Trying to figure out what the isolated letters on your plane ticket mean? After seeing different numbers on the same fare type, I was intrigued and wanted to know exactly what the flight codes on the ticket mean. I took a deep dive into class types and flight codes, and the results are here!
Index
- Types of Flight Classes
- economy class
- Executive class
- First class
- some general rules
Every time you book an airline flight, you are always asked about theseat typeyou want, and they range from basiceconomyseats up to first class.
Although some people assume that there is little difference between the different classes of seats, this is far from the truth. Each flight class code used by airlines means something different, and knowing that difference could mean a much more comfortable flight for you the next time you travel.
Types of Flight Classes
There are more seat types and classes than you might think, but let's start with the basics. In general, there are four different classes of seats on an airplane, andinclude the following:
- EconomyThe seats, commonly known as travel class or economy class, provide basic accommodations when you fly and are often purchased by leisure travelers traveling for business or pleasure.
- Economy Premiumseats, which are a slight improvement over standard economy seats and typically offer more distance between rows of seats and can sometimes include seats that are slightly wider and therefore more comfortable
- Executive class, also called business class seats, which are often purchased by business travelers and are often higher quality seats
- First classseats, which offer the most comfortable accommodations available and are generally more expensive than all other types of seats
While the price differences between economy and first class seats can be large, some of the other classes offer much more luxury for slightly higher prices, so researching the different classes can make your next flight much more comfortable. .
economy class
The various flight class codes typically include the type of seat and a letter that designates a specific attribute of that seat. Often, letter codes refer to subtle differences between fares, such as tickets that allow you to make changes without penalty versus those that are non-refundable and cannot be upgraded.
While these may vary from airline to airline, in general, this is what the following letter designations mean when you'reflightin economy class:
- B = Tourist/Coach, but can be upgraded to Code M or another type
- E = Tourist/Coach with discount
- G = Tourist/Coach with discount
- H = Discounted Economy/Coach, but can usually be upgraded to Business Class
- K = Tourist/Coach with discount
- L = Tourist/Coach with discount
- M = Discounted Economy/Coach, but you can upgrade to Business Class
- N = Tourist/Coach with discount
- O = Tourist/Coach with discount
- Q = Tourist/Coach with discount
- S = Economy/Coach Discounted, but on some airlines it means "super comfort" and refers to Business Class
- T = Tourist/Coach with discount
- U = Transfer service, and there is no guaranteed seat or reservation required
- V = Tourist/Coach with discount
- W = Tourist/Coach with discount (or Premium, or Award)
- X = Award with discount in economy class/bus
- Y = Economy/Coach
If you receive a ticket with alowercase “n”after the class code, indicates some kind ofnight service.
The codes can alsoaffect mileage pointsthat you receive when making your reservation, so if you receive points by credit card or even by the airline itself, it is good to check with them and know what each letter of the code means.
After all, if you can receive a lot more points just by upgrading to the next level or code, you may need to do just that.
Executive class
For Business Class seats, there are usually five separate codes: C, D, I, J, and Z. As with Economy Class, each code means something specific.
Again, each airline can have different meanings for each of the classes, so it's always good to check with the airline you've chosen to make sure the codes mean what you think.
In general though, here's a breakdown of the codes:
- C = Full business class fare
- D = Business Class with discount
- I = Business Class with discount
- J = Full business class fare
- Z = Discounted Business Class
As in Economy Class, the lowercase letter “n” at the end of a code means that the flight is at night.
First class
Flight class codes for first class seats resemble those for other classes and are typically broken down as follows:
- A = First class with discount
- F = First class full fare
- P = First Class
- R = First class suites
If you are flying within the country on a flight to anywhere in the United States, thethe "F" code generally refers to a seat on a two-cabin aircraft. OCode "P"generallymeans Premiumand is used for seats on a three-cabin aircraft involving a higher class of service.
OCode "R"was originaldisruptedwhenconcordia ceasedis being used, but hasreturnin use sinceintroductiondoairbusA380and some flights on airlines such as Qantas and Singapore Airlines.
