Economy t what. What are the differences between economy class airfares? Details by booking class

Today, visiting any point on the planet is accessible to everyone. Air service simplifies this task. However, such voyages are designed for different levels of comfort. Let's decide how to choose a flight class and what you should pay attention to when purchasing an air ticket.

Considering the current level various airlines world, passengers independently choose classes of service on airplanes. Based on the degree of convenience of the trip, tourists have the right to purchase first, business or economy category tickets. In addition, these three main areas of service imply an internal division according to the degree of booking and other conditions.

In general, an air ticket booking class is an encoding in the form of Latin characters that determines specific quotas for the number of seats or booking time limits. This definition should not be confused with service level - after all, both categories have different characteristics. To understand the information presented a little, we will tell you in more detail about all the possible nuances.

Top class service

On intercontinental flights, competitive airlines offer all-inclusive flights to wealthy passengers. First class on such liners consists of separate “rooms” where the tourist is provided with a full-fledged bed, a choice of menus from upscale restaurants and a full range of entertainment. Sometimes on board ships offering such services there are individual shower blocks and dressing rooms.

Of course, the chairs here are made of materials High Quality and are equipped with convenient functions: massage, heating, orthopedic seats. Seat involves its transformation into a full-fledged bed or its additional installation. In addition, some airlines add a personal bar and cinema to the services of wealthy customers.

On tickets such places are indicated by marking them with the symbols “P”, “F” or “A”. The mark “P” means booking individual cabins of an improved standard. There are separate beds for sleeping, satellite communications and TV monitors. Similar conditions are feasible on Airbus A330 or Boeing 747 200 airliners. Marking "F" implies travel in first class on general rules. The designation “A” indicates that a seat is provided under special conditions - at a discount offered by the airline at the peak of seasonal flights.

In addition, first class passengers have additional privileges. At the airport, these people check in in a separate hall or compartment. Here they are provided with individual waiting rooms, where they have everything they need, including showers. Unlimited Internet, a selection of snacks and drinks, comfortable furniture and other entertainment are the minimum requirements at any airport for passengers flying in this class. This category of tourists gets to the airport terminal by individual special premium transport, and the standards for carrying luggage for such passengers far exceed the standard minimum established by the airlines.

Enhanced comfort flights

Business class airline cabins are becoming a substitute for first-class flights on domestic and international flights short range. In addition, some types of aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 200, are equipped with both types of cabins. Conditions increased comfort suggest an increase in the number of places hand luggage client – 2 units versus one seat for passengers flying on general conditions. In addition, airlines have provided a sufficient amount of space between the rows of seats, twin seats, which in most cases are located along the sides of the aircraft. The following seating options are usually used here:

Backrest folding angle 160º. The standard seat width here varies between 440–860 mm. The passages between the lines range from 0.84 to 2.02 meters, depending on the dimensions of the liner.
180º reclining chairs. Here the dimensions of the seats range from 460 mm to 580 mm, and the dimensions of the aisles will be at least 1.4 meters. The maximum width between the seats reaches 1.7 m. The reclining angle of the back allows you to transform the seat into a comfortable one. sleeping area and minimizes the client’s discomfort on the plane.

When flying, Wi-Fi is available here, you can choose from a wide range of menus, you can charge your gadgets and read the latest press. Airports also provide some privileges for such passengers. These people register either at a separate terminal or bypassing the general queue. In addition, the waiting area for such clients is equipped with fairly comfortable living conditions in separate rooms.

Passengers who have canceled their trip here have the opportunity to return their air tickets at their nominal value or postpone their trip to a time convenient for them. As for ticket markings, the business class category includes the symbols “J”, “C”, “D”, “Z”, “I”.

Moreover, the mark “J” indicates the reservation of premium class seats. Here the seats will be more spacious, the choice of drinks and snacks will be wider. In addition, this category of clients has the right to count on providing additional entertainment During the flight.

