Fare families (also called fare brands or bundles) are how airlines package baggage, seats and flexibility. Understanding them is the easiest way to avoid unexpected costs.
1. Basic / Lite fares
The lowest price, with hand baggage only on many airlines (flydubai Lite, Air Arabia Basic, flynas Light, British Airways Basic, Airblue Value). Changes are restricted or expensive and refunds are limited.
2. Standard / Saver fares
A checked bag is usually included, for example 25 kg on Emirates Saver or Qatar Airways Classic, with changes and cancellations for a fee.
3. Flex fares
More baggage and cheaper or free changes: Emirates Flex includes 30 kg with changes and cancellations for a fee, and flydubai Flex includes 30 kg with free rebooking and cancellation.
4. Fully flexible fares
The top fare type, such as Emirates Flex Plus (35 kg, no change or refund fee), Qatar Airways Economy Comfort (35 kg, unlimited free date changes and fee-free refund) and British Airways Select Pro (full refund with zero fee), costs more but removes most penalties.
5. How to choose
- Fixed dates and light luggage: Basic or Saver.
- Family trip with bags: Saver or Flex.
- Visa, exams or medical dates not confirmed: Flex or fully flexible.
Summary
Every airline page on BookMyFlight has a fare-type table comparing baggage, change and refund rules, sourced from the airline’s own website.
BookMyFlight Travel Desk
Written by the ticketing and visa team at O.S Travel & Tours, Blue Area, Islamabad, which books flights, Umrah and visas for travellers across Pakistan. Read more guides on the O.S Travel blog.