In general, theCodes A and Psometimesindicatethat whatbowlEsreduceddue to certain terms, such as advance booking requirements, refund restrictions, etc. Once again, thelowercase “n”after any of these codes usually indicates that the flight is anight periodflight.
As a general rule, actual miles driven will notnot determinehow many miles you earn on a given flight; instead, the class determines that number.
That's why it's so important to check with the airlines before you book to make sure you get the most miles, especially if that's important to you.
some general rules
Flight class codes tell the airline where you are sitting and what type of seat you have chosen. EITHER"S"The class is one of the most common and indicates that youtotal price paidfor a cheap seat."T"it's aeconomyseat that leftWith discount,"J"it's aexecutive classseat that isTotal price, mi"D"it's aexecutive classseat that leftWith discount.
As mentioned above, some of these codes are universal, while others are specific to certain airlines. For example, Etihad Airlines uses a "P" code if you are going to one of their residential suites on an Airbus A380.
Other codes, such as L, K, and T, can signal different sets of rules with different airlines.
All of these codes can affect other aspects of the flight as well, including whether you qualify for frequent flyer points, whether you can make changes to your reservation, and even what type of baggage allowance applies to your seat.
Since there are so many different rates today, there are many different codes that explain the features of each rate.
This is also the reason why the person sitting in the seat next to you may not have paid the same fare as you, even if you are traveling to and from the same places.
Airlines often use a pricing strategy calledPerformance management, and this strategy helps them predict consumer behavior so they can maximize their revenue.
In case you're wondering about the many things that can influence the price you pay when booking an airline, they include the length of stay, the day of the week you book a flight, and of course, how far in advance you book your flight. it was hecha.
All these aspects and others affect not only the price of your ticket, but also the requirements and specificities of the flight itself.
Fortunately, most airlines have great websites these days that explain what the different codes mean, so it's a good idea to check out these websites before you book your flight.
This is especially important if you're interested in getting as many airline miles from your trip as possible, because these codes will definitely affect that number.
If you're curious what these flight class codes mean for your specific ticket, they're usually found in the "fine print" of your reservation. Think about the "fare conditions" or "fare rules" section of your ticket, because that is where this information is usually found.
Many generic travel sites like Travelocity do an excellent job of displaying this code and what it means to you, anddetails are usually in capital letters, which makes it easier to read and understand.
Still, the information isn't always what you'd expect, so it's good to read it and make sure you understand what it says before buying your ticket.
If something is particularly important to you, like the option to stay a few more days in the place you're visiting, you'll first need to check the airline's website to make sure that option is available.
The letters on your boarding pass say a lot about the type of ticket you purchased, but it's more than just "A" and "F" indicating a first-class ticket and "B" meaning there's a good chance you'll get an improvement.
I hope this gives you a full understanding of the types of flight classes. Each flight class has a code to be easily identifiable by the airlines and now also by you!
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About the Author
FAQs
What are different classes of flight ticket? ›
Airlines traditionally have three travel classes, First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. Some airlines now have a no-frills class of service as well, typically called Basic Economy. Depending on the cabin configuration will determine how many airline fare classes are offered.
What do the letter codes mean on airline tickets? ›F and A: first class. C, J, R, D and I: business class. W and P: premium economy. Y, H, K, M, L, G, V, S, N, Q, O and E: economy.
How many types of air tickets are there? ›The airline ticket may be one of two types: a paper ticket, which comprises coupons or vouchers; and an electronic ticket (commonly referred to as an e-ticket).
What is C class airline ticket? ›C = Full Fare Business Class. D = Business Class Discounted. I = Business Class Discounted. J = Full Fare Business Class. Z = Business Class Discounted.
What are the 4 classes on a plane? ›These days most modern airlines offer travellers a choice of three or four service levels: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. This basic structure is usually based on the cost of the flight and the services included during the journey.
What are the 4 types of flight? ›- Economy Class Flights. ...
- Premium Economy Class Flights. ...
- Business Class Flights. ...
- First Class Flights.
Airline Class of Service Codes
A - First Class Discounted. B - Economy/Coach – Usually an upgradable fare to Business. C - Business Class.
