I know that many people here like the ITA software web site for doing travel searches (beta.itasoftware.com).

But I haven't seen anyone mention the advanced search features that make the site really useful for finding MR itineraries. These are documented under "help" -> "extra for experts".

For example, you can type in "ABE::US US US US" in the "from" box and "LON::US US US US" in the "to" box. This will try to find the cheapest itinerary with four USAir flights in each direction [for the default dates in April right now, the best solution is $489].

This removes a lot of pain in finding interesting MRs.

Edited to note that the search is for USAir flights

[This message has been edited by USCheapskate (edited Mar 18, 2004).]

Thanks so much for this...it's already saved me heaps of time! (-:

Thanks much, this one of the most useful tips ( for me anyway) on these boards in while.
mike

I concur. Quite spiff-tacular. Route, route, route!

très cool
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cool.gif

Good Post ....
Is there is anyway that i can specify the number of stopover irrespective of airlines ?

thanks

Yes, just put in "X X X X" if you want 4 connections (stopovers are a different thing from connections).

Unfortunately, when you use "X" to mean any city the search engine often times out. I think the number of possibilities grows to quickly when you can connect anywhere at all on any airline.

Anything more than about 2 Xs per direction seems to fail, but you can specify particular airports as much as you want, e.g.:

From: NYC:: X HNL X
To: NRT

This means exactly one connection on the way to HNL and one more on the way to NRT on the outbound.

You can get arbitrarily complex:

From: NYC: :DL ATL DL+ CHI UA,AA DFW N
To: LAX

would mean:
- one DL flight NYC-ATL (nonstop)
- one or more DL flights ATL-CHI
- one UA or AA flight CHI-DFW (nonstop)
- one nonstop on any carrier DFW-LAX

It's extremely powerful.

(this particular search finds a $398 solution on DL and AA, going LGA-ATL-MDW-DFW-LAX on the outbound, and a nonstop LAX-JFK on the return)

[edited to keep ::D from being a smily]

[This message has been edited by USCheapskate (edited Mar 19, 2004).]

Thanks for this description - I added a link to this post & added it to the MR Tools Thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum124/HTML/007174.html).

THIS IS THE BEST!!! THANKS!

Cool post, better name!

Excellent tips, thanks!!!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Of course if you e-mail yourself a reminder about this thread, it looks like another piece of "spam" in the subject field. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

AMAZING! This is so much fun! Perfect!

Great tool! I haven't used this site before and it works like a charm. I could have added an additional 2000 miles to my upcoming run to London for the same price!

I thought I'd pass on the following airport code lists.

They're a help if you tend to search the same destinations for deals repeatedly. I created some of them with the help of the Great Circle Mapper (http://gc.kls2.com/)'s Range feature and the destination list for my airline, which happens to be AA. You may find them useful, particularly if you adjust them for your own origin city and airline (be sure to set option to search "or any airport within 300 miles"):

All US airports search (with any number of segments on AA) from NYC:
LAX;SFO;PHX;PDX;BOI;GEG;SLC;BIL;OKC; AUS;ELP;MIA;MEM;MSY;ATL;MSP;DSM;IND;DEN::AA+

AA Eur. (incl. codeshare, any number of segments on AA):
GLA;CDG;MAD;BER;FCO;NCE;ATH; IST;ARN;CPH;BUD;WAW;HEL::AA+

I keep these lists (and several others I have for other regions) in an Outlook Note, so they're handy. I just copy and paste the list I need when doing a search and adjust as necessary. When search results come up, I recommend clicking the "Airports" tab to get an overview of the fares available.

A tip for more advanced searches: remove 'minor' airports to add extra stuff at the end (e.g. connecting cities, etc.). For AA searches, for instance, BOI and GEG won't yield much anyway, so they're easily expendible.

Enjoy!

did give it a try using in the from box Ewr:UA UA but it offered me city choices not United ? humm must read more Cheers jane :)

Ewr:UA UA

Try two colons, i.e., EWR:: UA UA

Might do the trick.

This is great. Kudos to you for posting it.

This site seems great...except for one thing. It doesn't seem like you can actually book a flight on it.

What experiences have people had trying to find the same MR itin you generat on here on another site? Or is there something I'm missing as far as being able to buy on ITA?

Thanks,
ORD

Question....ITA shows a certain fare in 'T' class. If you attempt to book the same flights directly with the airline (Northwest), NW will only offer you a 'V' fare on some of the flights, thus making the fare about $40 higher.

Anyone know a solution to this problem?

-RM

What experiences have people had trying to find the same MR itin you generat on here on another site? Or is there something I'm missing as far as being able to buy on ITA?

I just put together my latest "mileage enhanced" trip with this tool and then e-mailed it to my company's travel agent. 30 minutes later she had it booked at the exact same price. And she didn't even blink even though the routing is SEA-PDX-SFO-LAS-ORD-YUL and YUL-ORD-SMF-SFO-PDX-SEA. :D
I couldn't get it done on expedia and ual.com priced the same trip at $400 more.
So my suggestion would be to find a travel agent to book it for you until ITA allows us to book there.

Remember that availability for seats is updated frequently, so just because it's available when you search for it, doesn't mean it will be available 5 minutes later. It's pretty likely that the exact flights you're looking for won't change, but it can happen.

