I booked four upper class roundtrips from DFW to LHR. My wife became ill the week before and we had to change our plans. I called to get a refund only to learn that they were not refundable, but I could change the dates for a fee. I was told that the fee would be around $2000 per passenger, so I told them I would change them online, thinking I could find a lower ticket price. I opened a private browser window and found some tickets for the dates I had given that were considerably cheaper. I then called back and told them which flights I wanted, and the person I talked to said there were no seats available. I told them I had a browser window open with open seats, and they went ahead and made the change for a bit over $1000, thinking I could change them again if needed.
So later on we decide to go a month later. I again look online before calling, but the person said the change would cost even more, around $4000 per passenger. I asked the reason why and they said that I had "I" fares, and for the ticket prices to be the same they would have to be the same "I" fares, but there were none available for the flights I wanted. I then declined and decided I needed to educate myself on airline fares.
I have since learned that even less expensive upper class fares are available on different days, and I started searching for a method whereby I could change my tickets with a minimum service charge.
So here's my question: Are there any methods to tell which fare level is being priced when I look online? Where can I educate myself about fare levels and how to save myself from paying unnecessary fees? I apologize if this is a duh-level topic, but until now I honestly thought there were only 3 fare levels: 1st class, business class, and economy. I would really appreciate any help anyone can give me. I've just now joined this board and none of my searches have produced a comprehensive answer.
So later on we decide to go a month later. I again look online before calling, but the person said the change would cost even more, around $4000 per passenger. I asked the reason why and they said that I had "I" fares, and for the ticket prices to be the same they would have to be the same "I" fares, but there were none available for the flights I wanted. I then declined and decided I needed to educate myself on airline fares.
I have since learned that even less expensive upper class fares are available on different days, and I started searching for a method whereby I could change my tickets with a minimum service charge.
So here's my question: Are there any methods to tell which fare level is being priced when I look online? Where can I educate myself about fare levels and how to save myself from paying unnecessary fees? I apologize if this is a duh-level topic, but until now I honestly thought there were only 3 fare levels: 1st class, business class, and economy. I would really appreciate any help anyone can give me. I've just now joined this board and none of my searches have produced a comprehensive answer.