All airlines have special rate categories, but you have to ask for them by name, since the agents are usually not familiar with them. You may even have to talk to the agent's supervisor. Below is a brief listing of different special fare categories, followed by a more in depth discussion of standby fares.

Also, see preceding discussion of classes of service and fare types. For example, on TWA, class K, V, YC, and M fares are the cheapest.

Note: Just because you qualify for a special fare category doesn't mean that it is the cheapest fare possible. Shop around. By being flexible with your travel plans, you may be able to save even more. When the special fares are discounted against full fare coach prices, you can often do better by purchasing a supersaver or other advance booking fare. Of course, if your special fare discount may be combined with other offers (e.g., 5% discount for using the official airline of a conference to travel to the conference), you win both ways.