- Q 1: Availability display shows lots of seats in fare class X for a flight between AAA and BBB, but when I try to book those flights, they book into a more expensive class Y.
- A: Availability in class X does not, in any way, mean that there is actually an applicable fare that books into class X. You should review the Fare Listings (using one of the Fare methods of the Tool) to determine whether there is an applicable fare for your city pair (AAA-BBB). If there is not, then availability in class X is irrelevant for your purposes. See the [Using the Tool to Plan a Trip or Mileage Run] section of the KVS Tool FAQ for details.
- Q 2: Why are you showing availability in class X, when the Seat Map has no seats available for pre-assignment?
- Q: Why are you showing no availability in class X, when the Seat Map still has seats available for pre-assignment?
- A: No simple relationships exist (or should be inferred to exist) between seats available for sale (shown in Availability) and seats available for pre-assignment (shown in Seat Maps), or vice-versa, due to, in part, the factors outlined in the following Q/A.
- Q 3: How can the availability figures for flight XXX be so low, when I am seeing so many unassigned (available) seats on the seatmap?!
- A: Airlines do not pre-assign seats automatically -- someone (or something) has to request a seat assignment. Furthermore, certain categories of PAX (e.g. groups) cannot request an assignment, even if they wanted to. Lastly, the flight may be overbooked in lower cabin(s), which, in turn, may affect availability in the higher cabin(s) in order to accomodate intended operational upgrades.
- Q 4: How can the availability figures for flight XXX be so high, when I am seeing so few (or no) unassigned (available) seats on the seatmap?!
- A: Not all seats are available for pre-allocation. Some seats may be blocked for various operational and commercial reasons, in accordance with the policies of the corresponding carrier.
- Q 5: How come a flight is missing from the list of the results?
- A: If a flight is zeroed-out in economy cabin (e.g. Y0), it may show at the end of the list. If there are many matching flights, try to make your query more specific (e.g. by specifying airline and/or departure time).
If the flight departs very early (e.g. 03 am) or very late (e.g. 23:50), you may need to specify a value in the [Time:] field to make such a flight appear.
- Q 6: Is there a way to tell exactly how many award seats are available, when using one of the [Awards] Methods, that use "+" and "-" indicators?
- A: To determine the exact number of award seats available, you need to gradually increase the value in the [Seats:] field. For example, if availability changes from "+" to "-" after increasing the value from 3 to 4, then the number of available award seats is 3.
- Q 7: I am being asked for an ANA/M&M Membership number, but I am a member of a different Star Alliance carrier programme (e.g. AC AE, UA MP, CO OP, etc.)
- Q: I am being asked for an QF/Asia Miles Membership number, but I am a member of a different OneWorld carrier programme (e.g. AA AADV, BA EC, etc.)
- A: In order to be able to check award/upgrade availability using these Method(s), you need to sign-up for account(s) in the respective programme(s) using the link(s), specified in the Methods Section above.
- Q 8: What is the difference between "Standard" and "Additional" Awards?
- A: Please refer to the following table:
|
| Standard | xS | UA MP "Saver"
CO OP "SaverPass"
AA AADV "MileSAAver"
DL SM "Low"
SQ KF "Saver"
AC AE "Classic"
M&M "Flex"
FB "Classic" | Normal capacity-restricted Awards. | Available for redemption across the entire Alliance.
| | Additional | xA | UA MP "Standard"
CO OP "EasyPass"
AA AADV "AAnytime"
DL SM "High"
SQ KF "Full"
FB "Flex" | Unrestricted Awards that require Additional (typically double) mileage. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
| | Medium | xM | DL SM "Medium"
SQ KF "Standard" | Awards that require more mileage than Standard Awards, but less mileage than Additional Awards. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
| | Reduced | xR | M&M "FlySmart"
FB "Promo@" | Discounted Awards that require less mileage than Standard Awards. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
| | Low | xL | M&M "Saver" | Deeply-discounted Awards that require less mileage than Standard Awards. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
| | Elite | xE | | Awards that are available only to Elite members. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
|
- Q 9: Can I have the Tool installed on more than one computer?
- A: Yes, please see http://Levels.KVSTool.com/ for licensing details.
To register the Tool on another computer:- Download and Install the KVS Tool on the new PC.
- Use the Registration Wizard (http://Reg.KVSTool.com/) to request an Additional Registration Code.
- Q 10: I am getting a "System Code Mismatch" error.
- Q: Can I use the same Registration Code on another computer?
- Q: I can't seem to be able to change the System Code shown.
- Q: I just changed computers and copied the Tool over, but it won't accept my old Registration Code.
