Have you ever wondered what the single-letter code on the bottom of your airplane boarding pass represents?
Most people could care less about any information on their tickets, save for the flight number, gate number and boarding time. However, there’s a lot to be learned by paying attention to your fare basis code.
The single-letter code is typically found alone on the bottom right hand corner of your ticket. However, it can also be shown as the first letter of a longer code with a mix of other letters and numbers. If you see it, don’t ignore it. The code can often mean the difference between getting a seat on an overbooked flight and getting the boot.
In the airline industry that single code indicates what class you are in, based on how much you paid for your ticket and how far out you booked. In some cases, there are up to a dozen codes in coach class alone. “Y” and “Q” are the most popular codes used in coach class. “Y” represents a full-fare ticket and “Q” is code for a discounted ticket.
While you won’t notice a difference in service between the two on the plane, if you happen to land on the standby list, the two letters can make a world of difference. According to travel analysts, “Y” class typically denotes the highest class in coach among most major airlines. Those flying with a “Y” code likely paid for tickets that are fully refundable. They’re the most expensive tickets, but they have the most flexibility.
Other codes include “J” or “C,” which usually indicate business class. Also, “F” and “P” denote first class or premium.
The bottom line on codes is simple: The more you pay for your ticket, the better your code. The better your code, the better your chance of not getting bumped. You also might receive more frequent flier miles if you have a code in the top tiers.
Finally, in most cases, “Y,” “B” and “M” are the only fare classes that are upgradeable. You can find out more about fare class on airline websites.
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