Fare code information and seat availability
 

Now and again, I see that some FT'ers post information on seat availability by fare code (as below). Is this information readily available to the public (i.e. me)?

How useful is the information as far as understanding whether an upgrade is possible or whether one should buy a specific fare to increase the chance of an upgrade? And is there web site where one can buy tickets based on a fare code or is this something that has to be done in person with AC or a TA?


quote:
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Originally posted by:
Here's the load for the 10:15 flight:
J7 C6 Y8 M1 T1 B1 H1 V1 Q1 L1 N0
That means there are 13 seats free in J?
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No, it means they are right now (right then, when you you looked) willing to sell (at least) 7 J seats or 6 C seats. If you buy 6 C seats, availability may change to J1 C0.

This information can be found on www.itn.net . You will need to create an account with them, then change your preferences for flight data to expert mode. It will then give you the booking class info for the flights you look up.

It is useful if you are playing the upgrade lotto. If there is an abundance of C seats and it is close to departure, you may want to spend a little more to get the H fare and take your chances. If C is sold out weeks in advance, save your money and buy the cheapest available.

Personally, I don't AC J service is worth $1 more, but then again, I don't fly AC anymore, unless it is on a reward ticket.

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If you want to experience good customer service from an airline forget Air Canada and try CanJet or WestJet

Many thanks MapleLeaf. I appreciate you taking the time.

Cheers

Cloudlounger,

If you want to know the cost of a specific fare class then go to www.travelocity.ca click on "fare listings"
Then type in the route and it will give you every fare available by booking class. Don't forget to choose the airline.

Biggles.

Everyday, I learn something new here - sometimes two things. Thanks Biggles

I was just looking at ITN. The list of airlines is restricted to major airlines - such as AC, most US airlines, and the bigger international airlines.

It does not give the option of the discount airlines, such as Westjet, Canjet, Jetsgo, Skyservices etc.

PS-It still lists Canadian Airlines, as an option!

ITN also seems heavily biased towards United Airlines. Even if you set it to one airline only it displays United flights on the route.

I noticed that yesterday, too. I haven't been on itn in a long time and was looking for the option of showing more airlines, but it's not there!

andrew

The airline-specific option doesn't seem to work anymore. Regardless if you select an airline or not, it will show flights on all airlines. It's sometimes annoying because it doesn't always display the flight you really want to check, and then you have to go back and change some of the options to get it to show up.