Originally Posted by
lihue1k
Again, to avoid being flamed, I want to be very careful to talk about my experience in the pursuit of Z fares - and not about the "rules" per se. I don't profess extensive knowledge of ticketing rules, but I have bought 50+ int'l Z's in the past 10 years. The company pays for "C". If Z fares are available I have to take them, if not I can take C's/D's - I know a good thing when I see it and so I don't wait to the last minute to ticket to "make sure" I get a C or D, I make an honest effort to plan ahead and search for Z's - I'm have success a little less than half the time.
Lihue1k, this is exactly my situation. I just started a new position at my company where I will fly TATL once a month, and the company will pay for C, but policy states to use "discounted business, when available." So far my first trip was planned with about 1.5 week's notice, so no help there. I am currently booking a trip for the week before Christmas. Inside the 50 day window for IAD/BRU Z's, so everything is coming up full C again. I am willing to do everything within reason to save the company some money here, but I'm not exactly thrilled to stay over a weekend.
I haven't been able to price any D fares for this route yet, so if anyone can try to guess what the rules are for them, that would be great. Full C is coming up about $8K and the Z is about $2.8K. If D fares were in the middle, price wise, but didn't require the 7 day stay, then I'd be all over it.
I'm not willing to invest in tools or software, because we have a corporate travel desk which should be taking care of this stuff, however they are not very creative. I _think_ the company would gladly continue paying full C fares, so the TA isn't used to fare hunting. I think it's just my guilty concience (that fare cost HOW MUCH
) that's driving this whole thing.