Hello all, I accepted a road warrior job a couple months back and though I feel like I have a fairly good handle on things, I am still learning about miles/points and the best way to get/use them. I'm quite tickled to find this friendly forum vs the borderline rude one I had been visiting and look forward to learning and contributing as I can. I do have one burning question that I haven't been able to find a great explanation for, and that's the difference between different airline fares. Y vs T and which fares can/can not be upgraded, what order they board, etc. etc. Can anyone point me towards a chart that explains it well? Thanks in advance -
Fare codes are airline specific, although there's been some attempt to standardize within alliances. However, there's some consistency and I once saw a wikipedia article that listed what fare codes are supposed to mean. Nevertheless Y almost always means full fare unrestricted and fully refundable coach, with last seat availability, although there are some government and restricted Y fares. Frequently T is a deep discount coach fare class (and inventory), sometimes (on DL for example) the cheapest normal coach fare. Upgrade rules are also airline specific and differ between domestic and international (check how the airline defines these words for upgrades--sometimes Canada is domestic but Hawaii isn't).
Thanks for the info MSP, my airport is pretty much ruled by Delta (CVG), I think there's only 4 airlines total that fly out of there now so that's the chart I'd be looking for. I'll check Wikipedia and see what I can find.
For DL, the coach fare codes in order (most expensive first) are Y B M H Q K L U T E, with E the new totally unchangeable fare in a few markets that doesn't even let you select a seat. L U T (known fondly here and on FT as sLUT fares) are deep discount, generally advanced purchase, but changeable or cancelable for a $150 fee on domestic. All coach boards at the same time, depending on elite status and seat/row number, not fare code, except that full Y is IIRC treated as elite (SkyPriority). DL FC fare codes are F P A, with the latter really being something-UP instant upgrade fares. Business class is J C D I S, with S being special deep discount fares only in certain markets.
Great info, thanks so much!!! My company makes us take the cheapest avail flight, so I guess I will just have to be patient until I earn elite status.
Welcome to MP, circi In case you have not run across it yet, the flyerguide wiki is a good source for airline stuff (programs, fare classes, elite levels, etc). Here is a link to the Delta info: http://flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/Category:Delta_SkyMiles
Here are unofficial fare code charts: http://cwsi.net/ You'll also find a lot of other useful resources and links on that site.
LOL! Long story behind my name but the condensed version is: back in the day I used to play MUDs and chose the name Circe from greek mythology. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circe- I have a mean temper!) I typoed and created it as Circi instead and just kept using it.
Do you mean WMD " I used to play WMDs and chose the name Circe from greek mythology. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circe- I have a mean temper!)"
Welcome to MP Circi! Totally unsolicited advice, but you might find a chart I prepared that compares different SkyMiles credit cards useful. The Platinum and Reserve cards do reward qualifying miles if certain spending levels are achieved. Might be worth considering if you're keen to achieve elite status quickly. The chart can be found here: www.thetravelanalyst.blogspot.co.uk
Unfortunately my company is in the process of moving to a company card and will require all spending to be on it. I'd have a really hard time meeting spending levels on any new card I obtain at this point. I appreciate the suggestion though
Hello Floks, I am newbie Hop I have posted at right place, also look forward to intract with people here
Welcome to MP. You will find a lot of great information here. Look forward to you sharing your experiences also.
A warm welcome to circi, chrisgayle885 and thetravelanalyst. Feel free to browse around and ask questions.
