V-Flyer

I know that there is a full list published of the fare codes used by VS (courtesy of Richard Mannion I believe:)) but can anyone tell me if there is a 'normal' or usual fare code used? For example, if I click the 'Premium Economy (Lowest)' button, what fare code would be allocated?

ISTBC, but...


Economy will normally show the following, in order, based on them being available:

Lowest = N/X/Q/M/L/B
Flexible = Y


PE, when selected will show the following:

Lowest = K (if available), S if not
Flexible = W


Upper:

Lowest = Z (if available)/D (Apex) if not
Flexible = J

Thanks, Paul[y]

That is my understanding.

Be careful when booking in Y, it isn't uncommon for one leg to be booked in X or Q and the other in N.

This isn't so bad now that N earns some FC points, and a single tier point, but it cuts down on your earnings. [:(!]

The only way to know before you commit yourself is that it will tell you on screen - 'This flight will earn xxxx flying club points' make sure that that total shown is for the two legs.

Nick

One of the key things this highlights (and big problems with the website) is the inability to specifiy an upgradeable/particular fare type.

ie:

How on earth can I book an L fare online, unless I know all N/X/Q & M fares have been sold?

How do I book an S (upgradeable) fare before, or unless I know all K's have been sold?

How do I book the lowest limo-applicable Upper fare if I don't know all Z's have gone (or even if Z's are available, but I want a D?!)


As I say, a key flaw, and one they're WELL overdue in fixing. [V]

Well said, Paul! But then I guess there are lot of people out there who don't even realise there are all those fare classes and just buy a ticket in a particular class and are none the wiser. Shame on them! [V]

Even an option of "Economy/Premium Upgradeable" being added to the current "lowest"/"flexible" ones would be a huge step forward.


Not difficult to implement - massive benefit to FC members. Hey, if united.bomb can deal with it, I'm sure the clever guys at VS could do something similar quickly enough... [:w];)

Oh, while we're at it - how about a "book and/an upgrade" option, too? [ii]

Originally posted by preiffer
Even an option of "Economy/Premium Upgradeable" being added to the current "lowest"/"flexible" ones would be a huge step forward

Yup, or even a separate "Advanced booking engine" that shows a limited description of each fare class (or a popup for fare rules like on Expedia)...

Oh, while we're at it - how about a "book and/an upgrade" option, too? [ii]

[y] Inability to do a miles upgrade online (either at time of booking or later) really sucks.

Add in the inability to pre-order Retail Therapy online, and you've got my 3 biggest bugbears about the VS wesbite

Cheers

Michael

Funny you say that Michael as those features would save VS money after the development cost and be plain helpful. Hmmmm VS miss a way to save money, finger points to Yeporeee

Fortunately VS don't charge a premium for making phone bookings, and the online discount has now gone. I have only booked online once direct with VS via the web. I have lost count the number of bookings I have made in the past with people like Expedia, because they have the advanced fare view avaialbe (apart from the special fares). VS are very much aware of this, and work is underway to look at a new ticketing/booking engine.

Thanks,
Richard

Originally posted by RichardMannion
VS are very much aware of this, and work is underway to look at a new ticketing/booking engine.

To be honest Richard, while you say that (and no offence intended), you've been saying that for years and nothing's changed so far... [?][:w]

And some of us have never booked on-line and so have been able to sort out straight away what class we are in, whether or not it is upgradeable and also get our seat assignments. [:p]

Originally posted by preiffer

Originally posted by RichardMannion
VS are very much aware of this, and work is underway to look at a new ticketing/booking engine.

To be honest Richard, while you say that (and no offence intended), you've been saying that for years and nothing's changed so far... [?][:w]

Yeah I know, some of the delay is inexcusable really. A big change like this does take time, and I think we all know of problems that VS suffers with its website. Various other projects have got in the way [:(] Some small changes have happened over the year such as it being upgraded to tell you how many miles you will earn, the upgrade 'upsell' window, and the display of the fare class, albeit at the final sold stage. But yes, something needs to happen as VS are behind the curve to be honest.

Thanks,
Richard

Originally posted by RichardMannion
Fortunately VS don't charge a premium for making phone bookings, and the online discount has now gone. I have only booked online once direct with VS via the web. I have lost count the number of bookings I have made in the past with people like Expedia, because they have the advanced fare view avaialbe (apart from the special fares). VS are very much aware of this, and work is underway to look at a new ticketing/booking engine.

Thanks,
Richard

But surely, if you book with Expedia or any similar sites, then you don't get the PNR (I think that's what it's called), so can't easily, if at all, do your seat allocation?

You can call through to VS afterwards, give them your surname/travel date, and they'll provide you with your PNR (again, more work for Virgin!)

The one problem with Expedia is their habit of booking you into a "Special/Net" rate, which is useless in the case of wanting to upgrade. The amount paid is hidden from the airline, so they can't always even apply a cash valuation for the ticket in the case of you wanting to do ANYTHING with it.

Originally posted by preiffer
You can call through to VS afterwards, give them your surname/travel date, and they'll provide you with your PNR (again, more work for Virgin!)

The one problem with Expedia is their habit of booking you into a "Special/Net" rate, which is useless in the case of wanting to upgrade. The amount paid is hidden from the airline, so they can't always even apply a cash valuation for the ticket in the case of you wanting to do ANYTHING with it.

D'oh, whatever happened to transparency?!