I recall reading in the past that there was a website that indicated how many seats were still available on a flight, and in what fare classes. Is this correct??
PaulZ, there are a couple but the best that I have seen is ExpertFlyer.com - it's one you have to pay for, but if you are flying regularly, it is worth it's weight in gold. I don't have it - but I have a friend who does and helps me with my problems.
In the last 2 weeks, he has found flights that had Award seat availability in First on AA LAX/DFW/MIA (A class seats in AA-speak) for me and my wife in Dec 05; then U availability for a BNE/PER and ADL/BNE flights I'm taking early next year after returning from USA. I was able to book and ticket both itineraries , then upgrade all the flights above. Always better knowing when you're talking with CSA's
If so, what fare codes relate to Frequent Flyer seats in First, Business & Economy
First = Z (as you pointed out)
Business = U
Economy = X