Airline fare classes explained

Every fare class letter (RBD) on every major airline. What J, C, D, I, W, X, R, A, P, U, K, M, Y mean — and which ones matter for award booking.

What is a fare class?

A fare class (also called RBD — reservation booking designator) is a single letter that identifies the price bucket of a ticket. Major buckets:

F / A / P: First class
J / C / D / I / Z: Business class
W / R / O / G / T / N: Premium economy
Y / B / H / K / M / L / V / S / N / Q / O: Economy (revenue)
X / N / E: Economy award or basic

Award fare classes vary by airline but are typically a single letter the airline reserves for redemption inventory. When this class shows availability, you can book the award.

Per-airline fare class guides

American Airlines

Award classes: I (business saver), T (economy saver)

United Airlines

Award classes: I (Polaris saver), X (economy saver)

Delta Air Lines

Award classes: I (Delta One award), P (Premium Select award)

Alaska Airlines

Award classes: P/U (first awards), X (economy saver)

British Airways

Award classes: A (first), I (business)

Lufthansa

Award classes: I (business), R (premium economy)

Cathay Pacific

Award classes: A (first), I (business)

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Award classes: O (first), I (business)

Qatar Airways

Award classes: U (business — includes Qsuite), X (economy)

Qantas

Award classes: U (first), I (business)