The abbreviation "C" means business class travel on a general basis, and the last three characters indicate a reservation on the plane with a possibility of reduced prices during the season. As you can see, special conditions flights allow you to travel in comfort. The only negative in this situation, the cost of the ticket becomes high - usually the price of such seats in the cabin is approximately four times higher than the cost of a standard air ticket.

General flight conditions

Since we have outlined the main characteristics of places of high and increased comfort, let’s move on to the issues of providing standard services. When purchasing a ticket to an economy cabin, some people flying for the first time are interested in: “B class on an airplane - what is it?” This designation indicates the possibility of the airline providing discounts during peak periods. tourist season. The symbol refers to the booking category and is indirectly related to the flight conditions.

For economy class passengers, the carrier allocates a large part of the cabin, because this option is very popular among residents of any country

If we talk about comfort, the economy class of any airliner consists of standard seats that are located quite compactly, which reduces the comfort of clients on the road. There are certain restrictions on some seats here - the backs of the seats at emergency passages and seats located in front of the food and sanitary blocks do not recline or do not recline completely.

Seats of this class occupy the main part of the aircraft and are located in the middle and rear areas of the board. Their layout usually follows a 3:3 or 3:4:3 scheme, depending on the type and model of the aircraft. As a rule, there is no talk of a comfortable flight here, but each of the seats is nevertheless equipped with an armrest and a transformable table. Although the company offers meals for passengers who have chosen such travel conditions only on a flight lasting more than two hours.

The service offered to economy class passengers includes only the essentials necessary for the duration of the flight.

Low-cost airlines specializing in short-term flights exclude the provision of free food altogether. Here passengers rely exclusively on a limited number of drinks. For customers occupying standard seats, airlines impose some restrictions on the carriage of hand luggage (on average up to 10 kg) and baggage (about 23 kg).

Registration of such people takes place at the general counter at the airport; the lounge area here is also public and does not involve any special frills. A bus takes passengers directly to the plane, and in some cases, clients travel independently. All possible inconveniences are compensated by the low cost of the trip - general cabin tickets are affordable for most residents of the country. Let's take a closer look at some of the nuances of the flight that a trip of this level of service involves.

About the classification of economy booking

As in situations with the purchase of tickets to a high-convenience cabin, there are several options for passengers of different levels of solvency and aspirations. Experts refer to economy class encodings as “W”, “S”, “Y”, “B”, “H”, “K”, “L”, “M”, “N”, “Q”, “T” , “V”, “X”, “O” and “G” reservation categories. Let's consider them in the given order.

The Latin symbol in the “class” column of the ticket indicates the passenger’s flight category

The “W” symbol suggests the client’s ability to occupy premium seats in the cabin. Usually the distance in front of such seats is increased, sometimes the seats themselves are located in pairs (near emergency exits on some modifications of the aircraft). Fixed and standard conditions require category “S” and class “Y” on the aircraft. What does this mean? Experienced tourists know that tickets with such markings do not provide for any changes in terms of the agreed travel conditions or cost.

The remaining symbols, with the exception of the “G” marking, suggest the possibility of reducing the cost of the flight at the discretion of the airline. This includes the “N” class on the plane, the “Q” and “T” markings. Category “V” is considered youth, and the symbols “K” and “L” are considered cheap seats, which are sometimes subject to a discount.

On some large airliners The seats at the rear of the board are called “tourist” seats. It is for this category that you can purchase air tickets marked “Class M”. On an airplane, this level is served under the same conditions as category “Y” or with some restrictions.

A purchased ticket for an economy cabin marked “M” means that this type of seat is eligible for airline discounts during peak seasonal flights

As for the “G” mark, here the airlines provide for group seat reservations. A similar practice is used during charter flights, when the tour operator buys only part of the aircraft or a separate block of seats. In addition, there are other reservation class encodings. Economy class "E" on the plane means that you cannot choose your seat in advance. Here, the passenger determines the seat at check-in for the flight. The “U” symbol means that a seat reservation is not required, since clients are guaranteed to occupy all seats, according to the fare of their air ticket.
Finally, we note that airlines independently control the number of tickets that offer discounts. Keep in mind that when you downgrade your comfort class, the quota for the number of air tickets drops proportionally.

