When searching for flights, you will often see three-letter codes instead of full airport or city names. These are known as airport codes and city codes, and they are always shown in flight search results to keep information clear, compact, and consistent worldwide.
What are airport codes?
Airport codes are standardized three-letter codes used to identify individual airports. Each code refers to one specific airport and is used globally by airlines, airports, and booking systems.
Examples of airport codes:
- LHR – London Heathrow Airport
- LGW – London Gatwick Airport
- CDG – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- JFK – New York John F. Kennedy International Airport
Airport codes appear on:
- Flight search results
- Tickets and boarding passes
- Airport departure and arrival boards
- Baggage tags
They help avoid confusion, especially when airports have similar names.
What are city codes?
City codes represent an entire city rather than a single airport. They are mainly used when a city is served by multiple airports.
A city code allows flight searches to include all airports serving that city, giving you more choice and flexibility.
Examples of city codes:
- LON – London (covers Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and City Airport)
- NYC – New York (covers JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark)
- PAR – Paris (covers Charles de Gaulle and Orly)
When you search using a city code, the results will still clearly show the exact airport code for each flight.
Why are airport codes always shown in search results?
Airport codes are always displayed because they:
- Provide a clear and universal reference
- Avoid language differences and spelling variations
- Make results easier to read in compact layouts
- Match exactly what appears on tickets and boarding passes
This ensures consistency from search to travel.
Why aren’t full airport names always shown?
Flight search systems rely on airport codes because:
- Codes are short and easy to recognize
- They reduce the risk of selecting the wrong airport
- They are the global aviation standard
Often, the full airport or city name is shown next to the code, but the code itself remains the key identifier.
What happens when a city has multiple airports?
In cities like London, travelers can choose between several airports, each with its own airport code:
- LHR – Heathrow
- LGW – Gatwick
- STN – Stansted
- LTN – Luton
- LCY – London City
Your flight search results will always show the airport code so you know exactly where your flight departs from and arrives.
Can I click on an airport code to see more details?
Yes. In flight search results, you can click on the airport code to see more information about the airport, such as:
- Full airport name
- Location and city
- Distance from the city center
- Additional airport or terminal details
This is especially helpful when comparing airports within the same city.
How can I make sure I select the right airport?
To choose correctly:
- Always check the airport code shown next to each flight
- Click on the airport code to review airport details
- Pay special attention to airport codes for connecting flights
Where else will I see airport and city codes?
You will see airport and city codes throughout your journey, including:
- Flight search results and booking confirmations
- E-tickets and boarding passes
- Airport information screens and signage
In summary:
Airport codes and city codes are standardized identifiers used worldwide in aviation. They are always shown in flight search results to ensure accuracy and clarity. With examples like LON for London and its multiple airports, understanding these codes—and clicking on them for more details—helps you confidently choose the right airport for your trip.