Once you know that a certain itinerary exists, you can often trick one of the other travel websites into booking it for you. But sometimes ITA will produce solutions that are hard to book.

I doubt ITA will ever let you book on their site - Orbitz is one of their main customers (the Orbitz web site is based around an older version of their search engine), and it's not good to compete with your main customer...

Can someone post the link for me??

Sorry to be a pain, just I cant seem to find it


Many many thanks


Dave :)

Can someone post the link for me??

Sorry to be a pain, just I cant seem to find it


Many many thanks


Dave :)

I know that many people here like the ITA software web site for doing travel searches (beta.itasoftware.com).

Hope that helped

Great advice -- thanks for the tips!

aloha

Bump just too keep it up front

This is a great tool for finding mileage runs, however I can't find any flights operated by Singapore Airlines. I've tried multiple combinations of example code that I copied from FlyerTalk but cannot find one SQ flight. I even tried removing any carrier information from the request on a SYD-SIN sector and ITA gave me all other airlines except SQ. :confused:

Can ITA find SQ flights?

Interesting - even forcing to use SQ (::SQ code) doesnt return anything

I'm trying to price out SEA-NAS, and want to eliminate redeyes and prop planes, with a maximum duration of 12 hours transit time.

Why doesn't SEA:: / -redeye, -prop work? The syntax is accepted, but overnight and prop planes are prominent in the list!

And why does SEA:: / maxdur 720 give you NO flights even on one way itineraries, but SEA:: / maxdur 1400 gives you flights, even though there are many flights of less than 12 hours?

And how do you put all of this together on a round trip itinerary, allowing redeye one direction, but not the other?

Is there a short cut to limiting ITA searches to One World or Star Alliance members other than listing all the airlines individually?

Would certainly be helpful....

Dare I say it....in some ways this is even better than easySabre.

:( :( I do not see the option on ITA "extra for experts".. I went to help and could not find it can any one guide me to it thanks :confused:

:( :( I do not see the option on ITA "extra for experts".. I went to help and could not find it can any one guide me to it thanks :confused:

My Account, under Display Preferences. Its called "Availability Format".

-JC

Wide screen view | Modify search | Log out | Help | Comments | ITA Software
I do not have that option .. those are the only opitons that I have ..

User xxxx | Edit user account | Log out | Help | Comments | ITA Software

:confused: :confused:

Question....ITA shows a certain fare in 'T' class. If you attempt to book the same flights directly with the airline (Northwest), NW will only offer you a 'V' fare on some of the flights, thus making the fare about $40 higher.

Anyone know a solution to this problem?

-RM

Might have been that the "T" fare was available when run, but not when you tried to book the flight. BTW, I had to pay the extra $5 and use the res. line on NW to book my TPA/MSP/BIL/SEA/MSP/TPA 20 hr. MR - the choices on nwa.com didn't include any of the best choices (including a 30 hr. : TPA/IAH/MSP/SEA/MSP/EWR/TPA for 6612 miles).

Great tool! I owe (at least in part) my NW SE to the use of this!

-Ed

I just need some clarification.. Once I find the fair that I want ITA Software how do I book it ?

Thanks

I just need some clarification.. Once I find the fair that I want ITA Software how do I book it ?

Thanks

ITA doesn't let you book flights. You need to take the information from ITA (the fare basis code, etc) and go to a travel agent or Expedia/Travelocity to actually book the fare.

I just need some clarification.. Once I find the fair that I want ITA Software how do I book it ?

Thanks

If it's on NW, the best bet is to call the reservations line and tell them that you found a fare that doesn't come up on nwa.com - unless you're PE, it will cost the $5 booking fee.

I would imagine this would work with any of the airlines' res. lines, but my only experience is with NW.

-Ed

Thank you very much for the reply as u c i am still learning

Thanks

Can someone explain to me exactly what the "fare basis code" is.

Can someone explain to me exactly what the "fare basis code" is.

A fare basis code looks like "T53JKM" or "LM432B". It is how airlines attach names to different pricings for tickets. The first letter is the booking class of the ticket, which usually identifies whether it has restrictions or what class it is.

Also, each basis code has rules attached to them which dictate what flights and routings can use that fare (price). If you find a particular price (fare basis code) that you like for your flight, you can request that the travel agent use the same code which allows them to locate that particular fare quickly and avoid searching themselves for it.

In a bit of a hurry tonight, so hopefully that explains it enough to give you an idea of what a fare basis code is.

Also, you may want to try going to google.com and searching for:

what is a fare basis code?

For a pure MR, this would not be the tool, correct?

Is it possible to specify a stopover in a city for a nominated amount of time?

For example: SFO-ORD, stop for six hours, then continue on to IAD.

nevermind.

Is there any way to specify a group of cities for a connection?

For example, suppose I want to fly from ORD to LAX via either SFO, PDX, SEA, SAN, SNA, SJC or OAK, and then return nonstop from LAX to ORD (with all flights on United). I tried the following, but got an "unable to process your request" error:

To: ORD::UA+ SFO;PDX;SEA;SAN;SNA;SJC;OAK
From: LAX::UA+

Can this be done?

