Originally Posted by
jsloan
The fare table looks quite out of sync between UA and AC. UA didn't file a G fare at all for YYZ-SFO.
Checking some other routes, this looks to be an outlier. UA may decide to follow suit with AC -- it might just be an accident. But I can't promise it.
So, looking today again. UA is indeed filing G fares now. However, still [slightly] more than AC at the lowest fare level, though only by a little.
AC Standard fare = $211, Fare basis GNA2A7TG
UA Economy = $238, Fare Basis GAA2AFDS
AC Flex = $317, Fare Basis GNA2A7FL
UA Economy (fully refundable) = $267, Fare Basis GAA2AFDZ
Without digging through the fare rules, anyone know what the differences in the specific basis' might be (GNA vs. GAA, for example?). I know the TG and FL on the AC fares corresponds to the branding (TG = historical Tango, now Standard, and FL = flex). Wondering if the UA fully refundable fare might book into flex on the AC-operated segment - anyone know if there is a good way to determine this prior to booking (I realize I could book and refund in < 24 hours, but easier not to if I can avoid). If so, that might be the way to go, as it would get me the benefits of booking via UA along with most of the flex benefits at a lower cost (wouldn't get partner-based PQP, for example, which in this case would be a loss, but would get standard seat selection, presumably including in the more expensive standard seats in the rows before exit rows). A $211 standard fare plus a forward row standard seat = $278, so would consider that coming out ahead, given the better flexibility of the UA rules.