- A: Each Registration Code is only valid for the computer it was issued for. The System Code is unique to each machine and cannot be changed. To obtain a replacement or an additional Registration Code, please use the Registration Wizard: http://Reg.KVSTool.com/
- Q 11: How do I transfer the KVS Tool to another PC?
- A: If you still have access to the old PC:
- Start the Tool on the old PC, click the large orange keys button in the Tool, and select [Un-Register]. Make a note of your old System Code (S-XXXXXXXX).
- Install & launch the KVS Tool on the new PC.
- Request a Replacement Registration Code using the Registration Wizard, specifying the System Code for your new installation and the old System Code from Step 1.
- (Optional): To transfer locally-stored data, such as a list of your Saved Trips, PNRs, and Credentials:
Copy the KVS_AvailabilityTool.ini file (located in C:\Program Files\KVS Availability Tool or C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\KVS Availability Tool on Windows 7/Vista) from your old PC to your new PC.
If you no longer have access to the old PC:- Install & launch the KVS Tool on the new PC.
- Request a Replacement Registration Code using the Registration Wizard, specifying the System Code for your new installation and your old System Code (if known).
- Q 12: If I install the new version, will I need a new Registration Code?
- A: No. Your Registration remains valid, and will be automatically recognized by the new version.
- Q 13: Should I do an uninstall, before installing a new version?
- A: There is no need to uninstall an old version -- just run the Setup as usual.
- Q 14: I have just installed an updated version of the KVS Tool; why am I being prompted to reboot Windows?
- Q: I have just installed an updated version of the KVS Tool; why am I still getting the "KVS Tool Needs To Be Updated" message and being prompted to download an updated version?
- A: You should always exit the KVS Tool before running the Setup/Update. Should you forget to do so, the Setup will need to reboot Windows in order to complete the update.
- Q 15: I am being prompted to complete installation for ____________ (some completely irrelevant software title), when trying to run the Tool.
- A: The KVS Tool has nothing to do with the software product in the message. That message comes from the Windows Installer and indicates that the installation for that software is either incomplete or incorrect. If you are not using the said product (and don't recall installing it), use the Control Panel's [Add or Remove Programs] / [Programs and Features] option to uninstall it. Otherwise, use the [Repair] option to properly complete the installation for the product in question.
- Q 16: KVS Tool does not remember my Registration Code and other saved data/settings.
- A: This indicates that KVS Tool is unable to write data to the files, located in the application directory (e.g. because your current user account does not have the appropriate file write permissions).
Re-Install the KVS Tool to a directory, to which you have full read/write access by clicking the [Browse] button on the Installation Options screen during Setup.
- Q 17: Can I install the KVS Tool on a locked-down corporate machine?
- A: In most cases, yes:
- To start, follow the instructions in the [Installation Fails or Freezes] section of the KVS Tool User Guide above.
- If you are unable to run the KVS Tool Setup at all due to security restrictions, you can use your home/personal PC to install the KVS Tool to a portable USB Drive, by clicking the [Browse] button on the Installation Options screen during Setup, and also selecting the [Place System Files In Application Directory] option.
- Once the installation is complete, connect the USB Drive to your corporate machine and run the KVS Tool from there (you will be prompted to register the first time you run it).
- Q 18: Do you know if there is a handy reference for the various fare class codes of the airlines?
- A: http://www.KVSTool.com/FAQ.php#Classes contains links to class charts for many airlines. If you can't find it there, you would need to check that airline's FAQ in the corresponding airline forum. If it's not there, then you could always post and ask fellow FT-ers for help...
- Q 19: I'm seeing some great fares using one of the [Fares:] Methods, but how do I actually book them?
- A: The choice is completely up to you: You can call the airline directly, use a travel agent, or book using an online travel agency (not all fares can be booked using the last option). However, first, be sure to follow the suggested steps in the [Using the Tool to Plan a Trip or Mileage Run] section of the KVS Tool FAQ to ensure that the fare is actually applicable to your particular travel dates, and that there is availability ...
- Q 20: The prices quoted via the Fares Methods - are they inclusive of taxes/fees/surcharges?
- Q: How can I calculate taxes/fees/surcharges?
- A: Fares do not include any taxes, as they will depend on the exact routing, etc. Fares shown may or may not include fuel and other surcharges, depending on the carrier, system used, and the way in which the fares filed by the carrier.
To calculate taxes and surcharges for a specific fare via ITA, please follow the instructions for the [ITA Query Builder] in the Additional Features section above.
For a reference guide, see:
- Q 21: Where can I find a glossary of Fare terms?