Is there any way to specify a group of cities for a connection?

For example, suppose I want to fly from ORD to LAX via either SFO, PDX, SEA, SAN, SNA, SJC or OAK, and then return nonstop from LAX to ORD (with all flights on United). I tried the following, but got an "unable to process your request" error:

To: ORD::UA+ SFO;PDX;SEA;SAN;SNA;SJC;OAK
From: LAX::UA+

Can this be done?
Commas, not semicolons.

Commas, not semicolons.

Thanks! Works like a charm.

I know that many people here like the ITA software web site for doing travel searches (beta.itasoftware.com).

But I haven't seen anyone mention the advanced search features that make the site really useful for finding MR itineraries. These are documented under "help" -> "extra for experts".

For example, you can type in "ABE::US US US US" in the "from" box and "LON::US US US US" in the "to" box. This will try to find the cheapest itinerary with four USAir flights in each direction [for the default dates in April right now, the best solution is $489].

This removes a lot of pain in finding interesting MRs.

Edited to note that the search is for USAir flights

[This message has been edited by USCheapskate (edited Mar 18, 2004).]


I've tried the ITA software search just like you said, even with the two colons, but it's not working, are there any space between the city name and airline code? is it ABE::USUSUS, or ABE:: us us us ?

I've tried the ITA software search just like you said, even with the two colons, but it's not working, are there any space between the city name and airline code? is it ABE::USUSUS, or ABE:: us us us ?

It's with spaces: ABE::<space>US<space>US<space>US

As USCheapskate mentions, try reading up on the ITA Route Language; it's really interesting what you can do.

Click Help on the top-right of the main window, then read through the topics listed in the yellow box. The link titled The ITA Route Language has lots of examples you can copy and paste into your browser.

Good luck! :)

Is it possible to specify a stopover in a city for a nominated amount of time?

For example: SFO-ORD, stop for six hours, then continue on to IAD.

Bump!

I just noticed that nobody replied to my question on Dec 04. Does that mean it's not possible to specify a stopover?

I haven't seen any way to do this with ITA.

I am new to posting on this forum so please be patient with me. I have read this thread over and over I am not getting it. I do not see the option on ITA "extra for experts".. I went to help and could not find it. Can any one guide me to it. I tried User xxxx | Edit user account | Log out | Help | Comments | ITA Software and still there is nothing under help. Thanks so much. :confused:

I am not very familiar with it either but worked fine when I went in as a guest. Learned that I should have read this before booking my trip. THANKS OP!

I am trying to use the Ita to search for
bos::us us us
bwi::us us us
(this means 3 segments each way from BOS to BWI on US)
leaving Jan 26 and either coming back same day or next day. I'm pretty sure the schedule is so that you could do BOS>LGA>PHL>BWI, however, I keep getting no flights found on the ITA tool. I double checked the syntax and I think I am entering the request correctly. Any ideas?

I am trying to use the Ita to search for
bos::us us us
bwi::us us us
(this means 3 segments each way from BOS to BWI on US)
leaving Jan 26 and either coming back same day or next day. I'm pretty sure the schedule is so that you could do BOS>LGA>PHL>BWI, however, I keep getting no flights found on the ITA tool. I double checked the syntax and I think I am entering the request correctly. Any ideas?

There are to many variables for it to figure out. Ifyou looking for that, do bos:: us lga us+ or something like that, and then work up from there. I have found that finding the cheapest and then working with it specifically can get the desired results. Especially if you get a specific flight number involved, which will also help you get a stopover

I am new to posting on this forum so please be patient with me. I have read this thread over and over I am not getting it. I do not see the option on ITA "extra for experts".. I went to help and could not find it. Can any one guide me to it. I tried User xxxx | Edit user account | Log out | Help | Comments | ITA Software and still there is nothing under help. Thanks so much. :confused:

After you log in at beta.itasoftware.com, click "Help" in the upper-right, then look at the bottom option in the yellow box titled "The ITA Route Language"

I have a question. I've been trying various numbers of stops to get the most miles from BNA to MAD. I want to know if the miles in the trip details :
Nashville, TN to Madrid, Spain: 4428 miles
is how many miles we would earn. Specifically, with three stops, does that 4428 include the two 500mile minimums, or is it just total miles in distance?
Just trying to decide if an extra stop is worth it. I'm thinking two is going to be enough.
thanks

I have a question. I've been trying various numbers of stops to get the most miles from BNA to MAD. I want to know if the miles in the trip details :
Nashville, TN to Madrid, Spain: 4428 miles
is how many miles we would earn. Specifically, with three stops, does that 4428 include the two 500mile minimums, or is it just total miles in distance?
Just trying to decide if an extra stop is worth it. I'm thinking two is going to be enough.
thanks

ITA gives you the real miles, not including the 500 mile minimum (that varies sometimes). I always calculate from the book but you can also use: http://www.faremetrics.com/
BNA-MAD, I did this last year, enjoy!

When doing a multiple city destination search, is there any way to force ITA to show the return from the same city of arrival?

For example, I type in LAX;BUR;ONT;SNA;SFO;OAK;etc. into the destination field, looking for the lowest airport to fly to for a potential MR, and it will often show a flight into one airport and out of another.

