Airlines traditionally have three classes of accommodation first, business and economy, some airlines though have a fourth class which is intermediary between business and economy and is usually called premium economy. Although some airlines are now reducing or eliminating first class on some of their routes and increasing both business and premium economy accommodation.
Airline Classes and Fare Codes
First Class
First Class is the most expensive and most comfortable accommodation; it is always situated at the front of the plane and has a limited number of seats. Food may be silver service, beverage choice greater than other classes and a range of complimentary travel accessories may be offered, like pyjamas to sleep. Seats can be fully reclined to form a bed and privacy is ensured by the space between each seat.
Business Class
Business Class accommodation offers a high standard of comfort and service, with wider seats, more leg room, a wide choice of food and complimentary beverages. Seats may be fully lay-flat and converted into a bed. A small complimentary bag of toiletries is often provided.
Premium Economy
This is an increasingly popular choice with passengers as it offers the same level of service, food and beverages as economy class but the seats are wider with a greater pitch and may be reclined a little more than economy seats.
Economy Class
Economy Class may also be called Coach Class. Economy offers a basic accommodation with a limited range of food and beverages. Complimentary toiletries are not provided. Economy Class accommodation is usually occupied by leisure travellers, those on a couple of weeks well earned rest and recreation.
Fares
Airline fare structures (fare class) can be complex as there is a range of fares across and within the different classes. It is possible that two passengers sitting next to each other have paid different prices for the journey; one paying substantially less than the other.
But the cheaper fare will be subject to a variety of restrictions on dates and time of travel, cancellation fees, ability to change flights or times and the lowest fare class will be non-refundable and non-changeable. Whereas a full economy class fare allows changes and refunds.
Booking Codes
The booking code shows the type of fare paid for the type of accommodation and its restrictions. Historically the booking codes have been airline specific and still are, but with alliances and code sharing more airlines are coordinating their booking codes to ensure continuity. But a booking code on one airline may be entirely different from another.
Traditionally booking codes were class based with F for first class and Y or M for economy. But booking codes have been expanded and revised to reflect the different fare and accommodation classes.
First Class Codes
Recently a new first class code has been added and that is “R” which indicates first class suites on the Airbus A380.
Other first class codes are:
F - are full first class fares.
P – are first class.
A – are discounted first class.
R – as above.
Business Class Codes
C or J – are full business class fares.
D, I or Z – are discounted business fares, these are non-upgradeable.
Economy Class
Economy Class has the widest range of codes:
Y and B – are full economy fare.
M, H, and N – are standard fares.
There is a string of code letters for specially discounted fares these may be any one of the following codes: G, K, L, O, Q, S, T, U, V, W, X
Codes O, T, Q, W are the most heavily discounted fares and have the most restrictions. These codes do not allow upgrades, refunds or changes to reservations. Often a frequent flyer member using this code class may not get miles or points.
The X code is usually reserved for travel professionals, group bookings or seat consolidators, what used to be called “bucket shops”. Low cost, no-frills airlines often use just one or two code classes and not the plethora of classes in use with full service airlines.
So the next time you book a flight and wonder that that little letter next to “Reservation” means now you know.
John Howe - John Howe is a qualified nurse, lecturer and journalist, he has written extensively on health, travel and lifestyle in Asia and Europe.
