I have a promotion that requires me to book in T class. I am not familiar with this class- is it an awards level seat? How can I find inventory? ITN does not list T class.

I seem to have answered my own question. ITN does list T class.

[This message has been edited by goblue (edited 06-28-2002).]

Wow! A promotion in T class. Something you can post?

T class = El Cheapo!

i like cheap fares.

they are CO.O.L

Are you sure that the promotion doesn't state that you're required to *NOT* book in T class?

If this isn't the case, I'm sure that there are just one or two people who'd be interested in this promotion

You are probably referring to a fare promotion, versus a mileage promotion (which are now commonly excluding Q and T fares).

I have used an AMEX promotion before (student travel program) that gives you certain fares based on the mileage you fly, but the catch is you must book it within 3 weeks of travel and in T class. So basically, you have to find a flight that is not very full within that time frame, since T class is the lowest fare class (CO's way of unloading seats to poor students that might go empty otherwise). T class should show on ITN, I have always found it there.

Yes the T class promo I have is for starving students. It is the Amex Student Card that allows you to book in T class. Actually the fares aren't super-low- $150-300 RT (inclusive of taxes) depending on distance. I can probably do just as well with Orbitz or similar. And I do notice that T class goes quickly.

Anyone know how likley standbys are using a T class? The promo says no standbys but I wonder if the gate agents really care or care to notice.

I assume you mean standby for a different flight on the SAME day of travel (one maybe that didn't have T class, but you wanted to fly at that specific time).

My experience with standing by for an earlier flight on the day of travel is pretty good. Most regular published fares allow this. But some special promos (like this AMEX one, and CO.O.L too) don't. Just don't ask over the phone, as the phone agents are required to tell the rules and can possibly document your record that you have been "informed standby is not permitted on this specific fare". Gate agents/ticket counter agents usually don't check the fine print to see if you are on some special fare that prohibits standby - and if you are elite that helps bump you up the standby list. I know I have succesfully done standby on a CO.O.L. weekend fare, so they didn't check the fine print rules at the airport.

However, I have never tried standby for a later flight - might not work as you risk being considered a no-show? Also, check ITN and the seat map to see how full the flight you want to standby for looks - no point in showing up early for a really full flight. Good luck.

Actually, these fares are quite a great deal if you consider that you can walk up to any flight that still has T class available and get on it for the same fare. I saved these certificates for just these circumstances and managed to save myself an enormous amount of money and/or miles by not having to purchase an unrestricted walk-up fare.

But you're right, if you are planning in advance, in some markets right now the published fares are better.

Actually, now that I think about it, if you are flying to LAS/PHX/CMH, chances are, the published fares are better even on non-ref walkup fares.

I have looked around for some planned travel and have further decided that the Amex student promo seats are almost as hard to find as award seats. Rather than use these for scheduled travel, I will probably burn the certificates on mileage runs (need to preserve status next year) and take advantage of relatively low excursion fares.

As an elite, what are my upgrade chances on a T? I believe that restrictions disallow upgrades, but like standbys, how closely is this scrutinized? Has anyone had any luck on elite upgrades with a T fare? Flying from MSP-EWR-ANC will be a long run in coach.

I've never experienced any problems with domestic upgrades on T fares as a Platinum.