When doing a multiple city destination search, is there any way to force ITA to show the return from the same city of arrival?

For example, I type in LAX;BUR;ONT;SNA;SFO;OAK;etc. into the destination field, looking for the lowest airport to fly to for a potential MR, and it will often show a flight into one airport and out of another.


Yes. On the query page, click on "more options," just above the "go" button. A "cabin" pulldown and two boxes should appear. Make sure the "allow airport changes" box is UNchecked.

Is there a way to have the results return with (in my case) UA metal instead of codeshares?

Is there a way to have the results return with (in my case) UA metal instead of codeshares?

I think this works: When you plug in the carrier, instead of "UA+," input "O:UA+"

Bump!

I just noticed that nobody replied to my question on Dec 04. Does that mean it's not possible to specify a stopover?

you can do mulit city then specify a time.

I think this works: When you plug in the carrier, instead of "UA+," input "O:UA+"

I don't quite understand. I would put in something like this:

From BDL:: O:UA UA UA UA
To FRA:: O:UA UA UA UA

I get all sorts of USAir and Lufthansa flights.

What am I doing wrong?

From the ITA route language:

O:<carrier> O:AA Flight actually operated by (as opposed to a codeshare or subsidiary carrier) the specified carrier

O:<carrier>, ... O:AA,CO,DL Flight actually operated by (as opposed to a codeshare or subsidiary carrier) one of the specified carriers

http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/help/advanced-topics

So, you'd want to type
BDL:: O:UA O:UA O:UA+
FRA:: O:UA O:UA O:UA+

I don't quite understand. I would put in something like this:

From BDL:: O:UA UA UA UA
To FRA:: O:UA UA UA UA

I get all sorts of USAir and Lufthansa flights.

What am I doing wrong?

Try it as:
From BDL:: O:UA O:UA O:UA O:UA
To FRA:: O:UA O:UA O:UA O:UA

If your search, you're only specifying that the first flight must be UA metal, but the remaining three flights can be codeshare. You should specify that all flights must be UA metal.

Also, note that when using the the O:UA modifier and you may be booked on a partner codeshare flight , but the flight will be on UA metal.

Thanks. That helps a great deal. ^

I'm trying to figure out the ITA format for the following search, but I can't seem to get the right result:

I am searching for a good mileage run between BTR and BOS on AA. I am entering:

BTR::US US US
BOS:US US US

But, i am getting inconsistent results. Is this right? Also, how can I limit the search just to AA?

I'm trying to figure out the ITA format for the following search, but I can't seem to get the right result:

I am searching for a good mileage run between BTR and BOS on AA. I am entering:

BTR::US US US
BOS:US US US

But, i am getting inconsistent results. Is this right? Also, how can I limit the search just to AA?

You need 2 colons, and a space afterwards.

BTR:: US US US
BOS:: US US US

To limit to AA... well, just use AA instead of US.

The US is just plain wrong if you want AA

use
btr:: aa+
bos:: aa+

or
btr:: aa aa aa to force three segments

The US is just plain wrong if you want AA

use
btr:: aa+
bos:: aa+

or
btr:: aa aa aa to force three segments

You can also force the search to aa metal with o:aa.

will use it next year....thx

This looks like an amazing way to earn the segments I need -
But what happens to checked luggage on these convoluted itineraries?

I'm considering using this approach for the return trips on business travel (when I don't mind connections because delays aren't as meaningful)

But I almost always check my rollerboard on the way home to save energy.

If I check luggage on a convoluted itinerary like this (LGA::UA UA UA UA) does it actually hop with me on each flight? Or does it go direct from LGA to Denver?

If I check luggage on a convoluted itinerary like this (LGA::UA UA UA UA) does it actually hop with me on each flight? Or does it go direct from LGA to Denver?Your luggage would be routed the same way you are routed.

Warning: Most mileage runners avoid checking luggage like the plague. You really should think twice - maybe three times - before checking luggage on a mileage run of any "quality" or "substance".

Great info and help!

Does the system allow search for a carrier within certain bookin classes:
eg. UA in W-class?

TIA.

Yes, for example

From LHR:: BA / f bc=W
To ORD

Need spaces either side of the / and the f. This will find all BA flights from LHR to ORD in class W.

You can extend this by for example

From LHR:: BA / f bc=W|bc=T
To ORD

finds all BA LHR-ORD in W or T. (The | on my keyboard is next to the Z but it may be different for a US keyboard.)

Hi,

I'm new to MR, and have read through the basic, but somehow I'm lost at using ITA. I went to the ITA link but it doesn't have the language used as described here, but instead seem to be just like other travel website with max of 4 segments for multi-city planning. Am I missing something here? Also, from my understanding from reading all these, the only way to actually book an MR trip is still going through the airline reservation or a travel agent. Am I right? Thanks so much.

Hi,

I'm new to MR, and have read through the basic, but somehow I'm lost at using ITA. I went to the ITA link but it doesn't have the language used as described here, but instead seem to be just like other travel website with max of 4 segments for multi-city planning. Am I missing something here? Also, from my understanding from reading all these, the only way to actually book an MR trip is still going through the airline reservation or a travel agent. Am I right? Thanks so much.
The real advantage is being able to see multiple connections for a trip (often at the same fare as a one or no connection flight).

