Discount fare

A discount fare is a flight ticket sold at a price lower than the standard or fully flexible fare, usually in exchange for certain restrictions. 

Airlines use discount fares to fill seats that might otherwise go unsold, stimulate demand during off-peak periods, and compete on price in cost-sensitive market segments. 

These fares are common in leisure travel, where travelers are more flexible with dates and conditions and more motivated by lower prices than by flexibility.

Discount fares allow companies to sell excess inventory in advance and improve load factors. Meanwhile, customers pay less but accept tighter rules, such as limited or no refunds, change fees, advance purchase requirements, minimum or maximum stay conditions, or fewer included services, such as checked baggage or seat selection.