TheCount2

I know this is a nerdy question because the fares are what they are. However I am booking a business class trip from EWR to KRK, with a return from BUD 10 days later. If I fly *A RT EWR-BUD, the fare is ~$2700 and both segments book into P. If I fly EWR-MUC and BUD-MUC the fare is about the same and again both segments in the open jaw book into P. However if I fly EWR-KRK and return BUD-EWR then the first segment books into P, at a fare several hundred higher than either BUD or MUC but the BUD-EWR segment now books into Z and the total fare is ~$4200. It's much cheaper to fly to MUC and buy a separate ticket to KRK.

I have read the fare rules and meet all of the seasonal and advance purchase requirements. Can anyone explain this? (Also the OW fare for the itinerary I want is ~$2700, so I may just break down and fly my non-preferred alliance.)

Yoshi212

I'm imagining we're discussing LH but it could also be a combo of UA & LH operated flights but you need to clarify that in order for a solid answer to be given.

TheCount2

It is UA/LH but it is the same for AC with a connection in YUL, and LX. Could be LH, LX or LO for the segment to KRK.

MSPeconomist

Note that different airlines use different letters for their fare classes. For example, on DL, Z is deep discount business class while P is slightly discounted FC that can even be fully refundable.

TheCount2

I am aware of this but P and Z seem to be consistent across UA LH and LX at least.

MSPeconomist

Fine, but your thread title seems to be asking about universal Z and P fares as there's no mention whatsoever of the airline(s) or alliance, although *A is mentioned once in the OP. Since this was posted in Information Desk, many people will assume it's a general question.