For example my last TPA/PHL round trip was found using this tool: TPA/IAH/DTW/PHL - PHL/CVG/IAH/TPA on NW flights (2 NW metal/2CO metal/2 DL metal segments) which was the same base fare as what the cheapest flights on NW's web site were, but with the maximum mileage for the dates I needed to fly. I did have to pay the $10 booking fee for calling NW's res line, and a little higher taxes/fees for the extra stops, but it was well worth the extra mikes. I found them by entering this phrase into the from box: TPA ::NW NW NW NW (keep the spacing the way it is - I keep " ::NW NW NW NW" as my bookmark name for ITA, so I always have the correct search terms - use fewer NWs to search for only two or three segment flights) and this into the to box: PHL ::NW NW NW NW. When you make a choice that you want, just click on "Show booking details" before you call the airline res line in case they can't pull up the same fare (NW has always been able to find it and the same price for me).

Often the fare is quite higher, especially for the four segment each way fares, but when it's not (and I even had one that was cheaper), it really racks up the EQM/EQS for a good price. One word of caution, watch out for the partner rules (EQM on CO metal and EQS on DL segments) for the fare(s) under which you are ticketed.

You can also use a travel agent to book them for you, but have the booking details available for them. I've also used travel agents in the past to find me extra connections at the same fare.

As for the language, it's partially explained here: http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/help/advanced-topics (from the original post in the Mileage Run Tools, Part 2 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312559) thread.

I use Ita to find general a-b flight prices, but from what I read I can "force" it to find specific fares.
Can anyone show what I would enter to find the "free" aadvantage seats from azo to bon? I think they are T fares, but not absolutely sure.
I have entered several search strings, but it keeps coming up no flights found. I am sure at least in summer there should be some, but none come up.I HAVE re-read the wiki several times, but am probably entering something wrong. Can anyone have mercy on dense ole me?:D

I use Ita to find general a-b flight prices, but from what I read I can "force" it to find specific fares.
Can anyone show what I would enter to find the "free" aadvantage seats from azo to bon? I think they are T fares, but not absolutely sure.
I have entered several search strings, but it keeps coming up no flights found. I am sure at least in summer there should be some, but none come up.I HAVE re-read the wiki several times, but am probably entering something wrong. Can anyone have mercy on dense ole me?:D

Our website only shows results with prices (that is, fare amounts in liquid currency, not in frequent flyer miles).

Depending on the airline and their policy about where they display their award availability, it may be possible to use some other tool that shows availability directly. But the ITA site does not offer any such option (even for the airlines who use us to drive the frequent flyer portion of their websites).

Sorry for the inconvenience.

well, bad news...but thanks for the info, I have spent a LOT of time trying to find that info on ITA and now can try other ways . Guess the best way is constant calls 330 days ahead of time.

I'm a newbie, so I hope that you take pity on me. I've read through several long strings concerning various MR tools. I've been trying to use ITA to determine if there are valid flights for a MR. Right now, I'm still trying to make sure that I can use the tools properly (and that I'm using the right tools).

As an example, I've been using the following as a very simple MR to take advantage of the low LAX-FRA fares on UA.

I input into ITA

From: SDF:: ORD LAX
To: FRA

However, the ITA software gives me the response "NO TRIPS FOUND. I'm sorry, we could not find answers to your query."

Yet, when I enter the same itinerary into Travelocity as a multi-destination flight (out on Feb 7th and return on Feb 11th), it prices the trip to $696 on UA.

Are there any tricks to making ITA work with these types of trips? Or, should I be using a different tool/website?

Any help would be appreciated.

I'm a newbie, so I hope that you take pity on me. I've read through several long strings concerning various MR tools. I've been trying to use ITA to determine if there are valid flights for a MR. Right now, I'm still trying to make sure that I can use the tools properly (and that I'm using the right tools).

As an example, I've been using the following as a very simple MR to take advantage of the low LAX-FRA fares on UA.

I input into ITA

From: SDF:: ORD LAX
To: FRA

However, the ITA software gives me the response "NO TRIPS FOUND. I'm sorry, we could not find answers to your query."

Yet, when I enter the same itinerary into Travelocity as a multi-destination flight (out on Feb 7th and return on Feb 11th), it prices the trip to $696 on UA.

Are there any tricks to making ITA work with these types of trips? Or, should I be using a different tool/website?

Any help would be appreciated.


I find that sometimes I get that funny error. The best workaround I have is to close the browser and reopen.

Also, entering specific airlines will help you find what you want. from SDF::ua+ ord ua+ lax ua will help narrow down to what you want

Yet, when I enter the same itinerary into Travelocity as a multi-destination flight (out on Feb 7th and return on Feb 11th), it prices the trip to $696 on UA.

Are there any tricks to making ITA work with these types of trips? Or, should I be using a different tool/website?

Any help would be appreciated.

Have you tried using the multi-city feature in ITA?

I entered the suggested

SDF:: UA+ ORD UA+ LAX UA
FRA

But, still no luck. I still got the message:

No Trips Found

* I'm sorry, we could not find answers to your query.

