The 7 and 9 are typical numbers used as indicators meaning that >7 or >9 seats are available in that booking class. Most airlines use 9 but some use 7. Keep in mind that:

- these often represent the *same* 9 (or more) seats available in each booking class. i.e. if a seat is available in a lower booking class, the same seat will nearly always be available at a higher booking class.

- the flight may be full, the seat availability then represents over-booking capacity for the flight. Basically the availability does not have to correspond exactly to actual seats in the plane.

- as many on this board have pointed out, the availability (and seat maps) as shown on itn.com may differ somewhat from "reality" for various reasons. However it does provide excellent "ballpark" figures.

[This message has been edited by megamiles (edited 06-26-2000).]