Here, we’ll break down the essential information you need to know about booking flights, including the rules for refundable and non-refundable fares, as well as how to navigate cabin class options for long-haul and international flights. Let’s dive in!

When it comes to fare purchases, both Refundable and Non-Refundable options can be set to Allow. However, it’s important to note that both cannot be set to Prohibit at the same time.

For flights categorized as "long haul," the hours calculated in the "Flights Longer Than" box refer specifically to the actual longest nonstop flights, not the total or cumulative flight times. If you are booking connecting flights, at least one flight must exceed the hour limit you input in the box.

If you enter "12" in the 'Flights Longer Than' box, this allows for the booking of flights over 12 hours in Business class.

For instance, a nonstop flight itinerary between Los Angeles and London can take approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes. However, connecting flights may exceed 12 hours.

Both of the following flight connection options will not qualify for the Business Class Fare, as neither connection includes a flight that exceeds 12 hours:

• Los Angeles to New York City (3 hours)

• New York City to Frankfurt (8 hours)

On the other hand, the flight connection option below would be in policy for Business Class since one flight, from Los Angeles to Istanbul, exceeds 12 hours:

• Los Angeles to Istanbul (over 12 hours)

• Istanbul to Frankfurt (shorter leg)

The checkbox labeled “No violation for out of policy connecting flights” allows for exceptions for shorter legs within a longer itinerary. By default, each individual flight segment is evaluated on its own. This means that even if the total trip is long, each leg must meet the policy requirements.

Consider the following legs:

• Dallas → NYC: 3 hours (economy allowed)

• NYC → Frankfurt: 8 hours (business allowed)

If business class is booked for the entire trip, the Dallas to NYC leg might be flagged as "out of policy" since it is under 8 hours.

With the “No violation for out of policy connecting flights” checkbox checked, the system evaluates the entire journey rather than just each segment. This means you won’t be penalized for flying business class on a short connecting leg if it’s part of a longer itinerary that qualifies for a higher cabin class.

Using the same legs as before:

• Dallas → NYC (3 hours)

• NYC → Frankfurt (8 hours)

The total qualifies for business class, and there is no policy violation for flying business class on the Dallas to NYC leg because it is part of a long-haul trip that includes a flight segment of 8 hours or more.

This checkbox is particularly useful for supporting real-world itineraries where:

• You book the entire route in the same class for convenience or availability.

• Breaking it up (e.g., business for one leg, economy for another) might not be logical or available.

• It helps avoid employees being flagged for violating policy on technicalities.

Lastly, we have Airline Fare Family Options, which are used for airlines that do not currently fit the standard industry Default Airline Class of Service. This flexibility allows for a more tailored booking experience.

We hope this guide helps you navigate fare purchase rules and cabin class options with ease. Happy travels!