I then tried the multi-segment date specific option. I entered:

Segment 1

SDF:: UA+ ORD UA+
LAX

Date: 2/7

Segment 2:
LAX:: UA
FRA

Date 2/7

Segment 3:
FRA
SDF

Date 2/11

That seemed to do the trick and allowed me to bring up the flights. Is that what was meant by "multi-city" option?

I guess I'll need to play around a little more to get the hang of it.

Ubersurfer,

I used the exact text in your first message and got good flights via ITA - Feb 7 to Feb 11. The cheapest one was a United at $590.

Any chance in your actual attempt you had some tiny typo like a semi-colon instead of a colon, or something else very sneaky? Any changes to any of the other default fields?

It seems to be a phenomenally powerful tool, but is very syntax sensitive.

Or maybe the fare rules changed? I found a very convoluted route last November that just isn't there any more.

I'm pretty much of a rookie also, but a retired techie and from that standpoint I can say your approach is very good. With the whole fare situation so fluid, lots of trial and error and building muscle is the way to go. And checking against other products, and reading FT a lot, including your particular group of airlines forums.

Romelle

Trying to use the simple return screen for creating trips with stopovers. It is possible to enter individual flight numbers, which ITA will select. But is there code where you specify a flight number, but for the next day (ie over 24 hours).

Example::
LAX:: AC5036 AC4608(PLUS 1 DAY) AC1176 AC860(PLUS 1 DAY)
LHR::


Also how can you specify multiple fare classes and carriers on a single line?

Example:
LAX:: AC(M) YVR AC(L) LHR BA(I)
MUC:: BA(I) LHR AC(L) YVR AC(M)

Trying to use the simple return screen for creating trips with stopovers. It is possible to enter individual flight numbers, which ITA will select. But is there code where you specify a flight number, but for the next day (ie over 24 hours).

Example::
LAX:: AC5036 AC4608(PLUS 1 DAY) AC1176 AC860(PLUS 1 DAY)
LHR::


Also how can you specify multiple fare classes and carriers on a single line?

Example:
LAX:: AC(M) YVR AC(L) LHR BA(I)
MUC:: BA(I) LHR AC(L) YVR AC(M)

I'm afraid there's no way to get this level of control currently.

If you just restrict the flights, it's quite likely we'll consider one and two day stops with those flights, but there's no way to force us to only consider such stops.

There's no way to specify booking class per flight segment.

I'm afraid there's no way to get this level of control currently.

If you just restrict the flights, it's quite likely we'll consider one and two day stops with those flights, but there's no way to force us to only consider such stops.

There's no way to specify booking class per flight segment.

Thanks for the reply - BTW you have a fantastic program!!

I have noticed recently that ITA is indicating incorrect availability.

Here are some flights that ITA indicates there is space in A:

Mar 30 SFO-YVR AC563 and AC565
Aug 1 YVR-LHR AC854 and AC896
Aug 16 LHR-YVR AC855

ITA is returning a fare in A - but there is no A class available on the segments on Mar 30 and Aug 1st using these flight numbers.

BTW this is a good fare and prices around $830 AI if A is available.

I have selected "check seat availability button"

Thanks for letting us know about this problem, Argonaut1000!

We were able to track down and correct an issue that affected availability on AC.

We welcome feedback from FlyerTalk whenever you have problems with our site.

I found a thread that describes how to look for fares by fare class for each airline.

If I want to fly on Cathay Pacific (CX) in H fare economy class, how do I enter that into ITA?

I found a thread that describes how to look for fares by fare class for each airline.

If I want to fly on Cathay Pacific (CX) in H fare economy class, how do I enter that into ITA?

For Return trip - H in both directions
YVR:: CX / F BC=H
HKG:: CX / F BC=H

ITA is such a wonderful tool and I am always trying to learn its capabilities. One problem is that its features seem scattered over many documents and threads.

Os is there one document somewhere that lists all of the syntax? I am interested in both the trip part (just after :: ) and the fare part (after /), and of course any neat tricks of trade.

Thanks.

The FAQ on the ITA website will help you with all your syntax needs. Click help and then the last link 'ITA Route Language' will explain all the advanced options.

http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/help/advanced-topics;jsessionid=97F4983450516B1577994B69A43B2CDD

Hi

Ive been entering the following on the roundtrip or oneway tab of the month long search with no avail =

LAX:: CX / F BC=(Premium fares such as A, F, J, D, I, C)
HKG:: CX / F BC=(Premium fares such as A, F, J, D, I, C)

Ive also tried deleting everything after CX on the TO: portion for oneway searches.

CX was just an example tried UA and JL and still same result = "Sorry we could not find answer to your query."

Am I doing something wrong here?

Is there a way to find the cheapest premium fare between cities on a 30 day callender?

Thanks

I guess this is a question for the Mods:

I'm just curious, how come this thread is kept in the MR "Deals" forum... when all other non deal-specific threads have been moved to the "Discussion" forum?

:confused:

Hi

Ive been entering the following on the roundtrip or oneway tab of the month long search with no avail =

LAX:: CX / F BC=(Premium fares such as A, F, J, D, I, C)
HKG:: CX / F BC=(Premium fares such as A, F, J, D, I, C)

Ive also tried deleting everything after CX on the TO: portion for oneway searches.