When purchasing a plane ticket, passengers independently determine the class of service on the airliner
Flying in first class is the most expensive, but most comfortable way to travel.
Flying business class offers certain privileges for passengers, as well as an increased degree of seat comfort and service.
For business class passengers at the airport there is a separate check-in terminal and a convenient waiting room

According to statistics, air travel holds a leading position in the market passenger transportation. The degree of comfort of a flight is directly related to the seat you occupy in the cabin. In total there are 3 classes of service on board, offering a variety of Additional services or a list of restrictions. For the convenience of passengers, each gradation is indicated by a specific letter on the plane ticket.

Let's take a closer look at what class Y is and what benefits you will receive when purchasing a ticket with this letter designation.

Main classes and selection factors

When choosing a seat and class of service, the passenger takes into account factors such as his financial capabilities, purpose of the trip, duration of the flight, personal preferences and even phobias and prejudices. It is also equally important for some travelers in which part of the cabin their seat is located, because in front and in the middle it is not so noisy, but tail section represents a safer zone in case of accidents that may occur during takeoff or landing.

So, seats on airplanes are divided into:

first grade;
Business Class;
Economy class.

First grade

Passengers in this prestigious class can:

before the arrival of the airliner, while away the time in a special comfortable zone;
check in for your flight without a queue or do it in a separate VIP terminal and drive up to the ramp in a premium car;
in the salon they can use a folding chair or sofa, order food and drinks from a wide range of dishes, and the staff is ready to fulfill any of their requests.

Business Class

This option gives the passenger the opportunity to:

after a long flight, put your clothes in order in a specially designated place;
choose a menu that will satisfy the needs of passengers on medical diets, traveling with children, as well as those who have strict preferences related to religion;
change the departure date or even return the ticket, while receiving its entire cost back.

Economy class

Places in this category are the cheapest. They are distinguished by:

equipment with a folding table and a pocket with an illustrated magazine and an evacuation map;
the number of meals and its quality depends on the airline;
at long flight Everyone is given earplugs, pillows, blankets.

Y – the most expensive economy class option

Here we come to the mysterious Y. The ignorant will have to learn that this letter means belonging to the most expensive economy class option. The cost of tickets is close to almost the same as business class, since class Y tickets exclude any restrictions.

What are the advantages of an economy class Y ticket? Having a ticket includes:

the ability to change the date and direction of the flight;
full refund of the ticket price, including after check-in for the flight;
booking it without any need to pay an immediate fee.
open return flight date valid for a year;
upgraded class of service;
90% discount for children under 2 years old or free flight for them when accompanied by you; and from 2 to 12 years old - half the cost of the ticket with the provision of a separate seat;
The free baggage allowance is 2 pieces.

In addition, Y class seats are located in the middle and rear of the aircraft. Unlike higher-class seats, the width of the seats and aisles between the rows is narrower. However, each seat is equipped with a folding backrest and table, as well as comfortable armrests. Depending on the carrier company for which the Class Y ticket was purchased, passengers may be provided with other services. They usually include hot meals with a choice of menus and hygiene kits.

During short flights, passengers are offered only hot and cold drinks. Service for these passengers is carried out after the service provided to passengers of a higher class.

Knowledge of the above nuances will allow you to choose a plane ticket competently - in accordance with your capabilities and preferences.

— these are 193 aircraft whose age does not exceed 4 years. Aeroflot is constantly working to improve the quality of customer service. Ticket prices are calculated in such a way that people with different budgets can afford them.

The company offers several tariffs that provide a specific set of services. These are Business, Comfort and Economy. They, in turn, are divided into Premium, Optimum, Budget and Promo. The breakdown of Aeroflot tariffs will be discussed in this article. Their choice affects what class of service you will be provided on board the airliner.

