Originally Posted by
Bethelite
Can someone please, in as simple of terms as possible, explain to me what the different fare classes mean?
Y, YAS, S, B, M, H Q, L, V, K, G, T, U, F.... etc.
Is this information that frequent flyers are supposed to grasp? I know that "F" means first class, and "U" must mean upgrade. Do the other letters actually mean something? People throw the letters around constantly, and they must be pretty important because depending on what fare you pay for you get different things. The problem is, when you shop for a flight, it isn't immediately apparent (to me, at least) what the letter is of the fare you're getting.
They mostly mean nothing. They mean slightly more for AS elites when it comes to upgrades, as some higher fares make you eligible for upgrades sooner. Generally fare buckets correspond to prices. Occasionally corporate contracts will negotiate a certain price for certain fares.
Y - full price coach. Refundable.
S, B - nonrefundable coach. Cheaper than Y. MVP's/MVPG/75K can get instant upgrades on these fares.
M, H - nonrefundable coach. Cheaper again, but still expensive. MVPG and 75K can get instant upgrades on these fares.
Q - nonrefundable coach. Cheaper still. Choice award seats come out of Q availability.
L, V, K - nonrefundable coach. Cheaper still.
G, T - nonrefundable coach. Absolute cheapest seats. Ineligible for MVP Gold Guest Upgrades. Oftentimes the only fares I consider reasonable.
W - coach saver award
F - full price first class. Refundable.
U - upgraded first class.
A - first class saver award.
As an elite, you don't really need to worry about fare classes. If you want to spend the extra money to get an instantly upgradable fare, just select your elite status on the left when shopping for flights, and AS will show you the cheapest fare applicable.