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.
PAPER UPGRADES: Certificates or vouchers that can physically be given to a check-in agent to claim an upgrade.
PARTNER: Two programs joining together to allow members to accrue miles or points in one or both programs. Also may allow members to use accumulated miles or points to redeem awards with the partner. Partners may be accrual partners only, award partners only or both.
PAX: Short for passenger(s). See also, SLF.
PBM: Positive bag matching. Aircraft will not leave unless passenger checking bag is on board.
PC: Presidents Club - Continental's network of Elite and VIP airport lounges.
PER NIGHT: When a hotel program awards miles for each night's accommodation.
PER STAY: When a hotel program awards miles once per visit, whether or not the visit comprises more than one night.
PIN: Personal Identification Number. Required by many frequent traveler programs to identify members and ensure that miles or points are properly credited.
PK: Pakistan International Airlines
PL: Abbreviation for the Priceline.com Web site.
PMU: Delta SkyMiles-related abbreviation for Platinum Medallion Upgrade
PNR: Passenger Name Record. Used to record reservation and passenger information.
POINT CEILING: A limit on the amount of points that can be earned through a specific method, such as an affinity card or a special bonus offer.
POOLING (MEMBERS): When two members combine miles or points from different accounts to redeem an award. Usually not allowed, but sometimes is permissible for family members or spouses.
POOLING (PROGRAMS): When a member of two separate programs combines miles or points from both programs to claim an award with either program.
PR: Philippine Airlines
PRE-REGISTER: When a program requires a member to notify the program of the member's intent to earn a bonus prior to accrual. For example, if a bonus is offered for flying a specific route, the member must notify the program that the member is flying that itinerary to earn the bonus. If the program is not notified previous to the flight, it will not award the bonus. Often involves a promotion code. For a list of these types of promotions, visit http://www.webflyer.com/deals/bonus_promotions/
PROMOTION CODE: Numbers or letters that must be cited when booking to obtain a special bonus or rate.
PTA: Acronym for Prepaid Ticket Advice.
PUBLISHED RATES: The official set of fares that an airline advertises for a certain flight; often, miles will only be accrued on published rates.
PUDDING GUY: David Phillips, a.k.a. "The Pudding Guy," was the first member of FlyerTalk to gain national recognition when he purchased over 12,000 packages of Healthy Choice pudding at .25 cents a pop to earn over a million frequent flyer miles. Now it seems everyone is looking for the next "Pudding Guy" deal.
PURCHASED UPGRADES: An upgrade to a higher class of service that can be obtained by currency.
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.