CX was just an example tried UA and JL and still same result = "Sorry we could not find answer to your query."

Am I doing something wrong here?

Is there a way to find the cheapest premium fare between cities on a 30 day callender?

Thanks
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=800108

The FAQ on the ITA website will help you with all your syntax needs.

I wish. Actually it is pretty basic (by ITA standards) and does not cover many powerful features which are passed along person to person in FT posts. :)

KL808

Currently ITA does not support the search you want.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9391271&postcount=6

Suggestion to ITA: Instead of a bland and confusing "No flights found" response when people attempt such a search, why not tell them that such a search is not supported at present.

Did a search and could not find the answer: is it possible to tell the ITA software to exclude code share flights?? The DO have a certain airline's flight number, but are operated on another airline's metal. the O: option does not accomplish this.

Thanks in advance

Did you try without space? ("O:xx" instead of "O: xx", for instance.) Search result will be different.

KL808

Currently ITA does not support the search you want.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9391271&postcount=6

Suggestion to ITA: Instead of a bland and confusing "No flights found" response when people attempt such a search, why not tell them that such a search is not supported at present.

Thanks for the suggestion; we'll see what we can do.

Please do keep in mind, though, that you're using undocumented features of the website that we never really intended to support fully.

I wish. Actually it is pretty basic (by ITA standards) and does not cover many powerful features which are passed along person to person in FT posts. :)

There has been some internal debate here as to how much of this functionality we should support and/or document. The route language part (the portion between the "::" and the "/") is documented pretty well, but the rest (after the "/") is not documented in any public place.

Did a search and could not find the answer: is it possible to tell the ITA software to exclude code share flights?? The DO have a certain airline's flight number, but are operated on another airline's metal. the O: option does not accomplish this.

Thanks in advance

There's another undocumented feature that does this, the "-codeshare" flag.

You can use it like this:
From: BOS::US+ / -codeshare
To: CHI

The route language part (the portion between the "::" and the "/") is documented pretty well, but the rest (after the "/") is not documented in any public place.

How much effort would it be put it all in one place? I would happy to help if needed.

Features on my wish list:

1. Distance, cost/mile columns and the ability to sort according to them.

2. A truly flexible date search. Currently we need to specify the trip length, so the return is not truly flexible. I understand that you can't check seat availability in such a situation.

How much effort would it be put it all in one place? I would happy to help if needed.


The documentation exists, but is not public.


Features on my wish list:

1. Distance, cost/mile columns and the ability to sort according to them.


This would not be too hard to add, but it would not include things like 500-mile minimums or different mileage computations that some airlines do for "direct" flights with stops.


2. A truly flexible date search. Currently we need to specify the trip length, so the return is not truly flexible. I understand that you can't check seat availability in such a situation.

It's not just about availability, it's about conserving processing resources. Our existing "month-long search" already takes a LOT more processing resources than the single-day searches do. If we opened it up completely we'd probably have to buy 10 times as much processing hardware to back the site.

The documentation exists, but is not public.

In that case, I for one would certainly urge you to release it. What is the point in revealing it one command at a time? :)

[Total miles and CPM] would not be too hard to add, but it would not include things like 500-mile minimums or different mileage computations that some airlines do for "direct" flights with stops.

I understand, you can't be expected to do calculations tailored to specific loyalty programs. However, a basic idea of total miles flown or cost/mile would still help people.

[Flex date searching is] not just about availability, it's about conserving processing resources. Our existing "month-long search" already takes a LOT more processing resources than the single-day searches do. If we opened it up completely we'd probably have to buy 10 times as much processing hardware to back the site.

You may well be right, but I would like to understand thos a little better. Do you mean that (a) one month-long search takes much more time than one specific-date search, or (b) month-long searches as a group are consuming more resources than specific-date searches?

Right now, as you don't have a six-month search, to take one example, I end up doing six one-month searches. Not sure if that saves any resources. Similarly, if you didn't have the month-search, I would probably end up doing a large number of specific date searches to get an idea.

OTOH, some times I am only interested in a 15-day period, but end up doing month-long search, which is sort of wasteful.

So my gut feeling is that if you let people choose the time frame they are interested in, that might not be too bad for resources. This could at least be worth a pilot program.

However, I would agree that that if people are checking wide horizons, it is impractical to check seat availability. Give them the fares and let them pick what interests them, and then check seats in the next round.

PS. I know some people here will feel like lynching me for saying this, but I find ITA to be a valuable tool and wouldn't mind if there was "premium" version with modest subscription rate if it also contained the functionality we presently find at Expert Flyer (booking code availability).

You may well be right, but I would like to understand thos a little better. Do you mean that (a) one month-long search takes much more time than one specific-date search, or (b) month-long searches as a group are consuming more resources than specific-date searches?


(a) is the main factor. (b) is also true, because of (a).

At a very basic level, the difficulty of the search depends on the product of the time windows. So a 30-day search with two possible return dates for each outbound day is (naively) 60 times harder than a search with single-day outbound and return. Now, there are some clever things that you can do to make it not really 60 times harder, but it's no where near as easy as a single-day search.

