I realize this has probably been explained many times before, however, what is Z class? My understanding is this is the seat bucket for free BF seats to HNL.

If anyone knows what bucket the free BF seats come out of (using ITN codes), please help me out.

Thanks.

I believe that Z-class is widely used amongst airlines for Business Class award/bonus flights.
The corresponding code for economy class is "X" class.

International upgrade class.

Well, it's not just for awards and upgrades. You definitely can purchase a Z ticket on CO; it's a substantially discounted published business class fare. The last time that I booked one, it was slightly less than half the full J fare. It's only offered on some routings (generally the more competitive ones, I think). There isn't a thirty day waitlist requirement like there is with upgrades, either.
-Adam

Okay, I see it now! CO doesn't want to spend the money on reprogramming its computers with an award/upgrade class, like domestic "F" class. CO must take upgrade/award seats from a class of fare that it can sell as well. Z.

THUS, the asinine 30-day (or less) waitlist period for those of us who who might want to save our miles and have the "pleasurable" experience of planning an international award trip on CO.Can't take seats they can sell.

Gee...honey...let's save our miles for Zurich and plan a big vacation...I can't wait...MAYBEE we'll get our BF seat--I'm so eager that I can't WAIT to see if we clear the waitlist--CO will call one of these days, probably. Again, I can't wait! Gimmie the Z.

Since CO has replied with two form letters to my inquiry regarding any rationale for its well conceived policy, the best frequent flyer program must be giving clues so that we can surmise the rationale. It's gotta be the Z!?

Sorry. A brief (somewhat extraneous) catharsis as my wife and I plan our vacation trip of lifetime--I wish I had AA miles.

So does that mean you can't use miles to get a BF ticket or upgrade a purchased coach ticket on CO more than 30 days before the flight? Is that what you're saying?

On international or HI flights, I mean.

[This message has been edited by motnot (edited 04-17-2000).]

CO told me that the upgrade class is R. Some international flights show that Z class is available more than 30 days out. But CO won't release them until within 30 days.

I was told by 2 agents today at a CTO that in order to get an upgarde or FREE (haha) BF seat to HNL (THE BIG PRIZE), Z class MUST BE AVAILABLE.

I think they are right, becuase I consistently see Z=0 from IAH-HNL.

OnePass will NOT be getting my vote this year in the Freddies.

I can understand holding back 4 or 5 seats 1 week before departure, however 9 is EXCESSIVE.