I think using the word "fraud" is a bit to much here. Though I understand your where you're coming from. But as long as they have stated all of the rules upfront, I don't see where it can be called fraud.

I also happen to think it's smart business on the part of the airlines. Why "give away the house" to the person paying $216 a ticket when you don't have to.

Almost 20 years ago American Airlines offered a promotion called the "Ultimate Special". And all you had to do was fly (8) segments anywhere, and you earned a free First Class ticket to Hawaii. And while I loved it because we got to go to Hawaii more than once in First Class. It may not have been very profitable for American, as we were able to get our (8) segments for less than $200 without any problem.

I will agree with you though that the airlines to get to do a number of things that seem a little shady when it comes to pricing. Like advertising a fare of $99, and then if you read in the fine print it states that you must buy a roundtrip, plus pay a number of other fees.

So no "fraud" here IMHO.


[This message has been edited by 1123581321 (edited Jan 14, 2004).]