FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - When a B fare isn't a B fare

Jul 27, 2010 | 5:23 pm

#20

Wx4caster

Join Date: May 2001

Location: HNL

Posts: 1,075

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wx4caster

The way I read that statement is this: My receipt says I purchased Continental flight 6020 in B class of service; however it's the operating carrier's rules that apply - so go see what B equals on UA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbm12

I agree that this is correct.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wx4caster

I guess Continental would prefer I read it as something like: We're telling you it's a B fare, but it could be anything anybody wants it to be - so good luck, if you get any miles at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbm12

What's the difference between these two? In both cases the expectation is that the operating carrier is the one that determines what credit will be received. I don't see how the UA verbiage is better than CO's in this case.

Let me try to explain again... In Continental's version, I'm led to believe that when I look at my receipt and see that I have a United codeshare in a B fare class, it's up to me to go to United.com and see what a B fare qualifies for -- et voila, a B fare qualifies for 150% EQM bonus! (in other words, I don't think it is unreasonable for a customer to assume that the fare basis quoted on the reciept is the fare basis that the operating carrier of that segment will use for mileage accrual purposes). Continental.com's statement:

*Please note that mileage credit for travel on codeshare flights, including Elite Qualification Miles and Elite Qualification Points, is determined by the operating carriers booking classes of service

does not imply, suggest, hint or state that what they're selling me could be markedly different than what they are claiming to be selling me, i.e. that a conversion takes place.

The United.com version on the other hand while not explicit about a secret conversion factor is still pretty clear that there's no guarantee that the fare class shown on my ticket is the fare class used for mileage accrual thanks o this key sentence in their T&C, "Please note that the booking code shown on your ticket may differ from the booking code relevant for mileage earn. "