Earlier in this unit, we learned about Apex and Superapex fares. They are the cheapest fares on scheduled airlines and have to be booked and paid for a number of days before travel. (Remember the letters AP stand for Advance Purchase).

The difference between Apex and Pex fares is that advance purchase is not necessary with a Pex fare.

In the fares below from London, UK to Sofia, Bulgaria, there is a Pex fare shown as YLPX3M and YHPX3M. As you now know, the L is low season and costs £500.00. The high season fare is £568.00. Remember that this is a return fare.

LONDON United Kingdom LON GB Sofia SOF mpm eh 1509 Fare Basis Rule Number Return Fare in GBP C 522.00 Y 522,00 479.00 YBB 948.00 YLPX3M 9063 500.00 YHPX3M 9063 936.00 YLSX3M 397.00 YHSX3M 460.00

9063 European Pex Children: Child 50% Infant 10% Dates: YL: 01 Oct-30 Jun YH: 01 Jul-30 Sep Minimum Stay: Sunday Rule Maximum Stay: 3 Months Stopovers: None Routing: Available on designated flights Reservations: To be completed at the same time as payment and ticketing. Must be booked for the complete journey.

These Pex fares operate under Rule Number 9063. We can see the dates of low and high seasons, in addition to the minimum stay indicating the Sunday Rule, which means the traveler must stay over at least one Saturday night in Sofia. The maximum stay is given in the fare basis as 3 months (3M).

Under the Pex fares, you'll find Superpex fares shown as YLSX3M and YHSX3M. You'll notice that the fares are cheaper than the Pex fares, although they have the same maximum stay of three months. So what is the difference between the two fares, apart from Superpex fares being cheaper?

You'll find the answer in the restrictions shown in the rules. As an example, a traveler may want to fly from Belfast to London, then on to Sofia. It may be that he cannot use a Superpex fare for this combination, but he could use the more expensive Pex fare. Your travel agent, airline reservation staff or the internet site will check this for you.