Bumped? What a plane ticket says about you
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38852354/ns/travel-travel_tips/
NEW YORK — There are a few bits of information to pay close attention to on an airline ticket: the flight number, gate number and boarding time. Fare basis code? Not a common concern.
But the single-letter code can make a big difference in some parts of the travel experience, even though most passengers don’t pay any attention. A fare basis code further divides passengers into classes based on how much they paid and how far out they booked. There are up to a dozen in coach class alone. When you’re on the plane, there’s no difference in service between a passenger who has a “Y” or “Q” — a full-fare and a discounted ticket — if you’re both in coach. But the codes are still important: Some indicate your trip isn’t eligible for frequent-flier miles or an upgrade; others tell a ticket agent where to rank you on a standby list.
