Interesting Flight Change Pricing
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: IAH
Programs: UA,AA,WN, Marriott & Hilton Gold
Posts: 169
Interesting Flight Change Pricing
I've been researching availability for this Friday IAH-LIT since I need to take an earlier flight. I'll likely SDC (Premier Gold and no fees can't come quick enough), but I came across some interesting pricing on changes.
The system is quoting $422 fare difference + $150 change fee to change to an earlier flight Friday. That's $572, and it books into H class. If I book a NEW, one way ticket by itself for Friday, on the same flight the change is quoted for, it is only $225, and books into H class as well! (currently in L outbound and W inbound).
I think the reason is that my return flight (Sunday night), only has availability in B, since a new round trip with that itinerary would explain the $422 fare difference. However, since my return flight is confirmed in a lower fare class already (W), and I'm not seeking to change it, I wouldn't think this would affect anything. It seems silly that booking a new 1-way ticket would cost half the price of the change.
Maybe someone can explain this difference. Also, I'm curious if I did book the new one-way (though I don't plan to), would I be allowed to merge the itineraries, or would it invalidate my original ticket when I didn't take the outbound flight?
The system is quoting $422 fare difference + $150 change fee to change to an earlier flight Friday. That's $572, and it books into H class. If I book a NEW, one way ticket by itself for Friday, on the same flight the change is quoted for, it is only $225, and books into H class as well! (currently in L outbound and W inbound).
I think the reason is that my return flight (Sunday night), only has availability in B, since a new round trip with that itinerary would explain the $422 fare difference. However, since my return flight is confirmed in a lower fare class already (W), and I'm not seeking to change it, I wouldn't think this would affect anything. It seems silly that booking a new 1-way ticket would cost half the price of the change.
Maybe someone can explain this difference. Also, I'm curious if I did book the new one-way (though I don't plan to), would I be allowed to merge the itineraries, or would it invalidate my original ticket when I didn't take the outbound flight?
#2
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,770
You will not be able to merge/replace a new segment into your present itin. If you do not flight your scheduled segment, the rest of your itin will be cancelled.
This really points out the value of SDC.