The most favorable tariff, at which the passenger has the right to the maximum number of services, is Business Premium. Change the departure date, refund the ticket fee, make changes to an existing reservation- all this can be done if you purchase tickets at this rate.

There is also Business Optimum. It is similar to the first one, but the number of advantages is much less. For date changes, etc. you can only with deduction of a certain amount or with additional payment.

Both of them can be taken with you in your luggage two suitcases weighing 32 kg each and one bag weighing up to 15 kg in hand luggage. Before departure, you can use the Business Class lounge, quickly receive your luggage and be the first to leave. They will also serve you during registration without queues.

Can't find information about tariffs on the company's website? Select the Help button. Next, click “About purchasing a ticket.”

Examples of codes for this tariff - JFM, DFM, IFM, CCO, etc.

There are the same two subsections - Premium and Optimum. Their characteristics are similar to those listed above. The difference is in the weight of the luggage. You can take it with you two suitcases, but weighing 23 kg each. You are allowed to take in your hand luggage one bag up to 10 kg.

You won't be able to board the plane first or claim your luggage right away. Only Business Class passengers enjoy these privileges.

The codes for these tariffs can be as follows - WFM, SFO, ACO, AFM, etc.

The tariffs can be the following - Premium, Optimum, Budget and Promo. Premium comes with the widest privileges. You will be able to change the departure date, you have the right for two pieces of luggage each up to 23 kg.

Aeroflot Economy Class cabin.

What is this Aeroflot Economy Class “Optimum” fare? You get fewer benefits, but they are there. You will have the opportunity to upgrade your service class when booking, choose your seats in advance, and can be combined with the same fares, but in other classes of service. In your luggage you can take one suitcase weighing 23 kg, and hand luggage - up to 10 kg.

Aeroflot's third Economy class tariff is “Budget”. It will not be possible to change the departure date, get your money back for tickets or make changes to your reservation.. In terms of the number and weight of luggage and hand luggage, the rules do not differ from Optimum.

Aeroflot Economy Class N may be indicated on tickets. To understand what tariff this is, look at the next two letters that follow it. If FM or FO, then it is Premium. CL or CO is Optimum, and VU and VO are Budget. Same thing with Economy Class E.

The last one is the cheapest - Promo. Buying tickets on it is very difficult. The company provides passengers with the opportunity to purchase a limited number of them and within a certain, short period of time. More information on how you can purchase tickets at the Promo rate can be found in this article.

What kind of Aeroflot Economy Class “Promo” tariff is this? It is designated by its unique codes - RSX and RSO. If you are participating in bonus program company, then you will receive only 25%. Can only be combined with the same rate. There are no restrictions on luggage and hand luggage. You can make changes to your order, but only with an additional payment.

Features of booking classes

When you choose Business Class booking with Aeroflot, you get a lot of privileges. You will be provided full range of SkyPriority services. At the airport, you will spend your time in comfort in the local lounges with enhanced comfort. You will be checked in in advance, you and your luggage will be taken to the plane first.

On the plane you will sit separately from Economy passengers. Ergonomic chairs with cushions, USB sockets, etc. will be at your service. You will be provided with a separate menu. The dishes are prepared by the best chefs and served in porcelain dishes. They will give you a wine list to go with it. It's being updated every 6 months.

To find information about service classes on the company’s website, go back to “Reference Information”. Then select “On Board”.

The Comfort class also has a large number of advantages. You will be sitting on board the plane in comfortable, adjustable chairs. Delicious dishes served in beautiful settings will be served to you. To prevent passengers from getting bored during the flight, their seats are equipped with special multimedia system. The flight attendants will take care of your comfort.

In Economy you will be no less comfortable. Ergonomic seats with folding tables and mobile armrests allow you to have a pleasant flight.

For small passengers, entertainment and children's kits are provided. Adults are provided with pillows, blankets and an amenity kit. It consists of slippers and a sleep mask. If you are a vegetarian or diabetic, you will be provided with

separate meals.

