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.
CA: Air China
CAPACITY CONTROLS: The process airlines, hotels and car rental agencies use to allocate awards depending on actual vs. anticipated demand. Capacity controls are intended to control the economics of frequent flyer programs.
CC: Credit Card. ACC means Affinity Credit Card.
CERTIFICATE: An award voucher, which a member must present to the redeeming company, such as a car rental company or hotel, or must exchange for an airline ticket.
CHECK-IN: To confirm intent to board a previously booked flight by showing a ticket to an airline representative either at the ticket counter, curbside baggage check-in or departure gate.
CI: China Airlines
CLASS OF SERVICE BONUS: Many airlines add 50% or 100% or more extra miles to your account when flying in paid Business or First Class.
CLASS OF SERVICE/TRAVEL: Usually refers to airline travel; indicates the level of travel, size of seat and surrounding area, cabin position and amenities offered. Generally first class (F), business class (C) and coach (Y).
CO: Continental Airlines
COBRANDED CARD: See AFFINITY CARD.
CODESHARING: When one airline provides connecting service under another carrier's name. Both airlines' codes appear in reservation systems and on tickets. Codeshare flights often accrue mileage.
COMBINING MILES: See POOLING.
COMMON CARRIER: Any company engaged in the transport of people or goods for profit.
COMPANION TICKET: A free or discounted ticket for another person flying with a traveler who has purchased a ticket.
CONFIRMATION: An oral or written acknowledgment of a booking, subject to certain conditions.
CONFIRMED UPGRADE: Guarantees an upgrade to a higher class of service prior to travel.
CONGA LINE: Generally found in the SPAM forum, a Conga Line is a thread in which members help each other by lending their referrals for a select promotion. Most promotions that offer a bonus for referring a friend will have a corresponding Conga Line thread on FlyerTalk.
CONNECTION: Changing to a different airplane en route to the final destination. Actual mileage, connection bonuses and segment promotion credits are earned only if the connecting flight number is different from the originating flight number.
CONSOLIDATED MILEAGE MANAGERS: A service provided by a variety of travel- and financial-related Internet companies whereby miles and points accrued in several programs are listed in one account statement. We recommend the MileageManager service, located at http://www.mileagemanager.com
CONUS: The 48 CONtiguous United States excluding Hawaii and Alaska
CR-1: United's confirmable North American upgrade certificates, good for travel within the 49 United States, the Caribbean, Canada or Mexico. This upgrade is not valid on flights to/from Hawaii, except when member is a resident of Hawaii. You may use Confirmed Systemwide Upgrades anywhere United flies.
CRC: Crown Room Club -- the airport lounge program for Delta Air Lines.
CRS: A Computerized Reservation System. It is any of several proprietary computer systems allowing real-time access to airline fares, schedules, and seating availability and offering the capability of booking reservations and generating tickets.
CS: Short for Customer Service. Add an "A" or an "R" and you've got Customer Service Agent or Customer Service Rep.
CTOs: Acronym for City Ticket Office. These ticketing offices for airlines are not located at airports and are not directly associated with a travel agency. They are directly sponsored by the airline itself.
CX: Cathay Pacific Airways
CZ: China Southern Airlines
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.