what are deep discount tickets?
#2
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,246
Deep discount fares are typically more restricted fares that are cheaper than simply discount fares.
For example...
LAX-LGA round trip fare on AA leaving May 5, returning May 8
Cheapest deep discount fare: $238++
Cheapest discount fare: $558++
And before you say that you don't think the $558++ is a discount fare, the full regular fare for this example is $3148.
All fares on AA earn full mileage but the deep discount fares typically only receive 0.5 elite qualifying points per mile earned. See this.
I don't fly delta and am not familiar with their program although the general information and idea here is the same.
For example...
LAX-LGA round trip fare on AA leaving May 5, returning May 8
Cheapest deep discount fare: $238++
Cheapest discount fare: $558++
And before you say that you don't think the $558++ is a discount fare, the full regular fare for this example is $3148.
All fares on AA earn full mileage but the deep discount fares typically only receive 0.5 elite qualifying points per mile earned. See this.
I don't fly delta and am not familiar with their program although the general information and idea here is the same.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA 2.996MM & Plat Pro, DL 1MM, GM & Flying Colonel
Posts: 25,036
Conceptually, it's a relative term, suggesting more of a discount than fares that have less of a discount, but not precisely defined beyond that.
However, some airlines make distinctions about which fare classes get more or less credit in their frequent flyer programs (see previous post for AA example), can be upgraded, qualify for premium seating, etc., etc. In that case the distinction is usually based on the specific fare class, identified by a letter such as Y, H or M. A fare that is considered "deep discount" in this sense may not be significantly cheaper than one which is considered simply "discount." (In unusual situations it may not be less expensive at all.) There have been many threads discussing whether is is worth booking a higher fare class for $X more in order to get the benefits of moving out of the "deep discount" category, how to force a specific fare class in an online booking engine, etc. These discussions are of necessity specific to the rules and regulations of one airline's program, so they tend to be found in individual airline forums.
However, some airlines make distinctions about which fare classes get more or less credit in their frequent flyer programs (see previous post for AA example), can be upgraded, qualify for premium seating, etc., etc. In that case the distinction is usually based on the specific fare class, identified by a letter such as Y, H or M. A fare that is considered "deep discount" in this sense may not be significantly cheaper than one which is considered simply "discount." (In unusual situations it may not be less expensive at all.) There have been many threads discussing whether is is worth booking a higher fare class for $X more in order to get the benefits of moving out of the "deep discount" category, how to force a specific fare class in an online booking engine, etc. These discussions are of necessity specific to the rules and regulations of one airline's program, so they tend to be found in individual airline forums.

