Common carrier

A common carrier is a company or individual that offers transportation services to the public for a fee.  Examples include airlines, cruise lines, and rail operators.

These entities are subject to strict government regulations: They must safely carry passengers or goods from one place to another without discrimination, meaning they serve all customers equally, provided space is available, and the fee is paid.

In aviation, common carriers are typically divided into two categories: full-service carriers (FSC) and low-cost carriers (LCC).

FSCs offer a wide range of services—meals, entertainment, etc.—that are included in the fare and vary depending on the cabin class (economy, first, or business), with higher classes offering more amenities. In contrast, LCCs provide lower fares by limiting extra services and applying charges for ancillaries like baggage and seat selection.

Both types of air carriers must adhere to regulatory standards set by bodies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and others.