Understanding Booking Classes There is often much confusion around booking classes and fare basis codes. However, once you understand its purpose and how to determine it you’ll realise it is fairly simple. To make your life easier FlightSiteAgent has put together a fact sheet of all you need to know about understanding fare basis codes and booking classes. How to identify fare basis codes and booking class codes? A fare basis code is an alpha or alpha-numeric code used by airlines to differentiate between the various class types and allows airline staff and travel agents to find the rules applicable to each class. The first letter in that code is the booking class code. For example: OLBSA O: Indicates booking class L: Low season SA: Indicates the country, usually used when it is an international fare. The B is airline specific and could indicate anything from whether it is a return fare to what baggage allowance is allocated to the seat. What is the importance of a fare basis code? The letter indicating the booking class is only one in a string of letters and numbers strung together to describe the fare. Fare codes indicate a variety of things such as: Whether the fare is refundable The departure points How far in advance it can be booked How many bags you can check for free Cancellation fees One-way or round-trip tickets Routing restrictions or change penalties. Please note that each airline has its own style for writing codes and the most important thing to understand is the booking class and its set rules. What is the importance of a booking class code? In the past IATA has tried to standardise the use of booking class codes, but over the years airlines have deviated and booking classes are now considered airline specific. Each booking class has a unique set of fare rules which are determined by the airline and can be very important to your client. Where to find the code? The FlightSiteAgent search engine will indicate the booking code of each flight sector in the results page next to the airline logo, as highlighted below. The fare rules associated with each booking class can be viewed by expanding the fare rules icon with a simple click. Next to this icon, you can also find a fare details icon, which will provide all the important information you need to know about a specific booking. Rule 16 is usually named “Penalties” and is one of the most important fare rules and definitely worth copying and attaching to each airfare quote. Another one to take note of would be rule 3, Seasonality, which might only allow one change to a ticket within a certain date range. Rewards Often people travel happily without being aware of their booking class, but as a travel agent it is important to know how this works and to provide your client with the relevant information regarding fare rules. Important fare rules like cancellation policies and penalties should always be brought to your client’s attention. Other fare rules like whether the ticket is upgradeable, changeable or will earn them extra air miles could also be important and worth mentioning – especially if the client provides you with a loyalty programme membership number. Now that you have all the information you need about flight classes we hope you find booking flights for your clients a quick and hassle-free experience. If you have any further questions, contact [email protected] or call 086 133 3392 and one of our friendly account managers will be able to assist. .