Remember the time when Jet Airways’ moved to Fare Choices. They classified their fares into 7 categories, essentially moving to providing privileges per fare on the bases of class of fare chosen. The 7 categories were:

• Economy Deal
• Economy Saver
• Economy Classic
• Economy Flex
• Business Saver
• Business Classic
• Business Flex
• First

The world over, various airlines have moved to a similar system, and various fare families get different treatment. So, for instance, a Deal fare cannot be upgraded except if you are a Platinum member. A Classic Economy fare gets you 3 Tier Points and 125% of flown miles, while a Business Saver gets you 3 Tier Points as well.

Over the months since the new system was introduced, the airline has tweaked the system to make it workable for them and for us. For instance, the initial announcement of Deal Fares did not include an ability to Upgrade but now Jet Airways’ JetPrivilege Platinum members can upgrade using their vouchers or miles.

Introducing Light Fares

This perhaps left Jet Airways with a new problem about how to box fares with no upgrades or free cancellation for anyone, after all, they are being sold very cheap. So, over the weekend with the new sale, I noticed they introduced the Light Fares. The name is a misnomer really, because around the world, a lot of airlines, including Indigo closer home, imply Light fares to be hand-baggage only fares, which is not the case with 9W.

Here is the new differentiated fare class, B, which I expect only to be largely offered during sales. How is it similar to the existing Deal Fares?

• 25% JPMiles & 1 Tier Point
• Not upgrade eligible on international flights
• No Lounge Access during domestic flights

How is it different?

• No free changes and cancellations, even for Platinum members.
• Not Upgradeable, even for Platinum members on domestic trips.
• The 5% discount offered to Credit Card Holders seem not applicable on this fare

I happened to book quite a few of these fares last week during the sale, and the difference with respect to the Deals fares was only a couple of hundreds on the short hauls. So, it seems that a Saver fare would still be better if you are a top-tier with the airline!

Have you booked any Light Fares yet? Any differences you notice that I haven’t caught on to yet?