Changing the search so that it does 30 days with 30 possible return dates for each day, would make it 900 times harder than a single-day search (or 15 times harder than our current calendar). We'd have to make up for that by buying more hardware and/or having searches take a lot longer. Making the searches much larger in that way might also run into internal resource constraints on the existing hardware (memory and such), so it's not clear it would even be possible.

Compared to the processing cost, availability checking is basically free.

hacker: (n) 2. One who programs enthusiastically (even obsessively)... The Jargon FileThis url (http://jargon.watson-net.com/jargon.asp?w=hacker) appears not to work on my system....

PS. I know some people here will feel like lynching me for saying this, but I find ITA to be a valuable tool and wouldn't mind if there was "premium" version with modest subscription rate if it also contained the functionality we presently find at Expert Flyer (booking code availability).Yup, I would be one of them!

On ITA, how would I specify that at least one of my segments be on DL? If I only want DL, I can do something like:

BDL:: DL+
COO:: DL+

But, what if I want at least one segment to be DL and the other(s) can be any airline?

On ITA...what if I want at least one segment to be DL and the other(s) can be any airline?

How about: F* DL F*

How about: F* DL F*Works great! Thanks!

I have 2 routings that work well as simple RT fares, but I would like to combine them so that they can be booked on a single ticket for luggage interlining and "protection" in the event of a late connection.

It's easy to book EWR-LHR RT as a business fare on CO in book code R. It's also easy to seperately book LHR-BUD + FCO-LHR on BA in booking code=O. I've tried to combine them as follows

Jan 17
From: EWR :: co / f bc=r
To: LHR :: co / f bc=r
Jan 18
From: LHR :: ba / f bc=o
To: BUD :: ba / f bc=o
Jan 25
From: FCO :: ba / f bc=o
To: LHR :: ba / f bc=o
Jan 25
From: LHR :: co / f bc=r
To: EWR :: co / f bc=r

When I do this, I receive a "no Trips Found" error message. ANy suggestions of what I'm doing wrong or is this an impossible query?

I have 2 routings that work well as simple RT fares, but I would like to combine them so that they can be booked on a single ticket for luggage interlining and "protection" in the event of a late connection.


I'm not sure why you are trying to for ITA to show it that way. If you know that the flights are there and that the fares are there, why not go directly to a booking engine? A decent multi-city search should be able to piece it together. If you want to talk to a human to do it you can try the co.com hold + support desk trick to have them add the BA segments once you've got the CO segments reserved and priced correctly.

There is also a small chance that the R and O fares do not allow end-on-end pricing, but I'd be surprised by that.

I'm not sure why you are trying to for ITA to show it that way. If you know that the flights are there and that the fares are there, why not go directly to a booking engine? A decent multi-city search should be able to piece it together. If you want to talk to a human to do it you can try the co.com hold + support desk trick to have them add the BA segments once you've got the CO segments reserved and priced correctly.

There is also a small chance that the R and O fares do not allow end-on-end pricing, but I'd be surprised by that.

I'll give it a chance.

BTW. Do you know whether you can add a paid segment to a mileage award flight again so that luggage is interlined, etc.?

Do you know of any booking engines where you can specify the cabin by segment? I want to specify business for TATL segments and coach for european segments.

The ONCLON fare you're looking for on BA within Europe has this rule text:

END-ON-END
END-ON-END COMBINATIONS PERMITTED WITH BA FARES WITHIN
EUROPE. VALIDATE ALL FARE COMPONENTS. TRAVEL MUST BE VIA
THE POINT OF COMBINATION.

This means that no other carrier may appear on the same ticket with these BA fares. You'll have to buy it as two tickets, or go to a more expensive fare class on BA.

The ONCLON fare you're looking for on BA within Europe has this rule text:

END-ON-END
END-ON-END COMBINATIONS PERMITTED WITH BA FARES WITHIN
EUROPE. VALIDATE ALL FARE COMPONENTS. TRAVEL MUST BE VIA
THE POINT OF COMBINATION.

This means that no other carrier may appear on the same ticket with these BA fares. You'll have to buy it as two tickets, or go to a more expensive fare class on BA.


thanks for translating. I'll guess I'll take my chances. What do you think about a 2 hour connection from CO to BA at LHR going, and a 2 hour 20 minute connection returning?

Do you know of any booking engines where you can specify the cabin by segment? I want to specify business for TATL segments and coach for european segments.

co.com does this... our internal one at work does as well.

When I use the TA's at work, either the fare books cheaper with all segments in the same class, or if a segment is not part of a connecting flight (like a stopover outside the 4 hour window) then it messes up the pricing for the whole thing - I usually have to hold everything separately and then call the travel desk and have them sort it out. I assume if you pay for Sabre you could do this.

co.com does this... our internal one at work does as well.

When I use the TA's at work, either the fare books cheaper with all segments in the same class, or if a segment is not part of a connecting flight (like a stopover outside the 4 hour window) then it messes up the pricing for the whole thing - I usually have to hold everything separately and then call the travel desk and have them sort it out. I assume if you pay for Sabre you could do this.

Yes CO.com does it, but only for Skyteam partners and even for that it sometimes bugs out for multi-city searches. Often it calls them open-jaw even when they are not. Oh Well............