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.
B, M, & K: Fare Basis codes
B6: Jetblue Airways
BA: British Airways
BAHT RUN: Originally this term referred to a specific mileage run opportunity in Thailand. Over time though, it's meaning has expanded, and now some FlyerTalkers use Baht Run when referring to any exceptionally valuable and efficient mileage run opportunity.
BD: British Midland
BETWEEN (vs. TO/FROM): In determining routing for accrual or award travel, "between" indicates that travel may originate on either end of a route. For example, a roundtrip award that allows travel between Mexico and the U.S. means that travel can originate in either the U.S. or Mexico. Conversely, roundtrip travel to Mexico from the U.S. means that travel is restricted and must originate and terminate in the U.S.
BIS: Butt in Seat. Butt-In-Seat Miles refers to miles that you actually fly in a seat on a given trip, compared to miles that you earn for flying with added elite bonuses, promotions, or other various modifiers to the flight mileage.
BLACKOUT DATES: Certain days during high-traffic seasons and holidays when airline and hotel-award travel is restricted or not available. Introduced in 1989, blackout dates help protect travel dates when the airlines have the most revenue to gain. For instance, blackout dates for some international partners extend all summer long. To view a calendar of blackout dates for the major airlines, visit http://www.webflyer.com/travel/blackout_calendar/
Board Room: Alaska Airlines Membership Airport Lounge
BOARDING PASS: Authorization to board a plane; often required as proof of flight taken when claiming missing credit.
BOB: Buy on Board
BONUS: Miles accrued in excess of the actual mileage, which can include special promotions, class of service and elite-level allocations of extra miles.
BR: EVA Airways
BTW: FlyerTalk lingo meaning "By The Way"
BULKHEAD SEATS: A bulkhead is a dividing wall in an airplane that separates one section from another. The bulkhead seats are those placed immediately behind this divider. Bulkhead seats generally provide added legroom, but they also tend to offer less storage capacity, as there is no seat in front under which carryon luggage can be stowed.
BUMPING: On full flights, the practice of removing a confirmed passenger to make room for a passenger with higher priority.
BUSINESS RENTAL: When a traveler pays corporate rates for a car rental, and thereby accrues a different amount of miles than for a leisure rate.
BW: BWIA West Indies Airways
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.