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.
E+: United's "Economy Plus"
E-: The remainder of the United Economy section after E+ rows :-)
E-FARE: A specialty discount fare offered exclusively through the Internet; usually does not accrue miles. To view a consolidated list of these types of fares from the major airlines, visit http://www.webflyer.com/deals/dealwatch/
E-TICKET: A "paperless" ticket which is processed electronically; often through an Internet purchase.
EARN/BURN: Slang for mileage accrual and redemption.
EF: Short for ExpertFlyer.com, a site that provides an assortment of tools for frequent flyers.
EI: Aer Lingus
EK: Emirates
ELECTRONIC UPGRADES (EGR): "Paperless" upgrades transacted solely through computers.
ELITE LEVEL: Additional benefits for members attaining thresholds of accrued miles or points. Elite-level membership usually allows travelers to accrue miles or points faster, provides special perks and grants special airplane seating or hotel accommodations.
ELITE-LEVEL BONUS: Miles earned in addition to actual mileage as a benefit of being an elite-level member.
ELITE-LEVEL UPGRADE: Upgrade to higher class of service available through membership in an elite level of a program.
EMPLOYEE CLASS: Ironic term used by some fliers for First and Business class cabins.
EMR: Electromagnetic Radiation; some people suspect EMR is harmful at high altitudes; a controversial subject
ENHANCED: A term used in a derisory fashion by FlyerTalkers for benefits REMOVED by an airline, dressed up in a PR spin as an "enhancement" to the program.
ENROLLMENT BONUS: A specific amount of miles awarded upon first becoming a member of a program.
EQM: Elite Qualifying Miles - Many programs allow members to earn miles from a variety of activities, but generally, only miles earned through designated activities count toward the achievement of elite status. See also "Q Miles" and "Status Miles".
ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival
EUA: Continental and Northwest's Elite Upgrade Automation, which automatically upgrades elites to first class if seats are available.
EUG: Electronic upgrades.
EVIP: Refers to one-way, systemwide upgrades given to AA Executive Platinum elites. Eight such upgrades are "given" upon reaching Executive Platinum status.
EXP: Executive Platinum on American AAdvantage.
EXPEDITED AWARDS: Service offered by many programs for an additional cost; expedited awards allow members to accelerate processing and delivery of award tickets or certificates. Often the requested award is delivered within 24 hours.
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.