Often refer to discounted economy class ticket. W. Often refer to discounted economy class ticket. U. Often refer to discounted economy class ticket.
What are air codes? ›The airline accounting code, or prefix code, is a 3-digit number, referenced by IATA and unique among all the airlines, used to identify the airline in various accounting activities such as ticketing.
Which is the highest class in flight? ›In general, first class is the highest class offered, although some airlines have either branded their new products as above first class or offered business class as the highest class.
What is the cheapest flight category? ›
The economy class is used in the same way all around the world. To get the cheapest prices, travelers usually book economy class tickets in advance.
Is A or C-Class better? ›The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are both exceptional compact cars, but it's important to consider every angle. The A-Class is more accessible, more efficient, and rich in technology, but the C-Class comes with more standard features and offers more engine options.
What is cheaper C-Class or E-Class? ›Take a look at the difference between C-Class and E-Class sedan prices: 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Priced at $41,600 MSRP* as standard or $76,200 MSRP* for the range-topping AMG® C 63 S Sedan. 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Priced at $54,250* MSRP as standard or $107,500 MSRP* for the range-topping AMG® E 63 S Sedan.
What is R economy class in flight? ›F, J = Full Fare First Class/Business Class. A, P, D, I, R = Discount First/Business. Y, W = Economy. H, K, M, L, W, V, G, Q, N, S = Economy.
What are the different types of classes in airlines? ›Traditionally, an airliner is divided into, from the fore to aft, first, business, and economy classes, sometimes referred to as cabins. In recent years, some airlines have added a premium economy class as an intermediate class between economy and business classes.
What is a type code for aircraft? ›An aircraft type designator is a two-, three- or four-character alphanumeric code designating every aircraft type (and some sub-types) that may appear in flight planning. These codes are defined by both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
What are the 4 main flight controls? ›Primary flight controls are required to safely control an aircraft during flight and consist of ailerons, elevators (or, in some installations, stabilator) and rudder.
What are the 7 stages of flight? ›3.1.
The general flight phases are divided into: planning phase, takeoff phase, climb phase, cruise phase, descent phase, approach phase, and taxi phase.
A class A license is considered the “universal” CDL, providing the opportunity to drive multiple types of commercial trucks and tractor trailers. A class B license also allows operation of different types vehicles such as straight trucks and dump trucks, but it is more limiting than a class A CDL.
What class is a class B? ›A Class B CDL lets you drive a single vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more without a trailer. It also allows you to operate any vehicle towing a trailer that weighs less than 10,000 pounds. The following types of vehicles may be driven with a Class B: Straight trucks.
What is class E vs class G? ›
All airspace above FL 600 is Class E airspace. Uncontrolled airspace or Class G airspace is the portion of the airspace that has not been designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E. It is therefore designated uncontrolled airspace. Class G airspace extends from the surface to the base of the overlying Class E airspace.
What is class A on Delta? ›Delta Fare Class A
Fare class A is a revenue fare/booking class of service that is marketed as Discount First Class or Delta Premium Select. This fare class is considered a First Class fare class on domestic and short-haul international flights and Delta Premium Select on long-haul international flights.
Although class designators vary from airline to airline, V class is almost always associated with a discounted economy fare. Besides origin and destination cities, flight numbers and departure times, airline tickets show a fare type.
What is class G flight? ›General. Class G airspace (uncontrolled) is that portion of airspace that has not been designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace. VFR Requirements. Rules governing VFR flight have been adopted to assist the pilot in meeting the responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft.
How do you find an air code? ›You can find any Eircode by searching an address or by locating it on a map on the Eircode Finder page. If you can't find your Eircode, you should contact Eircode customer services.
How do I find airline codes? ›If you have a new airline and you need an IATA code, it all starts with an application form. You can access that by signing up for a user account within the customer portal. Note that applying for the code will cost $5,700. There are lower fees for IATA members, but that membership is pricey too.
What is a 3 digit airline code? ›The International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Location Identifier is a unique 3-letter code (also commonly known as IATA code) used in aviation and also in logistics to identify an airport.
What is an airport class 3? ›Class III airports are those airports that serve only scheduled operations of small air carrier aircraft.