Conclusion Aeroflot tries to satisfy the needs of all its passengers. Three classes of service correspond to different needs - Business, Comfort and Economy. Several tariffs have been formed for them. This makes it possible for people with high, average and low levels

budget.

One of the most profitable ones is Premium and Optimum. All three service classes have them. Economy Class has two additional tariffs - Budget and Promo. You can buy very cheap tickets using them. That's why they are the most popular.

At the same time, passengers of the same class, regardless of the type of fare, receive exactly the same set of services and can take any seat in the premium or economy class cabin. So what do those G, K, L, O, Q, S, T, U, V, W, X on the ticket mean?

What is an air ticket fare and what are the different air ticket fares?

Economy class air ticket fares differ in terms of ticket return and exchange, ticket validity, and the size of the discount for children. The conditions for applying the fare determine the amount of the fine for returning a ticket, the possibility of making changes to the route, for example, changing the name of the passenger or the date of departure, and the specifics of calculations when changing different sections of the route.

International Association air transport IATA regulates tariffs and the rules for their application in the field of international transport: basic tariffs, independent of the airline, are established by IATA conferences. In addition, approval from IATA is required when developing so-called “ published tariffs", information about which is entered into booking systems and directories. Such tariffs take into account the commercial interests of all airlines operating in this direction.

The air carrier may have " confidential» fares that are a trade secret - as a rule, these are direct flights within a specific airline.

Confidential fares differ from published ones in that they are not available in booking systems and tickets for them are sold by the airline itself or its trusted agents. The pricing of this type of fare is determined by competition between carrier companies: for passengers, such fares are usually cheaper, but have a number of conditions and restrictions.

Airfare groups

Based on the conditions of application, tariffs are divided into two groups:

Normal or full - tariffs with no restrictions. This type of tariff has flexible terms of booking, registration and payment. Tickets purchased at full fare have a number of privileges: during the validity period of the ticket you can change the route and date of departure, there are no restrictions on the length of stay and the availability of a return ticket, such tickets can usually be exchanged or returned without any penalties. When returning an air ticket, only a service fee will be charged. By full tariffs First and business class tickets and an annual economy class fare are paid for. As a rule, these are first class (denoted “F”), business (“C”) and economy class (“Y”) fares. High class of service has a corresponding impact on cost
Special rates– tariffs that are used by airlines as a tool to attract customers. Most travelers use these rates because of their affordability. The use of discounts does not lead to a deterioration in service, however, the low price imposes some restrictions on the passenger. For example, short time validity of the air ticket, impossibility of changing the departure date, partial refund of the unused ticket.

Types of special rates

Excursion rates“EE” – fares that have a minimum and maximum time spent at the destination. The maximum period can range from 1 to 6 months, and the minimum can range from the “first Sunday rule” (i.e. you must stay at your destination overnight from Saturday to Sunday) to a week. An air ticket issued at an excursion fare is almost always fully refundable and allows you to change the dates and route of travel. A ticket at this rate can also be purchased with an open date.
Special air fares- these are tariffs with the greatest number of restrictions, but with the lowest price. Typically, this fare category has a “first Sunday rule” and a maximum stay of up to one month. It is impossible to change the departure and arrival dates for tickets purchased at these fares, or you can, but with penalties. A refund of an air ticket purchased at a special fare is possible only in exceptional cases.
Youth tariff- for passengers under 24, 25 or 26 years of age (depending on the destination) at the start of the trip. Departure and arrival dates are fixed; some airlines allow booking tickets with an open date.
APEX tariff- travel dates are strictly fixed, rebooking and return with a fine are allowed. Tickets are issued simultaneously with the reservation, no later than 7, 14, 21 days before departure to Europe, or 10 days before departure to America.
Tariff PEX (PEX)- this fare is subject to a number of restrictions: booking and redemption of tickets occur simultaneously, flights are carried out on certain days of the week. Typically, flights have a limited number of seats sold at PEX fares. This fare has strict conditions for return and application of penalties in case of non-use of tickets.
SUPER SAVER tariff- the cheapest group of fares that have additional restrictions: deadlines for purchasing an air ticket at this fare are often: 3 days in advance, 7 days in advance, 14 days in advance, 21 days in advance and vice versa - no earlier than 3 days, no earlier than 7 days and etc. These rates are not valid on certain days (BlackOut days).

