How come I can't book refundable fare?
Sep 22, 2022, 4:47 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SJC,SFO, SEA, PDX, SAN, SNA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, National Executive, Alaska MVP
Posts: 560
How come I can't book refundable fare?
I need to book a trip that is unconfirmed for next Monday. When I select unrefundfable fare which shows to be $1400 and add it to cart the price drop to 1100 in L and K fares which I don't believe to be fully refundable.
Sep 22, 2022, 8:36 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
If you click on the last bullet "View all fare rules," you can see the fare basis and the restrictions.
Here is an example of a YVR-SEA-JFK itinerary.
YVR-SEA-JFK - Cheapest nonrefundable fares.
Fare rules shows fare is nonrefundable.
O Fare basis, refunds indicated as No.
Lets look at the same flight, but refundable!
Same route, same flight, same day but refundable.
This fare is fully refundable.
Also an O fare basis but the last character R means refundable, N mean nonrefundable.
If you clicked on refundable and offered L & K fare classes, they too are refundable and easily confirmed. You don't need to purchase a full Y fare for refundability.
James
Last edited by Flying for Fun; Sep 22, 2022 at 8:58 pm
Jul 19, 2023, 10:32 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,546
Alaska has now filed non-refundable Y* & J* fare basis codes in all markets. it is now impossible to buy a refundable business class ticket on Alaska from most online travel agents (Chase UR portal, AMEX Platinum) even when inventory is J1C0.
Jul 20, 2023, 6:14 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,067
