Originally Posted by
Plumber
I just booked flights to/from TPE mid Feb.... the return portion for TPE-YVR was available in J fare only (ie J5C0D0Z0P0), so was crazy expensive. One option was to fly TPE-HKG-YYZ, but I (nor Mrs. Plumber) was crazy about the idea of a mainland connection.
Yesterday, my TA walitlisted me on the TPE-YVR flight for a lower fare and it cleared overnight for ~$4000 less than the J fare is selling for. Is this AC being proactive?
Hopefully TPE is ok.
@
Plumber
A couple of notes re TPE and fares. We all know the great PE and J fares that they had. PE for now, is still reasonable of course. But J is almost double what it once was. My theory is that the reduction of flights to 5 days has of course reduced capacity. I suspect demand might be the same and peak at certain times. Some believe AC is losing money on this route. I don't know and don't care really.
However, since I fly BR, I also read their forum. According to some on that forum, they are not making money on the YVR-TPE route and along with AC and CI, plus others, it's a tough battle ex-YVR. Plus there are flights ex-SEA which some consider a reasonable option. Further. BR seemed to have swapped out their 777 for a 789 which does not have PE. This might mean AC has one less PE competitor and can raise prices. Or not.
The added issue of the virus and travel currently has major implications for travel within Asia and less so for TPACs as waivers seem to vary. This may or may not change.