Online Airline Reservation Key Terms

Learn about some of the key terms associated with utilizing online airline reservation systems

By Jason Wood

When it comes to making online airline reservations, there are some terms that you should be familiar with so that you understand the terms and conditions of the tickets you are purchasing for personal business travel. These terms range from cancellation policies to airport codes.

Take the time to learn a few of these terms in order to find the best ticket. Here are a few of those terms along with some helpful resources to help get you started.

Fare alert

A fare alert refers to a feature that allows members of an online airline reservation website to learn when a fare for a route they commonly travel has dropped in price. This allows the consumer to purchase the fare as soon as it becomes available. The fare alert service is free along with online registration to a particular airline reservation website.
Try: Visit the website for Expedia for a further explanation about how a fare alert works. Several online airline reservation systems have a fare alert feature for customers.

Web fares

Web fares are special prices available solely for purchase on the Internet through major airline carriers or online airline reservation systems. These flights are usually cheaper than flights booked via the phone because they are not subject to the surcharges for utilizing customer service.
Try: Visit the website for Travelocity for more information on how web fares work for online airline reservation systems.

Airport code

An airport code is a three letter code attached to a domestic or international airport. Most online airline reservation systems allow customers to input the abbreviated airport code when making a reservation. If a customer doesn't know the airport code, the website may ask for further clarification for a city like New York which has multiple airports.
Try: Visit the website for Orbitz to view a comprehensive list of domestic and international airport codes.

Flight status notification

A flight status notification is a notice that is sent via email, text, recorded phone message or to a pager which informs the customer of the status of a flight. Sign-up for this service is usually available through the online reservation systems of major airlines.
Try: Visit the website for American Airlines for an example of how a flight status notification works. Many airlines now offer flight status notification to their customers.

Cancellation fee

The cancellation fee refers to a charge given to the customer by the airline due to canceling their trip before travel. Usually, if a trip is cancelled 24 hours prior to travel, the customer is refunded the fare less $75 to $150 depending on the airline. It's best to check the airline the ticket was booked through for the latest information.
Try: Visit the website for Delta for an example of their cancellation fee policy. These policies are common amongst the major airline carriers.

Frequent flyer programs

Frequent flyer programs are the generic terms for clubs offered by airlines. These clubs are for people who travel frequently on an airline. Customers accumulate miles or points toward free travel or upgrades. Frequent flyer programs generally give more miles or points for flying in business or first class. Many of these programs have also partnered with hotels, credit cards and other services to help the customer earn more miles toward rewards. When booking online travel reservations, check to see if you qualify for a reward. All of the major carriers allow customers to make an online reservation using their frequent flyer miles or points.
Try: Visit the website for Web Flyer. The website provides a comprehensive list of all the frequent flyer programs for the major domestic and international carriers. Simply select the airline carrier for the most up to date information.