Originally Posted by
epigram
When I called CX to enquire about the Visit Pass fares, I was told that this was a very unusual fare product and they usually do not have any enquiries for it. After receiving the fare quote, I think I know why - the cost of each of the 4 sectors was almost the fare of all 4 sectors if I booked it myself using the airline website. Granted, that is the cheapest fare that is non-refundable, no-changeable non-endorsable, non-everything. But the Visit Pass conditions are equally restrictive and if I was not misinformed, the change fee is costs almost as much as a a new ticket.
Is there any reason why this product still exists?
The visit pass isn't equally restrictive; in general, dates (not routing) can be changed fairly easily, and that flexibility can be important.
Second, some markets have high one-way prices. In those markets, a pass makes sense for people who want to hop from one place to another without backtracking. If a return trip in a given market tends to price as two one-ways, then chances are that the non-pass fares will win.
Third, the visit pass *should* be added to the PNR of the international ticket if I remember correctly, and therefore provides protection in the event a connection is missed, and any enhanced baggage allowance from the international itinerary.
Having said all that, is it a great deal? No. In most cases it is priced unattractively as you found out.