Definition of classes - Y, J, etc
 

guys

i often see folks refer to different classes like J, F - now as I understand it, different airlines use this differently. Hence, when someone uses these definitions, do I need to know the exact definition as pertaining to that airline? Or are some definitions common and standard across various airlines?

If someone has a link that talks about each class or can list them here, that'll be great

Thanks

Great question, as I have no idea what they're talking about either.

F is first class. The only notable exception to this is Singapore Airlines' (SQ) Suites Class on its A380's (coded as R).

C/J are used relatively interchangeably for business class.

Y is economy class. "Y" is (typically) the fare bucket for full-fare Y. Most people do not actually buy full-fare coach tickets, but Y is nonetheless commonly used to refer to coach as a whole.

Here's a great resource: http://cwsi.net/ . See the first section, 'Fare Code Charts'.

At most airlines F is the code for the most expensive first class fare, C or J is the code for the most expensive business class fare, and Y is the code for the most expensive coach class fare. These "full fare" codes are used by the airlines as the basis to calculate the lower "discounted" fares offered in each cabin.

When a post mentions flying in J, it only means in the business class cabin, not necessarily paying the full J fare.