This group of SUPER SAVER tariffs includes:
SUPER-PEX - air ticket can be used for up to 3 months. Changing the date of departure and arrival is not allowed; in addition, a minimum period of stay has been established. You can return your ticket one day before your flight.
SUPER-APEX - if you are late for a flight, money for your ticket will not be refunded.
PROMO - tariffs that are developed by each carrier independently and the conditions are very similar to the super-apex tariff, but as a rule, with even more stringent conditions.

Family airfare- also not applicable in all directions. A 50% discount is provided for the accompanying spouse and children aged 2 to 25 years. The air ticket is valid for one month.
Spouse rate- applies to flights to a limited number of countries. At this rate, one of the spouses is given a 50% discount. This air ticket is valid for one month.
Group rates - this group tariffs are intended mainly for tourist groups. In this case, restrictions are imposed not only on the length of stay, but also on the number of people in the group (from 4 to 20 depending on the direction).
Pension tariff- not applicable on all routes and not by all airlines. This discount is valid for passengers who have reached 55-60 years of age (the exact age is determined by the airline) and, as a rule, is 25% - 30%.

Thus, the more significant the discount, the more restrictions the fare has; the more expensive the ticket, the more privileges the passenger has.

Airfare code

The presence of letters in the tariff code may indicate the following:

SS – this ticket fare has restrictions and requires early purchase of the ticket (3-14 days before the departure date)
ZZ – youth fare for air tickets (for youth under 24 years old)
CD – pension fare for air tickets (women over 55, men over 60)
OW – one-way airfare
RT – round-trip airfare
1M – round-trip airfare, subject to return no later than 1 month
3M – round-trip airfare, subject to return no later than 3 months later
Y – economy class airfare
W – premium economy airfare
C – business class air ticket prices\

Economy class airfare

Fares are indicated on tickets by letter codes. But the designation system and fare conditions differ depending on the airline. In general, three main economy class tariff groups can be distinguished:

	Premium / Full	Standard	Promo
Tariff marking	Y, B	M, H, N	G, K, L, O, Q, S, T, U, V, W, X
Ticket validity period	180-365 days	30-180 days	30 days
Open date	Allowed	Prohibited	Prohibited
Ticket refund before departure	No penalty	With a fine	Prohibited
Refund of a ticket in case of no-show for a flight	No penalty	With a fine	Prohibited
Exchange your ticket before departure	No penalty	With a fine	With a fine
Exchange of a ticket in case of no-show for a flight	No penalty	Prohibited	Prohibited

In addition, some tariffs may have additional restrictions. Such as, for example, the ability to choose a seat in the cabin during check-in. And lastly, different amounts of bonus miles are awarded for different tariffs.

Details by booking class

First grade:

R - supersonic class (suite) - exists only on Airbus aircraft A380
P - premium (superior) first class
F - first class
A - first class with discount

Business Class:

J - premium business class
C - business class
D - business class with discount
Z - business class with discount
I - business class with discount

Economy class:

W - premium economy class
S - economy class
Y - economy class
B - economy class with discount
H - economy class with discount
K - economy class with discount
L - economy class with discount
M - tourist class with discount
N - economy class with discount
Q - economy class with discount
T - economy class with discount
V - economy class with discount (youth fare)
X - economy class, group fare - reservation under certain conditions
E - economy class, shuttle fare (used on charters only) - reservations not allowed, seats confirmed at check-in
U - economy class, shuttle fare - no reservation required, seats guaranteed
G - economy class, group fare - reservation under certain conditions
O - economy class with discount

Conditions on board will be the same in economy class, regardless of the chosen fare, and the price difference may differ by 7 times. So the conclusion is simple: if you are sure that plans will not change, take the cheapest tariff.

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