Originally Posted by
SandLake
Not really sure how I got to this but if I look on united.com the flights that I want come out at £5755 for 2. If I change my region from Europe - UK to North America - US that becomes $7279.52 but if then do a new search those same flights are $3171.52
That is a colossal and inexplicable price drop!
I'm not just 100% committed to the dates yet but I sure hope it will accept my UK credit card on the US site when the time comes. There are numerous other options on the UK site and other UK sites in the $3000-3500 price range.
If you change your region after doing the search, it's keeping the same fare but changing the currency. When you do a new search, it's using fares with a US point-of-sale. Airfare has long been priced differently based upon the country where the sale is being made.
Unfortunately, you're going to find that United.com bases its point of sale on your credit card's billing address, so it will reprice at the higher fare before ticketing. You can avoid this by purchasing through a US-based travel agent (Orbitz, Expedia, etc.). You'll likely have to pay a ticketing fee, but it will be a lot less than $4000. :-)
Enjoy your visit!