Do Airlines Offer Flexible Convention Rates?
May 16, 2015, 1:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: PHL (kinda, no airport is really close)
Programs: AA Exp, but not sure for how long. Enterprise Platinum woo-hoo!
Posts: 4,550
Do Airlines Offer Flexible Convention Rates?
Right now the United States Bridge Championships are taking place in Schamburg, IL. There are about 100 players competing for the right to represent the USA in the world championships.
One problem with this event is that it's an elimination format. A team can be eliminated after 2 days, or survive for 12. It makes it pretty much impossible to buy return tickets. Now, some teams have an idea of how good they are and will buy tickets perhaps to one round beyond their projected "exit" date, assuming they'll pay the fees and upfares if they outperform their expectation.
Does anyone know, or have heard, of airlines giving convention rates that include greater flexibility on change fees and such when the condition of the convention is such that this would be normal?
The USBC holds three events like this a year, one each for open, women's, and seniors championships, usually in different locations but all with similar formats.
One problem with this event is that it's an elimination format. A team can be eliminated after 2 days, or survive for 12. It makes it pretty much impossible to buy return tickets. Now, some teams have an idea of how good they are and will buy tickets perhaps to one round beyond their projected "exit" date, assuming they'll pay the fees and upfares if they outperform their expectation.
Does anyone know, or have heard, of airlines giving convention rates that include greater flexibility on change fees and such when the condition of the convention is such that this would be normal?
The USBC holds three events like this a year, one each for open, women's, and seniors championships, usually in different locations but all with similar formats.
May 16, 2015, 3:57 pm
#5
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,783
???? UA does offer group event discounts
In many, many cases, the purchasing of non-refundable tickets and paying a single change fee (and a potential fare change) is cheaper than purchasing refundable fares.
In many, many cases, the purchasing of non-refundable tickets and paying a single change fee (and a potential fare change) is cheaper than purchasing refundable fares.
May 16, 2015, 9:25 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,606
Do Airlines Offer Flexible Convention Rates?
Hmm, along with airline ticket, I presume OP will also need hotel reservation and maybe car rental.