Does VX honestly expect to sell at these prices..
Apr 18, 2017, 9:52 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,617
Does VX honestly expect to sell at these prices..
So I'm going to be in SoCal in mid/late November and decided to check tickets to get back to Florida. Low and behold Virgin America literally has from the 16th-29th at only full fare refundable prices.
I can get Jetblue Mint for $450. Do Virgin honestly expect people to pay almost double for a economy ticket or quadruple for a first class ticket one-way?
I could understand if this was a last minute ticket on the day before Thanksgiving, but to block 2 weeks at refundable prices makes zero sense to me. Needless to say the seatmaps are completely wide open.
I can get Jetblue Mint for $450. Do Virgin honestly expect people to pay almost double for a economy ticket or quadruple for a first class ticket one-way?
I could understand if this was a last minute ticket on the day before Thanksgiving, but to block 2 weeks at refundable prices makes zero sense to me. Needless to say the seatmaps are completely wide open.
Apr 18, 2017, 10:47 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,847
With Mint in the market now, there is absolutely no reason to take VX. VX prices holidays at ridiculous prices and then when nobody buys tickets, they lower the prices as it gets closer and they realize that it is a holiday and their flights are empty. 
They have been doing that for a few years now--but now I don't even bother with them for transcons. I just buy the Mint seats, have a much better experience, and save lots of money.
They have been doing that for a few years now--but now I don't even bother with them for transcons. I just buy the Mint seats, have a much better experience, and save lots of money.
Apr 18, 2017, 11:17 pm
#3
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,316
VX defaults to premium pricing around holidays. Fares usually will decrease based on load as it gets closer to departure. Three months prior is a good time to recheck.
As noted, if Mint is cheaper or the same price, fly Mint.
As noted, if Mint is cheaper or the same price, fly Mint.
Apr 19, 2017, 8:28 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,617
Thanksgiving is 1 day. They literally have a full 2 weeks set to this premium pricing. I booked mint.
Apr 19, 2017, 11:27 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,545
Apr 19, 2017, 1:23 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards (SE), Virgin America Elevate, Hyatt Gold Passport (Platinum), VIA Preference
Posts: 3,134
As noted, these prices generally won't stay there. Historically, towards the end of summer/start of fall they start releasing inventory. In the meantime, if there's a must-have flight you can book it and refund/rebook later
Apr 19, 2017, 2:11 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Montreux CH
Programs: FB Platinum, M&M FTL, BA Blue
Posts: 11,621
So this is why my flight a couple of months ago was completely empty, except for 3 pax! This was on the JFK-FLL route and I thought empty aircraft were unheard of in the US these days.
Apr 19, 2017, 2:15 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,617
More power to them, if they got people to buy a one way coach fare for $800.
Apr 19, 2017, 3:39 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: AA EXP, DL Plat, VX Gold, VS Gold, HHonors Gold; SPG Gold; Marriott Gold
Posts: 238
VX always ends up putting FC & MCS on sale over Holidays when it gets close in....this will happen again here unless AS revenue management starts taking control.
Apr 19, 2017, 3:46 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: AA EXP, DL Plat, VX Gold, VS Gold, HHonors Gold; SPG Gold; Marriott Gold
Posts: 238
VX always ends up putting FC & MCS on sale over Holidays when it gets close in....this will happen again here unless AS revenue management starts taking control.
Apr 19, 2017, 4:14 pm
#12
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,774
VX also tried to sell LAX-JFK transcon for much higher price than other carriers with flat bed in the front cabin....
I used my AS miles to book F for LAX-JFK flight... there is no way I overpay with my cash for inferior product. (although 25000 AS miles one-way is not a bad deal)
I used my AS miles to book F for LAX-JFK flight... there is no way I overpay with my cash for inferior product. (although 25000 AS miles one-way is not a bad deal)
Apr 19, 2017, 5:32 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,630
VX also tried to sell LAX-JFK transcon for much higher price than other carriers with flat bed in the front cabin....
I used my AS miles to book F for LAX-JFK flight... there is no way I overpay with my cash for inferior product. (although 25000 AS miles one-way is not a bad deal)
I used my AS miles to book F for LAX-JFK flight... there is no way I overpay with my cash for inferior product. (although 25000 AS miles one-way is not a bad deal)
Apr 19, 2017, 10:26 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Preferably waiting for takeoff
Programs: AA EXP, MVPG, DL Silver, United Silver, Accor Platinum, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 458
I've done a couple AS 25K VX F awards when VX F pricing has been high. It's a great deal on the trancons.
Apr 20, 2017, 8:44 am
#15
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,847
Hadn't thought of refunding and then re-booking later down the line. Oh Well it wasn't necessarily a must have; I just was surprised especially when every other carrier is like $250 coach and $475 FC. I opted for Mint lie flat.
More power to them, if they got people to buy a one way coach fare for $800.
More power to them, if they got people to buy a one way coach fare for $800.