Originally Posted by
npei
Z fare is UA reduced biz class fare (good deal when you can find it), and you get biz class services. Definitely can access CO club at EWR, as well as various other UA RCC & *A clubs (at IAD when you start trip, and on your return from FCO)
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,,3113,00.html
Z is NOT reduced biz class fare, despite airline efforts to market it as such (and to denigrate its privileges). If an airline could get its published Z class fare for every biz seat, they'd be overjoyed.
Z class, being nondiscountable, is an attempt to get around the corporate contracts that allow 40-50% discounts on "published" fares; i.e., C, D, and J fares. It allows airlines to offer the real fare for business class to the general public. It's fair to say that anyone who pays full C or D fare is the biggest patsy in the sky.