- 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] Tutorial 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 AC AE/ANA Mileage Club Membership number, but I am a member of a different Star Alliance carrier programme (e.g. UA MP, AC AE, AV LifeMiles, etc.)
- Q: I am being asked for an QF Frequent Flyer/BA Executive Club/JL Mileage Bank MB/CX Asia Miles Membership number, but I am a member of a different OneWorld carrier programme (e.g. AA AADV, CX Asia Miles, BA Executive Club, etc.)
- Q: I am being asked for a AF Flying Blue Membership number, but I am a member of a different SkyTeam carrier programme (e.g. DL SM, AZ MilleMiglia, OK Plus, SU Bonus, 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. It does not matter if you are already a member in a different alliance programme.
- Q 8: What is the difference between the various Award Types?
- A: Please refer to the following table:
|
Standard | xS
| UA MP "Saver" AA AADV "MileSAAver" DL SM "Level 1"/"Saver"/"Low" SQ KF "Saver" AC AE "Classic" M&M "Flex" FB Lowest QF FF "Classic" AS MP "Non-Refundable" (Lowest)/"Super Saver" EY GST "GuestSeat" AY FP "Classic" EK "Saver" CX AM "Standard" AZ MM "Standard" QR QM "x1" JL MB Base
| Normal Capacity-Restricted Awards. | Available for redemption across the entire Alliance.
| Additional | xA
| UA MP "Standard" AA AADV "AAnytime" DL SM "Level 5"/"Peak"/"High" SQ KF "Advantage"/"Standard" AS MP "Refundable"/"Full Flex" EY GST "Choice Plus" EK "Flex" CX AM "Choice" QR QM "x2"/"Flexi"
| Highest-Cost Unrestricted Awards that require Additional (typically double) mileage. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
| Medium | xM
| DL SM "Level 3"/"Standard"/"Medium" AS MP "Non-Refundable" (Non-Lowest) EY GST "Choice"
| Awards that require more mileage than Standard Awards, but less mileage than Medium-Low or Additional Awards. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
| Medium-Low | xL
| DL SM "Level 2"/"Medium-Low" EY GST "Value"
| Awards that require more mileage than Standard Awards, but less mileage than Medium Awards. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
| Medium-High | xH
| DL SM "Level 4"/"Medium-High"
| Awards that require more mileage than Medium Awards, but less mileage than Additional Awards. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
| Reduced | xR
| M&M "FlySmart" FB "Promo@" SU AB "Light" DL SM "Economy Basic" AA AADV "Web Special"
| Discounted Awards that require less mileage than Standard Awards. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
| Elite | xE
| FB First Elite
| Awards that are available only to Elite members. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
| Variable | xV
| FB Non-Lowest Variable AC AE "ClassicPlus" AA AADV "Dynamic Air" QF FF "Any Seat" EY GST "OpenSeat" AY FP "Any Seat" AZ MM "Flex" AS MP Non-Lowest Variable JL MB "Award Ticket Plus" CX AM "Tailored"
| Dynamically-priced redemptions that do not use Award Availability. | Available only to members of that specific FFP.
| Special | Varies
| AC AE "Priority" BA EC "Priority Reward"/ BA EC "Annual Redemption Benefit"
| Awards that are available only to Elite members and that require Additional (typically double) mileage. | 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?
- Q: How can I transfer locally-stored data (Credentials, Saved Trips, PNRs) to another machine?
- 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 from your old PC to your new PC:
Windows 95/98/ME, Windows NT 4, Windows 2000, Windows XP Users:
C:\Program Files\KVS Tool or
C:\Program Files\KVS Availability Tool
Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 Users (UAC Enabled) - 32 bit:
C:\Users\<User_Name>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\KVS Tool or
C:\Users\<User_Name>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\KVS Availability Tool
Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 Users (UAC Enabled) - 64 bit:
C:\Users\<User_Name>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\KVS Tool or
C:\Users\<User_Name>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\KVS Availability Tool
CrossOver/WINE/WinOnX/PlayOnMac/WineBottler/WineSkin Mac/Linux Users:
/Users/<User_Name>/Library/Application Support/CrossOver/Bottles/<Bottle_Name>/drive_c/Program Files/KVS Tool or
/Users/<User_Name>/Library/Application Support/CrossOver/Bottles/<Bottle_Name>/drive_c/Program Files/KVS Availability Tool
WINE Linux/Mac Users:
/home/<User_Name>/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/KVS Tool or
/home/<User_Name>/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/KVS Availability Tool
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: Windows Users:
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 (e.g. C:\Users\<UserName>\KVS Tool).