Are there two types of air tickets? ›An airline ticket is a document granted by a carrier or travel agency to a passenger as a confirmation that a person has bought a seat on a flight. It can exist in two forms — paper and electronic (e-ticket).
What is the cheapest day to fly? ›So what are the cheapest days to fly? Typically, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday is the cheapest day to fly. If you can structure your travel schedule around these days, these will likely be the best days to fly – both for a lower cost and a less-hectic airport experience.
What is the cheapest month to fly in 2022? ›
Some of the best times of the year to travel are what Berg calls the “fall shoulder season” in September and October. Booking flights in late August or early September will give you the cheapest deals for shoulder season. But January takes the cake as the least expensive month to book flights and travel.
Which website gives cheapest flight tickets? ›- Momondo.
- Kayak.
- Expedia.
- Priceline.
- Orbitz.
- Agoda.
- Hotwire.
- Skyscanner.
With a Basic Class C License:
a 2-axle vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less. a 3-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds gross or less. a motorized scooter. any housecar 40 feet or less.
By far the most efficient model in the C-Class line-up is the C 300 e petrol plug-in hybrid, which offers a claimed 68 miles of all-electric drive and, provided you regularly top up the 25.4kWh battery, should drastically cut down on visits to the fuel station.
Is A or C-Class more expensive? ›The C-Class is more expensive than the A-Class. Compare pricing for their trims below: 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC: $39,500 MSRP*
Is E-Class better than S class? ›The E-class has more legroom in the front and rear seats for example. The S-Class does have the advantage in some areas, however, offering a very significant 2-inches more headroom in the front two seats, and cargo space that greatly surpasses that of the E-Class.
Which E-Class is most reliable? ›2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The 2012 E-Class tops the U.S. News & World Report “Most Reliable Used Cars Under $20,000” list for a luxury mid-size sedan. One look and it's easy to see why. The standard V6 is nothing to scoff at and the twin-turbocharged V8 has some major kick.
The 2022 C-Class' cargo area holds 12.6 cubic feet of stuff, down only half a cube from the 13.1 cubic feet available in the larger E-Class. Bottom line: Check them out in person if you're cross-shopping these two.
Is economy a class E? ›Fare class E is a revenue fare class that is marketed as Basic Economy on Delta Air Lines mainline and codeshare flights. This fare class is considered no-frills and the most restrictive fare class. There are limited numbers of seats available in this fare class.
What is economy Q class? ›Fare Class Q is a revenue fare/booking class of service that is marketed as Main Cabin on Delta Air Lines. The fare class is considered a discounted main cabin fare class that is eligible for complimentary upgrades.
What is Z class on Delta? ›
Fare class Z is a revenue fare/booking class of service that is marketed as Delta One. This fare class is considered a deeply discount business class fare class on domestic and international flights and is the only fare class eligible for immediately clearing into Delta One using a Global Upgrade Certificate.
Which class is best in flight? ›First Class is the Most Luxurious Seating Option
For starters, your seat will typically be extremely comfortable and spacious. Your seat will likely fully recline into a bed or it may even have its own enclosed pod around it for added privacy.
Economy class, also called third class, coach class, steerage, or to distinguish it from the slightly more expensive premium economy class, standard economy class or budget economy class, is the lowest travel class of seating in air travel, rail travel, and sometimes ferry or maritime travel.
Which economy class is the best? ›- Singapore Airlines. ...
- Emirates. ...
- Etihad Airways. ...
- Porter Airlines. ...
- Air New Zealand. ...
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. ...
- Qatar Airways. ...
- JetBlue. JetBlue offers the most legroom in its economy cabin for an American-based airline.
If you're going to sit in economy, you want to be sure you select a Main Cabin Extra seat. These are the best seats you'll find in the rear section of the plane. What makes these seats special is that they have extra pitch — that is, the distance between the seat back of one seat to the seatback of the seat in front.
What is class 0 on a flight? ›F and A: first class. J, R, D and I: business class. W and P: premium economy. Y, B, H, K, L, G, V, S, N, Q and O: economy.