- A: See TT Glossary
- Q 22: What are IATA YY Fares?
- A: Generic YY fares are published by the IATA on behalf of its members and are applicable to flights of all participating carriers. To book a ticket using these fares, it would be best to use the services of an experienced Travel Agent, who will be able to confirm whether a desired carrier actually participates in that fare and the booking class(es) to be used.
- Q 23: Why are the cheaper Business/First-class fares missing from the fare listings, when using one the [Fares] methods?
- A: Certain discount Business/First-class fares may not be classified as Business in the system (Sabre). To see them, you have to select [Economy] under [Class:].
- Q 24: I am only getting fares on airlines AA and BB when using the [Sabre: Fares/DotRes] Method with the "** (All Airlines)" option selected, but I am confident that airline XX also publishes fares on that route.
- Q: I am getting a "No fares found" error message when using the [Sabre: Fares/DotRes] Method with the "** (All Airlines)" option selected, but I am confident that airline XX publishes fares on that route.
- A: Try specifying the airline preference in the [Airline:] field, or use the [Sabre: Fares/PSH] / [ATP: Fares/FC] Methods.
- Q 26: Does the [ATP: Fares/FC] Method support Business/First Class fares?
- A: Yes, this method will return fares for all Cabin Classes, sorted by price.
- Q 30: Could you tell me what are differences between the KVS Tool and other similar tools/services?
- A: Please see http://www.FlyerTalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=10585860#post10585860. You may also find it helpful to review the list of features (http://Levels.KVSTool.com) and the screenshots (http://www.KVSTool.com/Screenshots.php), and compare them to the corresponding pages, relating to the other service.
- Q 31: Where can I download one of the older versions of the KVS Tool?
- A: Due to operational requirements and other constraints, non-current versions of the Tool are not supported and are not available for download.
- Q 32: What should I do if the KVS Tool shows award seats available, but the agent claims otherwise?
- A: Here are some suggestions:
- Make sure that the agent is checking availability segment-by-segment (i.e. instead of saying "I would like an NYC-SYD award", provide the agent with each individual flight details, e.g. "TG793/JFK-BKK + TG401/BKK-SIN + SQ221/SIN-SYD").
- For partner awards, make sure that the agent is checking the correct Award Booking Class.
- Call back and try a different agent (repeat as necessary).
- Request to speak to a supervisor.
- Advise the agent that you know for a fact that there is award availability on the flight(s) in question and ask that they do a "Long Sell".
Note: "Long Selling" means booking a flight by manually entering the flight number, flight date, origin, destination, Booking Class, and the number of seats required. It can be used in situations, where Availability has already been confirmed externally (e.g. using the KVS Tool or by calling the other airline directly). The other airline will then respond to the booking request with a definitive "Yes" or "No".
- Ask the agent to call their partner/alliance Help Desk or the partner carrier directly for assistance.
- If the agent cannot see the flight at all and the flight departs very early (e.g. 03 am) or very late (e.g. 23:50), the agent needs to specify a departure time in their system, or request Availability for the preceding/following date.
- If you are trying to redeem your UA MP miles, especially for a C/F-class seat on a premium carrier (e.g. SQ), then the most likely cause is that UA 'artificially' restricts award availability, shown to its agents. In other words, the seat is available for a redemption, but UA is just not willing to book it for you. See http://www.FlyerTalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=871142 and http://www.FlyerTalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=724988 for a discussion on "StarNet Blocking".
- If the flight in question is on CX, be sure to use the [Awards/JL-OneWorld] Method.
- Q 34: Is there a way to automatically request availability across multiple dates? What if I am looking for a specific class (or classes)?
- A: KVS Tool members continue to enjoy a number of exclusive features, including the most comprehensive Award Availability coverage across all 3 global airline alliances (including 100% Star Alliance & OneWorld Award Availability coverage). Unfortunately, automated multiple-date search functionality would not currently be 'compatible' with these features for a number of policy and technical-related reasons.
However, you can use the <Ctrl> + <PgDown> keyboard shortcut to quickly check availability for subsequent dates. If you are looking for availability in a specific class (or classes), you may also wish to do this in conjunction with the appropriate [Filter] options.
- Q 35: Is there a way to automatically receive availability alerts?
- A: KVS Tool members continue to enjoy a number of exclusive features, including the most comprehensive award availability coverage across all 3 global airline alliances (including a 100% Star Alliance award coverage). Unfortunately, automated alerting functionality would not currently be 'compatible' with these features for a number of policy and technical-related reasons.
However, it only takes a few mouse-clicks to periodically re-check availability after adding the relevant route details to [My Trips].
