Book with mixed fare classes?
Mar 12, 2008 | 10:23 pm
#16
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: MSN, EWR
Programs: OnePass GOLD
Posts: 168
I could tell you, but I'd have to kill you...
Seriously, I thought about this for a nearly purchased DL itinerary (RT: MKE-EWR) in which I was flying with my wife (non-elite) and I wanted to maximize miles with minimal segments. I thought if I could buy the higher fare class for myself and the deeply discounted one for my wife, I would earn 100% EQM and my wife would only earn 50%, but I am the one trying to reach gold. The alternative on DL was to take 3 segments on the way out and 2 on the way back. This would have maximized miles, but would have been more uncomfortable. Ended up purchasing a 4 segment RT on CO, 3 flights out, non-stop back.
The reason for having ITN on the same PNR: my elite status would allow premium seating for my non-elite wife. I could always separate after seat selection to allow for EUA.
Seriously, I thought about this for a nearly purchased DL itinerary (RT: MKE-EWR) in which I was flying with my wife (non-elite) and I wanted to maximize miles with minimal segments. I thought if I could buy the higher fare class for myself and the deeply discounted one for my wife, I would earn 100% EQM and my wife would only earn 50%, but I am the one trying to reach gold. The alternative on DL was to take 3 segments on the way out and 2 on the way back. This would have maximized miles, but would have been more uncomfortable. Ended up purchasing a 4 segment RT on CO, 3 flights out, non-stop back.
The reason for having ITN on the same PNR: my elite status would allow premium seating for my non-elite wife. I could always separate after seat selection to allow for EUA.
Mar 12, 2008 | 10:25 pm
#17
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: MSN, EWR
Programs: OnePass GOLD
Posts: 168
Well said ralfp:
Different fare classes does not equal different cabins. There are lots of coach fare classes. Why do this? Say you (elite) fly with the Mrs. or Mr. (non-elite). Same PNR makes it possible (w/o calling and begging) to put the Mr. or Mrs. in the elite section. You want H or Y for the increased EQMs, but the spouse doesn't care and gets a lower coach bucket.
Mar 13, 2008 | 11:58 am
#18
Join Date: May 2005
Location: various cities in the USofA: NYC, BWI, IAH, ORD, CVG, NYC
Programs: Former UA 1K, National Exec. Elite
Posts: 5,487
Another possible reason is that there's only 1 seat available in the cheapest fare bucket, but you want to have two people in the same PNR (for elite seating, potentially less trouble during irregular ops, etc.), so you get 1 cheap fare and 1 more expensive fare. It can't be done, but it would be nice if it were possible.