CrossOver/WINE/WinOnX/PlayOnMac/WineBottler/WineSkin Mac/Linux Users:
Use [Tools] -> [Exit] to properly shutdown the KVS Tool.
- 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 download and extract a Portable Version of the KVS Tool inside a ZIP archive on the Download page.
- Alternatively, 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: Is there a handy reference for the various Booking Class codes?
- A: Please see http://Help.KVSTool.com/#Classes for Award/Upgrade Booking Classes.
- Q 19: How can I make a Regular (paid) booking for a Fare that I have found using the KVS Tool?
- 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] Tutorial to ensure that the fare is actually applicable to your particular travel dates, and that there is Availability.
- Q 19.2: How can I make an Award booking for a Fare that I have found using the KVS Tool?
- A: Please contact the Frequent Flyer Programme for the account that you will be redeeming from (or use their website if it supports your itinerary). For tips on dealing with Agents, please see http://Help.KVSTool.com/#AgentSaysNo
- 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: KVS Tool shows a breakdown of the Base Fare, YQ/YR Surcharges, as well as the Total price (incl. all Surcharges and Taxes).
To see a full breakdown of all Taxes and Surcharges for a specific Fare and itinerary via ITA, please follow the instructions for the [ITA Query Builder] Feature.
- Q 21: Where can I find a glossary of Fare terms?
- A: See TT Glossary
- Q 22: What are IATA YY Fares?
- A: IATA YY Fares have been discontinued as of 01 Nov 2018.
- 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 GDS system. To see them, you have to select [Economy] under [Class:].
- Q 30: Could you tell me what are differences between the KVS Tool and other similar tools/services?
- A: KVS Tool has unparalleled Award Availability coverage of 119+ airlines worldwide, including 100% Award Availability coverage across all airlines in Star Alliance, OneWorld and SkyTeam.
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 using the correct Airline Code (e.g. if you simply ask for "LATAM" [LA], the Agent will probably not search for Availability on LATAM Brasil [JJ]).
- For partner awards, also 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 (repeat as necessary).
- 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 multiple Methods support Award Availability for the airline in question, be sure to verify Award Availability using the most authoritative Method:
Methods in the Award Booking Classes table are listed in the order of preference, starting from the most authoritative.
- The Agent may need to use an alternative reservations system/"screen" when booking Awards on certain partner carriers.
- Q 34: Is there a way to search for Award Availability across multiple dates?
- A: Yes, using the Power Search feature.
- 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 global airline alliances (including 100% Star Alliance, OneWorld and SkyTeam 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 43: How do I retrieve info for Round-The-World (RTW) & Circle Fares?
- Q: Where can I find more info on Round-The-World (RTW) & Circle Fares?
- A: To access RTW & special Circle Fares:
- Select the [Fares/UNAP] Method and the [RTW] option.
- Click [Go] and double-click/right-click the list of results.
- To access Pricing, select [View Routing Rules] -> [Enter Fare Basis Code].
To access Fare Rules, select [View Fare Rules - Advanced] -> [Enter Fare Basis Code].
- Enter <City Code/City Code/Airline Code/Fare Basis Code>.
