Until now, many travelers have thought they were at the mercy of the ticket agent when one coach cus

When it comes to buying plane tickets online, it comes down to a single letter code that determines the over all value of that flying experience. Designed by airlines to provide a wider range of purchasing options for travelers to save money on plane tickets, while maintaining airline benefits for those who buy tickets at full price.
One upper case letter, known as the fare basis code, alerts the ticketing agent to several different flight options that you may or may not have when buying plane tickets. This fair basis code varies from airline to airline, but there are some consistent letters used, across all airlines.
This is where the fare basis code is especially important to airlines since the majority of flyers choose coach over first class. Though there is, by outward appearances, no change in airline service, it's knowing what these obscure codes mean that gives a passenger an advantage over those who hold tickets unaware.
When buying plane tickets online directly from a commercial airline web site, such as American or Continental, the code is most often listed first on the flight information page that describes the specific flight dates, departures and arrivals. You may need to spend some time scrolling through the airline website until the codes are identified since they are not always easy to see.
Discount airline ticket buying websites, such as  Expedia  and  Cheap Tickets  may or may not have these codes, since those deep discounted coach prices place most tickets in the Q fare code rating. If you don't want to deal with the Q rating risks, consider buying airline tickets directly from commercial airline sites.
Over the counter tickets will also have the code printed alone or attached with other letters and numbers but be sure not to confuse it with gate boarding information. When it doubt, ask the ticketing agent to identify the fare basis code when buying plane tickets.
Until now, many travelers have thought they were at the mercy of the ticket agent when one coach customer is given upgrade options while another is not; one passenger is required to miss the flight due to over booking, while another was allowed to board. The secret is in the code.
If frequent flier miles are important, and you don't want to risk missing a flight, due to over booking; use the Y code. If flyer miles don't matter, and you have the flexibility to possibly miss a flight, and take advantage of the compensatory travel change perks; buy tickets online and choose the Q!
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