Roundtrip

I purchased my first BC ticket recently. In looking into all the privileges that are supposed to come with a BC ticket, I came across a restriction that said some perk was available only to First Class and "Full Fare" Business Class passengers. Can anyone tell me what "full fare" means? I bought my BC ticket directly from United's reservation agents. How do I know if I'm not allowed in the "special" line that whips me through security much faster?

ms_go

Yes, you can use the priority lines for check in and security. Don't know which airport you are traveling from, but I've found the 'special' security line at O'Hare to be sometimes 'much slower' than the regular one.

You might be referring to use of the arrivals lounges (not to be confused with the Red Carpet Clubs, although some are located inside of the RCCs), which is not permitted if you have upgraded a paid economy ticket to business using miles.

BeachBoi

Generally speaking, United has "Discount" Business Class fares, usually booked in "D" class whereas "full fare" Business Class would be booked in C class.The discount is a couple hundred less in each direction and may not be offered by a telephone reservation agent.Why should they unless you ask for it?I am guessing that is what is being referred to.

rkkwan

You get the same service at the airport and on the plane, regardless of fare class. Doesn't matter if you use money or miles to book it either.

No difference is the amount of FF miles and EQM earned between full and discount paying fares.

Difference is in the date-of-travel restriction, refund/rebook rules and penalty, etc...

someotherguy

There's also a heavily discounted "Z" class which, in addition to the restrictions of "D", is not upgradeable to First. No difference in the actual travel experience, though.

Roundtrip

Although I don't have my ticket before me, I do believe it has a booking number that starts with "Z." There were many restrictions and stiff fees for any changes, but it was much cheaper than the $10k the agent originally quoted for a BC ticket. I paid $3K. I'm flying out of LAX, if that makes any difference.

otto

each cabin (first, business, economy) on an aircraft has various classes of service the ticket can be booked in. "full fare" business is the most expensive, and does not include the business class discounts from mileage credits, corporate discounts, sale fares, etc... good luck!

mrwunrfl

With the Z fare you won't get the 25% bonus redeemable miles that you would get with C or D fares, or the 50% bonus redeemable miles of first class fares. But, you will get the 50% bonus elite qualifying miles and segments.

United has several promotional offers of bonus miles, like the 5000 mile bonus to Asia that they currently offer. They list the qualifying fare classes and Z is not mentioned but I expect that you would get the bonus because several economy fares qualify.