Government airfare types

City Pair Program contract fares

Fare type	Fare code	Fare description
Contract coach fares	_CA	Deeply discounted fare with capacity controls
	YCA	Last seat availability
Other contract fares1	_CP	International premium economy fare
	_CB	Business class fare
1 Agency approval required to book

Difference between _CA and YCA fares

_CA fares have a limited number of seats based on the supply and demand of the flight, but no other restrictions. _CA seat availability on a particular flight varies carrier-by-carrier and market-by-market. Unlike _CA fares, YCA fare offers last seat availability which means as long as there is coach class inventory available to sell on the plane, the government traveler can purchase it.

The _CA airfares allow an agency to save the most money possible, while still enjoying the same top quality service available with YCA fares. Use of the _CA fares is encouraged by the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

To maximize possible savings, book early and consider the following:

• GSA encourages government travelers to book reservations as early as possible to achieve greater savings. The reservation should be made once a traveler decides that a trip is necessary.
• The price differential between YCA and _CA fares varies market-by-market, but can be significant. A traveler can get additional savings by booking a _CA fare.
• According to FTR 301–10.110 when a contract City Pair Program carrier offers a _CA and YCA, you must use the lower cost capacity-controlled fare when it is advantageous and meets mission needs.
• The earlier the reservation is made, the greater the chances the _CA will be available. To find fares, use the City Pair Program search tool.

Non-Contract Government Airfares

As a mandatory use program, the FTR/JTR require you to fly on the awarded carrier for each City Pair market. Taking a same or higher priced Discounted Government (DG) fare undermines compliance to the government contract, and drives business away from the awarded carrier.

Characteristics of a DG fare:

• The City Pair Program cannot prevent DG fares from entering a market.
• DG fares can be useful if there is no City Pair fare available or awarded.
• The same program benefits are not guaranteed.
• DG fares may be higher priced.