Is B Fare Ever Reasonable?
 

Given UA's new 150% EQM value for B and Y tickets, are there any markets/times where it makes sense to buy B on an advance purchase basis? I would consider doing so if B does not exceed double the price of a 14-day (occasionally 7-day) advance purchase fare. I assume that's almost never the case, am I right?

There are many oddities in Y/B fares. I run into them all the time. I find that for reasons unbeknown to me, a 3-5 day window exists where B fares will popup between SEA-LAX-SNA RT's that will be slightly more than Q fares normally are. They then disappear around the 2-3 day mark. I don't understand it, I don't bother to try.

Same with some other random city pairs I do occasionally. B fares are generally lower in markets where UA compets (such as the case SEA-LAX area with Alaska). Whereas on something like IAD-SFO, you're not going to see to many great rates on B fares.

I use them for my transatlantic travel (the B not the Y). I find I can get advance purchase B fares for not much more than an H - which means only 15K to upgrade instead of 30K!

That said, I don't seem to be credited with 150% EQM for the B fare but stupidly united.com won't let you check your 2004 mileage!

There are generally two types of B fares the BA3 fare requires a 3 days advance purchase and is cheaper than the full B fare. Both
fare qualify for the lower mileage when upgrading. However only the full B fare qualifies for the complimentary upgrade and I suspect for the 150 % EQM as well. This needs to be verified.

I thought that as the "BA3" fare basis is a "B" fare that it would qualify for the 150% EQM.

Danski

Yes, there are no footnotes regarding B fares and the 150%. For the upgrades it's something like "select B fares".

For IAD-LHR ex USA the lowest current H fare is $4XX +tax whereas the lowest B fare is $16XX + tax. Last winter it was much closer. $800 versus just over $1000.

Around the World fares are in B and aren't outrageous for what you're getting. I'm not sure if they qualify for 150% EQM but they qualify for low mileage upgrading.

Danski,

There is a good fare basis from your port for flights to MUC from LAX on 02/13/04.