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.
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