Fare Class (Booking Class)

Fare classes are also called booking classes or booking codes. Within a single cabin, an airline may sell a dozen or more of them, each with its own price and rules. Codes vary by airline, but Y is almost universally full-fare economy, J and C commonly denote business, and F denotes first, while letters such as B, M, H, K, L, and Q are often used for discounted economy.

The letter affects more than price. It can determine whether a ticket is refundable or changeable, whether it earns full miles or elite-qualifying credit, whether it can be upgraded, and how quickly seats at that price sell out. Two travelers sitting side by side in economy may have paid very different fares for very different flexibility.

For corporate travelers, the fare class is often the difference between a flexible ticket and a costly change. We check the fare class and its rules before booking so the ticket fits how firm your plans really are.