In another thread it was shown AC raises prices dramatically for end of June. (“the jump was significant in terms of the base fare ... from $859.00 to all of a sudden $1259-$1640.00”). It was justified by stating “Because the demand during those last 2 weeks is a big jump as well? Schools year finish, lots of kids going back home etc? Last 2 weeks of Jun is high season for HKG (Jun 22 - Jul 1). Fares don't stay there same year round.”

So they raised the price not because of some business cost factor, but because they could gouge the customer because of increased demand of kids wanting to home after the school year.. So would AC raise the price of water and food before a hurricane? The cost of sandbags when the demand increases before a flood? Maybe those are too emergency-related examples. How about more predicable and annual. Does Toys R Us raise prices of toys before Christmas? Does Zellers raise prices of school supplies before September? Do restaurants raise their prices for Mothers Day? Does Shoppers Drug Mart raise the price of flu medicines before the flu season?

Profiteering is “to make an unreasonable profit not justified by cost or risk” (Wiki). So there is no increased costs or risk for end of June just an increased demand by students wanting to go home. Is AC profiteering?