Effective November 7, 2019, Caribbean Airlines has introduced a more flexible booking fare system, offering lower ticket prices to those flying without checked bags, and rewarding those who book full-fare tickets.
Commenting on the new product choices, CEO Garvin Medera stated, “Our motivation is to offer more choice and greater flexibility, which is becoming the industry standard. These branded options combine the best fares with our award winning hospitality and in-flight entertainment, tailored to meet the customers’ unique travel needs. These dynamic products can be easily accessed through all sales channels including the Caribbean Airlines Mobile app which has revolutionized how interact with our customers.”
Following in the footsteps of other global carriers, the first change included a new basic economy tier called “Lite”. Passengers in this category will have no free checked bags and will not be entitled for a refund, but on a more positive note, frequent flyers will earn 75% of miles flown vs the mere 50% rate used by most American carriers. Lite travelers will also still be entitled to a free meal (if served on the sector) and pre-assigned seating. Even with reduced rewards and no checked bags, travelers can score cheaper tickets if they generally fly with just a carry-on bag.
Those traveling in Classic economy will be entitled to a 50% refund on fares (plus change fees and fare differences) while Economy Flex passengers can now carry up to two free checked bags, and incur no penalty on ticket changes. Miles in Flex will be awarded at 125%. For the added benefits, Economy Flex will cost slightly more than regular economy.
Business Class customers willing to pay a premium for fully flexible fare are now entitled to three free checked bags and a higher awards tier of 175% on miles flown versus the tradition 150% for those flying on a discounted business class ticket.
Check out the following table for the full break down.
| Features/Class | Lite (Economy) | Classic (Economy) | Flex (Economy) | Biz (Business) | Biz Flex (Business) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baggage Allowance* | 1 personal bag and 1 carry-on | 1 personal bag, 1 carry-on and 1 checked bag | 1 personal bag, 1 carry-on and 2 checked bag | 1 personal bag, 1 carry-on and 2 checked bag | 1 personal bag, 1 carry-on and 3 checked bag |
| Seat Selection** | Self-Selection | Self-Selection | Self-Selection | Self-Selection | Self-Selection |
| Miles Earned | 75% | 100% | 125% | 150% | 175% |
| Refreshments*** | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| In-Flight Entertainment**** | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Refund***** | Non-refundable | 50% Refundable | Fully Refundable | 50% Refundable | Fully Refundable |
| Date Change****** | US $100/$200 Fee + Fare Difference | US $50/125 fee + Fare Difference | Free Same Day Change + Fare Difference | US $50/125 fee + Fare Difference | Free Same Day Change + Fare Difference |
| VIP Extras | None | None | None | Priority Check-In, Lounge Access, Priority Boarding | Priority Check-In, Lounge Access, Priority Boarding |
Conditions
All economy fares are eligible for Caribbean Plus, Caribbean Upgrade and airport upgrade to Business Class.
The new fare class system will not apply to tickets purchased before November 7, 2019.
[Featured Photo: Bradley Wint/Gate Checked]
