D.I.Y) - first timer

[misspickle]

Ok i have ages yet until i need to book flights but i have been looking at prices etc

My question is while looking on skyscanner,kayak .... I'm a bit unsure Iberia/british airways it says american airline operates is this something to stay clear of?

sorry if its a stupid question i've only ever booked through Thomas Cook-full package!

 

[Kath2003]

Many airlines code share - the same flight can be sold by many different operators within the same "group", but is operated by a particular carrier.
Iberia, BA and American Airlines are all part of the oneWorld group (along with a number of other airlines) and regularly sell seats on the group's carriers as codeshares. In your case it looks like you're giving BA the money to sell you a seat on an AA flight (which is absolutely fine - they can do this).
There's no significant disadvantages to booking a code share, though you will have to abide by the policies of the operating airline (e.g. baggage allowances). The only time that it would be worth keeping it simple and booking with the operating carrier is if you had a range of special needs. If you have a preferred carrier, or are a member of a particular rewards program for frequent customers, these might also sway you.
(Codeshares are really common - last year we booked with US Airways and travelled on BA, US Airways and American Airlines; next year we have booked through AA and are flying a combo of BA and AA).

 

[misspickle]

Thanks Kath

 

[dixonsontour]

I concentrate on flight times and route. This time we are flying virgin but booked as a delta codeshare which was cheaper than virgin direct.

 

[misspickle]

I concentrate on flight times and route. This time we are flying virgin but booked as a delta codeshare which was cheaper than virgin direct.

When is the best time to book? What's the best website I have loads coming out my ears.. Hahaha it's so stressful and it's not even near the 11 month mark.

 

[dixonsontour]

I usually book few weeks after release depends when I see an ok price my limit is £500 each