Define "Full Fare"
 

Is it

i) the most expensive fare on a route in a certain class
ii) a fare which uses the high booking class of that airline
iii) a fare listed as "XXX class unrestricted."
iv) All of the above?
v) something else?

Example:

Business Class fares between XXX and YYY.

1 is the cheapest, 4 is the most expensive.

Fare 1: CRT - $300 changes / non ref
Fare 2: JRT - no penalties but listed as "Business Restricted"
Fare 3 : J2 - no penalties listed as "unrestricted"
Fare 4: J - no penalties listed as "unrestricted"

In this case would 2 or 3 be "full fare" tickets?

Thanks!

Cheers,

"The fare paid by those who have more money than sense"
and/or
"The fare paid by those who love to waste their employer's money"

Good enough? :D

In what context? The definition may vary according to purpose.

For example some FFPs treat full fare as the highest booking class (all fares within that booking class) or even the top few highest booking classes. Sometimes the treatment varies even within a single FFP - eg different definitions for purpose of reduced cost mileage upgrade, class of service bonus miles, status miles, etc.

Full Fare usually means NO restrictions...and no change fees.. Note I said USUALLY......

That is also my impression. This year I was in a situation where I continued to change my return date. After paying 2 change fees, I asked the CSR to change my fare code to one where I could change at any time, upgradeable and no fee for change. Of course, the price of the ticket escalated. However, it was good having the latitude to change. Was it a "full fare?" I think it was a discounted NW fare given to folks visiting Mayo Clinic in RST.

I didn't have a specific context in mind: This question came to my attention when I was told a BA ticket I had on hold did not qualify for seat selection (only full fare tickets - which means FAJCYW apparantly) because it booked into "D" class (which is the 2nd lowest Business fare bucket.) Yet, it was listed as an "unrestricted fare" and had no penalties.

I guess another context would be in terms of the Amex 2 for 1 deal.

Cheers,

Full Fare is whatever the airline says is Full Fare.

In practice, I'd expect at least:

1. Fully refundable
2. Fully changeable, including routing after departure and name change. (That is to say, fully reticketable)
3. Retains full value even in the event of no-show (for the purpose of changes and refunds)

J2 is full-fare, but I expect a minimum advance purchase of 48h.

I'll also stick with the word "usually"

Full Fare

The regular fare quoted for travel from one point to another with no restrictions (regardless of class) such as:

1. Can be purchased almost right up until departure time
2. Refundable
3. Reservation can be changed at any time without penalty
4. No minimum or maximum stay

Maximum flexibility; no penalties.