Traveling is a grand adventure that exposes us to new cultures, sights, and experiences. However, it can also introduce us to a world of unfamiliar terms and acronyms. To help you navigate the intricate web of travel lingo, let's dive into some common travel terminology, sprinkled with real-world examples.
Booking Class vs Cabin Class
Booking Class: Picture this - you're searching for flights, and you stumble upon different fare options like Economy H and Economy Q. What does it all mean? These are booking classes. They are the secret codes airlines use to differentiate fare types. The "H" class might stand for full-fare economy, while "Q" could represent a discounted rate. Your choice here affects the price, flexibility, and conditions of your ticket.
Here’s an example of the different booking classes together with their different perks and prices offered by Starlux Airlines from Manila to Los Angeles. As the fares go up, mileage accrual follows the trend, while rebooking fees become cheaper.
Here’s the same example but for business class.
Now let’s talk about cabin classes!
Cabin Class: Once you're onboard, you'll encounter yet another class distinction - the cabin class. It determines your in-flight experience. There are a total of four cabin classes (in order of price and experience): First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. However, available cabin classes vary per aircraft type and per route as well.
Here are four different cabin classes for the same flight
We like to classify the cabin classes this way:
Economy Class - You want the lowest price to get to your destination.
Premium Economy - You’re willing to pay more for a better seat and slightly better service
Business Class - You want the lie-flat seats for maximum comfort with excellent service with a great ground experience from priority check-in and staying at the business class lounge.
First Class - You are willing to pay a lot for a unique and luxurious experience in life. You’ll have an exceptional experience with no check-in lines, first class lounge, chauffeur service, and other first class amenities.
*note that the cabin class experience may be different per airline and aircraft type
Carry On vs Checked In
Carry On: Your trusty backpack or compact suitcase that accompanies you into the cabin is your "carry-on" baggage. These bags must adhere to airline size (22x14x9in) and weight restrictions (7kg), so pack wisely. Airlines usually allow 1 suitcase and 1 personal item per person.
Checked In: Larger suitcases and bags, on the other hand, are your "checked-in" baggage. At the airport, you hand them over to airline staff during check-in, and they are stowed securely in the plane's cargo hold.
Direct Flight vs Non-Stop Flight
Direct Flight: Imagine booking a flight that takes you from your departure city to your destination without any layovers. Sounds convenient, right? Well, you're on a direct flight. However, it may still make stops along the way for passengers to embark or disembark and/or refuel. The catch is, you remain on the same plane, and the flight number doesn't change.
Non-Stop Flight: If you're on a non-stop flight, you're in for an uninterrupted journey from your departure city to your final stop. No layovers, no plane changes, just smooth sailing through the skies.
Double vs Twin vs Triple Sharing
Confused about the room categories? Know which room to request on your next adventure!
Double Sharing: Double sharing means you and your travel buddy share a bed. (Ideal for couples)
Twin Sharing: Quite similar to double sharing, this arrangement also involves two people sharing a room. However, in this case, you'll typically find two separate beds. (Ideal for friends)
Triple Sharing: In a triple sharing setup, three individuals share a room, which might feature a combination of bed types to accommodate everyone comfortably. Sometimes it will be a double + single bed, other times it can be 3 single beds.
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Double Sharing |
Twin Sharing |
Triple Sharing |
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Photos are from Trip.com (Hotel used is Swiss-Belhotel Tuban in Bali)
Hub and Spoke vs Point to Point
Hub and Spoke Travel:
Central Hub: Think of major airports like central command centers. Travelers from different places converge here before connecting to their final destinations.
Spokes: These are direct flights from smaller cities to the central hub. Passengers then transfer to connecting flights.
Point-to-Point Travel:
Direct Routes: Airlines operate non-stop flights between two specific destinations, bypassing hubs.
Here’s a visual representation from The Brimich Group, you can read more about these two models in the article here.
LCC vs FCC
LCC (Low-Cost Carrier): Low-cost carriers, sometimes called budget airlines, like Cebu Pacific, offer budget-friendly fares. You get the basics but pay extra for add-ons like seat selection and checked baggage.
FCC (Full-Service Carrier): On the flip side, full-service carriers, sometimes called legacy carriers, like Philippine Airlines pamper passengers with a range of amenities, from comfy seats to gourmet meals. Expect a higher ticket price for these extras.
Layover vs Stopover
Layover: A layover is a short stop between flights, usually lasting a few hours. Passengers might disembark and change planes, but the flight number remains the same.
Stopover: If you have a longer break in your journey, exceeding 24 hours, it's considered a stopover. This is a great opportunity to explore the city during your extended stay before catching your connecting flight.
Layovers generally happen in a hub and spoke airline model. You’ll be having your layover in the homebase of the airline that you are flying. For example, EVA Air, a Taiwan based carrier, does their layovers in Taiwan. Cathay Pacific, a Hong Kong based carrier does their layovers in Hong Kong. Additionally, Flights with layovers are generally cheaper than direct flights.
Having a stopover would mean staying for more than 24 hours in the homebase of the airline before your departure to the final destination or before your return to your originating country.
Multi-City vs Round Trip
Multi-City: This option is tailor-made for extensive journeys. With "multi-city" bookings, you travel from one city to another, then another, and so on. You often return from a different city, making it perfect for globetrotters.
Round Trip: The classic "round trip" involves departing from one city and returning to the same city after your adventure. It's simple, straightforward, and great for those looking to revisit their starting point.
Seat Pitch vs Seat Width
Seat Pitch: Have you ever felt cramped during a flight? The "seat pitch" is the distance between your seat and the one in front or behind you. A larger pitch means more legroom, making for a comfier journey.
Seat Width: The "seat width" is pretty self-explanatory - it's the width of your seat. A wider seat offers more space, ensuring a comfortable flight.
PRO Tip: Seat pitch and width varies from one airline to another and even per aircraft type. Selecting the aircraft type matters when you are booking as each may have their own version of their cabin classes and seat specifications.