For example:
|
Star Alliance | RTW |
YRWSTAR1/2/3
CRWSTAR1/2/3
FRWSTAR1/2/3
|
FRA/FRA/LH/YRWSTAR1
NYC/NYC/UA/CRWSTAR2
SIN/SIN/SQ/FRWSTAR3
| Star Alliance | RTW 26K Special |
YRWSPCL
CRWSPCL
|
SYD/SYD/SQ/YRWSPCL
FRA/FRA/LH/CRWSPCL
| Star Alliance | RTW 29/34/39K Special |
YRWSPCL1/2/3
|
IST/IST/TK/YRWSPCL1
| Star Alliance | Circle Pacific |
YCPSTAR1/2
CCPSTAR1/2
FCPSTAR1/2
|
BKK/BKK/TG/YCPSTAR1
LAX/LAX/UA/CCPSTAR1
SIN/SIN/SQ/FCPSTAR2
| OneWorld | RTW |
LONE3/4/5
IONE3
DONE3/4/5
AONE3/4/5
|
LON/LON/BA/LONE3
NYC/NYC/AA/IONE3
LAX/LAX/AA/DONE4
HKG/HKG/CX/AONE5
| OneWorld | Global Explorer |
LGLOB26/29/34/39
DGLOB34
AGLOB34
|
LON/LON/BA/LGLOB26
HKG/HKG/CX/DGLOB34
NYC/NYC/AA/AGLOB34
| OneWorld | Circle Trip Explorer |
LONEWC3/4
DONEWC3/4
AONEWC3/4
|
LON/LON/BA/LONEWC3
KUL/KUL/MH/DONEWC4
HKG/HKG/CX/AONEWC3
| OneWorld | Circle Atlantic |
LCIRAT17/21/25
DCIRAT17/21/25
ACIRAT17/21/25
|
DFW/DFW/AA/LCIRAT17
NYC/NYC/BA/DCIRAT21
LON/LON/BA/ACIRAT25
| OneWorld | Circle Pacific |
LCIR22/26/29SA
DCIR22/26/29SA
ACIR22/26/29SA
|
SYD/SYD/QF/LCIR22
KUL/KUL/MH/DCIR26
HKG/HKG/CX/ACIR29SA
| OneWorld | Circle Asia & South West Pacific |
LAS13/17
DAS13/17
AAS13/17
|
SIN/SIN/QF/LAS13
HKG/HKG/CX/DAS13
TYO/TYO/JL/AAS17
| OneWorld | Visit North America |
S1VISIT
V1VISIT
|
NYC/LAX/AA/S1VISIT
CHI/DFW/AA/V1VISIT
| SkyTeam | RTW |
KRTWSKY1/2/3/4
IRTWSKY1/2/3/4
|
NYC/NYC/DL/KRTWSKY1
PAR/PAR/AF/IRTWSKY2
| SQ | Easy APAC |
YEZSQ
CEZSQ
|
LON/LON/SQ/YEZSQ
NYC/NYC/SQ/CEZSQ
| SQ | RTW Via PA |
MRWSQAU
DRWSQAU
ARWSQAU
|
SYD/SYD/SQ/MRWSQAU
SYD/SYD/SQ/DRWSQAU
SYD/SYD/SQ/ARWSQAU
| SQ/NZ/VS | RTW Escapade Via PA - From US |
YRWESC
CRWESC
|
NYC/NYC/SQ/YRWESC
LAX/LAX/SQ/CRWESC
| SQ/NZ/VS | RTW Escapade Via PA - From UK |
YLRWESC/2/3/4
YFRWESC/2/3/4
YKRWESC/2/3/4
YJRWESC/2/3/4
YHRWESC/2/3/4
CRWESC/2/3/4
|
LON/LON/SQ/YLRWESC
LON/LON/SQ/YFRWESC2
LON/LON/SQ/YKRWESC3
LON/LON/SQ/YJRWESC4
LON/LON/SQ/YHRWESC
LON/LON/SQ/CRWESC
| SQ/MI/VA | RTW |
HRWSQVA
DRWSQVA
|
SYD/SYD/SQ/HRWSQVA
SYD/SYD/SQ/DRWSQVA
|
- 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 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/7/8. 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 -- use the [Interline Booking Classes] Lookup option and review the [Fare Rules].
- For RTW & other special Circle Fares, refer to the Fare Rules.
- For private/consolidator Fares, consult the corresponding Fare Terms Sheet.
- Q 50: Why does the KVS Tool open Microsoft Word, Notepad, or another application when I try to open an external web link?
- A: You need to make sure that you have .htm files associated with a web browser in your system:
Click the purple [Tools] button at the top of the KVS Tool, then click [External Web Browser], select [Change System Default], then select your preferred web browser from the list and ensure that [Use This App For All .htm Files] option is on.
- Q 51: Why am I being prompted to solve a CAPTCHA when using the KVS Tool?
- A: KVS Tool does not use CAPTCHAs, however some Engines may occasionally request CAPTCHA verification.
|