- Q 36: Is there a way to request availability for multiple cities in a single query?
- A: No, as the existing reservation systems cannot handle these kinds of requests.
- Q 37: Can I search for regular availability or fares by specifying Alliance (Star Alliance/OneWorld/SkyTeam) instead of a specific airline?
- A: Not directly. However, you can use the [*A]/[*O]/[*S] Alliance buttons in the [Filter] tab, or you can specify up to 3 airline codes in the [Airline(s):] field when searching (assuming that the route in question is not served by more than 3 alliance members).
- Q 38: Is there a way to directly obtain actual cabin loads or boarding totals?
- A: No, as such information is strictly available to the employees of each specific airline.
However, with sufficient levels of skill and experience, one can estimate the loads, using the info, provided via the KVS Tool:
- Look for Availability in the lowest Booking Classes in each cabin (lower Availability typically correlates with higher [expected] loads).
- A Cabin that is completely zeroed-out for sale (e.g. Y0) is typically indicative of a very high [expected] load factor and a strong possibility of an Overbooked Cabin.
- Keep in mind that, generally, Seat Maps should not be used to estimate loads (for the reasons outlined in Q2 & Q3 above).
- Q 39: How far in advance can I check availability/timetables?
- A: Please refer to Method Info Section above.
- Q 40: Why isn't city X/airport code XXX in the list?
- A: There are 10 000+ IATA airport codes worldwide, of which approx. 2 000+ can be decoded by the Tool for performance reasons. However, you can still check availability and fares to/from XXX by entering the airport code.
- Q 41: How come some RTW fares are missing from the results?
- A: Be sure to keep in mind the Min Stay requirements when entering dates (e.g. for *A RTW fares, make sure that Outbound/Return dates are at least 10 days apart).
- Q 42: Why am I getting a "Departure and arrival cities are the same" error message when requesting RTW fares via the [Fares/DotRes] Method?
- A: This error is usually caused by invalid dates (e.g. if Return Date is before the Departure Date).
- Q 43: Where can I find more info on Round-The-World (RTW) & Circle Fares?
- A: The most up-to-date Round-The-World/Circle Fares & Fare Rules can be retreived using the RTW option of the [Fares/DotRes] Method.
You may also find the following resources useful:
- Q 44: What does "ROUTING MPM" / "MPM TRVL PERMITTED" mean?
- A: It means that this a MPM-based fare with no fixed routing. You can use any routing of your choosing, subject to the general MPM System Rules and any restrictions, specified in the Fare Rules. See also MPM Explanation.
- Q 45: How can I tell if a particular flight is an actual codeshare (e.g. for mileage credit purposes within Star Alliance)?
- A: Simply request Amadeus Operational Info for the flight in question. If the [Flight Notes] section contains lines that read "COMMERCIAL DUPLICATE - OPERATED BY _____" and "OPERATIONAL LEG __ ____", then it is an actual codeshare. Otherwise, it is not a 'real' codeshare, even if the [Flight Notes] section states "OPERATED BY ______".
- Q 46: How can I tell if a particular Fare is fully-refundable?
- Q: The Fare Rules for a particular Fare do not mention anything about refunds. Is this Fare refundable?
- A: All published Fares are fully refundable by default, unless a specific penalty is mentioned in the Penalties and/or Voluntary Refunds sections of the Fare Rules.
- Q 47: I am getting "This Program Might Not Have Installed Correctly" warning message after installing/updating the KVS Tool on Windows Vista/7. What should I do?
- A: Please ignore this erroneous Windows warning by selecting [This Program Installed Correctly].
- Q 48: How can I determine which Booking Class needs to be used for a particular Fare?
- A: For virtually all published Fares, the Booking Class is typically the 1st letter of the Fare Basis Code (e.g. if Fare Basis Code is YFARB1GB, then the Booking Class is Y.
Exceptions:- For xUP fares, use the [Routing Rules] option to determine the required Booking Class.
- For interline itineraries (e.g. a SQ Fare Basis with a AF-marketed flight), the Booking Class will be different -- review [Fare Rules] and contact a Travel Agent or airline for assistance.
- For private/consolidator Fares, consult the corresponding Fare Terms Sheet.
|
[Star Alliance Booking Classes] [KVS Tool - Star Alliance Thread]
[OneWorld Booking Classes]
[SkyTeam Booking Classes]
[Non-Alliance]
Press Ctrl+F (Command+F) to search this page.
Good for general use
FS Username and Password are required to use this Method:
The [Awards/StarAlliance] Method cannot currently function under CrossOver Mac (Error Message: 
