What do the codes mean on airline tickets?

By Michael Gebicki
Updated December 8 2016 - 12:28am, first published December 7 2016 - 10:16pm
Different numbers mean differnt things to different airlines. Photo: iStock
Different numbers mean differnt things to different airlines. Photo: iStock

Airline tickets have a single letter code listed as class or status that tells the airline where you're sitting. Among the most common, Y is full-fare economy, T is discounted economy. J is full fare in business class, D is discounted business. Some are universal to all airlines, others are specific to individual carriers. For example if you're flying with Etihad, P means you're headed for one of their Residence suites aboard an Airbus A380. That letter also tells the airline the fare rules that apply to your booking. As well as T, K and L are also discounted economy fares, and each comes with a different set of rules. Among other criteria those fare rules will determine whether you qualify for frequent flyer points, what baggage allowance applies and whether you can make changes to your booking and if so, what the charge will be.

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