Below is our growing glossary of terms used by frequent flyers and travelers alike. This list was inspired, in part, by a member of the FlyerTalk community who wrote to us about deciphering the comically absurd lingo of the frequent traveler. Here's a brief example of life in the fast lane:
"FWIW, I resent being called SLF, typically fly UA C from DEN to HKG, SYD, LHR, LIS and many others and have been UA 1P FF for the last 10 years. I never use ITN, have never done a MHD, don't really want to be a VFF because of family but am jealous of 1K SWUs and HK49s. I have flown only 6 *A partners and like UD on the 744. I frequently UG Y to F (many times from B, M & K), don't worry about EMR at altitude and find WSJ difficult in small-pitch rows. I have not yet memorized FARs, don't know anyone at the FAA and highly respect most FAs. I always try to see my PNR and always use the UA RCC when I have the time. I really like CTOs and use only two CCs. I am fascinated watching my TA use her CRS and am not concerned whether the left seat is on ILS or VFR. I prefer heavy AC and am not yet a member of the MHC (darn!). I am cool with F/O handling T/O and enjoy ATC on channel 9. I am grateful for E+ and MRTC and am pondering a RTW soon. I am finally getting used to EGRs but don't trust ETAs. I can find the record locator on any tix and don't care if it's FBW, FBY or hydraulic. I slightly fear DL's RPU. I miss MCOs issued for CC tix and always do RT, not O/W."
- Thanks to FlyerTalker, R. A. Davis
Please enjoy our listing of terms related to frequent flying and general travel. Whether you're new to the whole miles and points world, or a seasoned veteran looking to improve your travel vocabulary, we hope you find this list informative and fun.
AA: American Airlines
AC: Aircraft. Also Heavy AC: Very large aircraft, such as the 747, 767 and 777
AC: Air Canada
ACCRUAL: The accumulation of frequent traveler program miles and points through actual travel, partner bonuses and special promotions.
ACTUAL MILES: The physical distance that a flight covers. When calculating actual miles, class of service, elite-level status and other bonuses are not included. To view the airmile distance between airports, visit http://www.webflyer.com/travel/milemarker/
AF: Air France
AFAIK: FlyerTalk lingo meaning "As Far As I Know"
AFFINITY CARD: Credit or charge cards in partnership with a particular airline or hotel frequent travel program. Charges to the card earn miles or points, which either accrue directly into the associated program or can be transferred into it.
AIRPORT ACCESS FEE: The fee paid to an airport by a car rental company for the privilege of operating its vans and buses within the airport facilities. This fee is usually passed on to the renter.
AIRPORT CODE: A three-letter code used to identify an airport. Example: DEN = Denver International Airport.
ALLIANCE: A group of airlines that allow frequent flyer program members to earn miles or points and enjoy special benefits when flying with any participating airline. The miles or points can, in turn, be used for an award ticket on any of the alliance airlines.
AM: Aeromexico
AMENITY KIT: The small toiletry packs most airlines offer International Business and First Class passengers. Many FlyerTalkers collect these as souvenirs.
APEX: Advance Purchase Excursion fares, usually the lowest available. Must be purchased in advance (usually 7-30 days) and include stay restrictions.
APOLLO: Electronic reservations system used by many airlines and travel agents.
AQ: Aloha Airlines
AS: Alaska Airlines
ATB: Automated ticket/boarding pass. An electronically generated ticket which also includes the boarding pass.
ATC: Air Traffic Control
AUCTION: An award sale through which program members use their miles to bid against each other for a one-time only award that often involves attending special events or meeting famous people.
AVIATION TRUST FUND: A federal reserve of tax monies levied on airline tickets and operations and set aside to improve the U.S. air transportation system.
AWARD: Free airline ticket, hotel stay or night, car rental, merchandise, traveler's check or gift certificate. Depending on the program, awards may be tickets or certificates that must be redeemed at ticket counters, hotel front desks, car rental desks or specific merchandise outlets. The latest form of award redemption is through program Web sites.
AY: Finnair
AZ: Alitalia
Because new terms are always popping up, feel free to submit any that you feel are missing along with an explanation of what the term means. These suggestions can be emailed to glossary@webflyer.com.