Fare code proliferation...

I'm seeing all sorts of new ones springing up... E and U in economy, I've seen a C quoted in UC, and the VS earnings table even mentions use of A as a reward fare.

Now, aside from giving Pete a headache as he attempts to keep the fare code table up to date, is there any obvious rationale for these extras? I know the theory about swapping codes out (e.g. R for I) in anticipation of an alliance tie-up, but I'm especially surprised at just how many Y codes there now seem to be... at one point I'd hoped that the R introduction might lower the starting price for upgradeable fares, but not seen any evidence of that so far !

RC

I noticed the mention of the A code too.

I can't think what other explanation there can be other than aligning codes with (potential) partners. ?|

I didn't understand what you meant about R fares and upgrades. Do you mean you hoped it might bump down the L fares which are the lowest upgradeable ones?

Yep, that was what I meant about the R code (in its new Y incarnation). I think the original suggestion was that it was going to sit below L as the 4th code, but upgradeable... as it happened it's now pushed L down to 4th spot. Sadly with no obvious lowering of L fares...

The C is a curious one though, given that it's not even mentioned on the earning tables - looks like it could be positioned between a D and J for cost...

Isn't 'C' used for Business Class on some airlines? I recall being in 'C' on LX (which was really a 'Z' after they rejigged the codes)

'A' on LH is used for reward tickets in First ...

C is definaely used on some airlines as paid for Business class.
I have sen Z used as mileage F class.

Interestingly I is used by many *A carriers for business mileage tickets but VS introducing this is purely co-incidence....

Isn't 'C' used for Business Class on some airlines?

Yes, that's right.

The C is a curious one though, given that it's not even mentioned on the earning tables - looks like it could be positioned between a D and J for cost

You're right -- look on the earnings calculator for an Upper Class (flexible) fare -- it lists codes J,C,D.

Good spot... one little mention of that code. I'm sure the rest of the website will catch up at some point. I suppose the only real point of interest there will be if it's eligible for companion ticket usage - would be good to have a financially viable option for that...

Good spot... one little mention of that code. I'm sure the rest of the website will catch up at some point. I suppose the only real point of interest there will be if it's eligible for companion ticket usage - would be good to have a financially viable option for that...

Good point, companion vouchers in UC are really not much use, the only times I fly on a J fare are at short notice for short periods, not the kind of trips that the no. 1 wants to join me on ... hence I have never used one.

All I can say is that there has to be some rhyme and reason for this ... :w

[Neil]

There have been, and continue to be, lots of changes with the fare codes. We are trying to keep on top of them and get the info from VS as to all the relevant rules/conditions but it's not easy.

R seems to have moved into Economy?

J C D I Z W S K Y B R L U M E Q X N O

R seems to have moved into Economy?

J C D I Z W S K Y B R L U M E Q X N O

Yes it does - well spotted and see here.

So in UC C and I are new, we assume I replaces R and C has different terms associated with it.

Also note that in the VS earn miles table there is also H in PE, so it's:

Upper Class - J C D I Z
Premium Economy - W S K H
Economy - Y B R L U M E Q X N O

We are trying to keep on top of them and get the info from VS as to all the relevant rules/conditions but it's not easy.

Thanks Neil - be fascinating to have the detail when VS release it!

[Neil]

H is the VH PE code and has been that for a while.
P is now the PE reward fare code.

I am intrigued by the U code in Economy. Does anyone know anything about that?

My curiosity isn't just idle. Earlier this week I bought an economy ticket upgraded with miles to UC. The economy fare (just fare, exc. taxes etc.) was exactly £100 cheaper than the L fare for the trip and despite a bit of playing around I couldn't produce an equivalent fare with any other known code. I can't understand why it was so cheap -- unless U is a new upgradeable economy code?

As I mentioned earlier, I am also intrigued by the A code on the link provided by slinky. I wonder what that is...

Are the fare codes the same across all airlines?

I ask because I am booked On Etihad to Krabi next week and have all Cs out but all Ws on the way back, yet both are Pearl Business.

Are the fare codes the same across all airlines?

I ask because I am booked On Etihad to Krabi next week and have all Cs out but all Ws on the way back, yet both are Pearl Business.

They should be it would make things so much easier if they all meant the same thing even if it was jst in terms of cabins and not miles etc.

Most of the questions I seem to see on flyertalk are related to fare codes and if they are upgradable or not.

H is the VH PE code and has been that for a while.
P is now the PE reward fare code.

Ah VH, a complete mystery to me ):