FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Sketchy online agents advertising business class fares?
Old May 20, 2022 | 8:46 am
  #3  
mia
Flyertalk Posting Legend Moderator: Credit Card Programs, American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Diners Club, Eco Travel, Signatures
10 Countries Visited
20 Nights
2M
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA, IHG & Marriott Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 51,809
Originally Posted by rabble
....They offer fares for business class flights just a bit above the economy fares for long haul international flights. ....
Read their disclosure carefully:

All the fares displayed are in USD and include all taxes, fees and applicable surcharges. All prices are 'from' per person, based on business class weekday travel (Monday - Thursday) from the USA, and depend on the chosen class of service, departure city, airline and the route. Lowest transatlantic fares are usually from the East Coast; transpacific fares - from the West Coast, fares to Latin America - from Florida. TravelBusinessClass is not able to identify some travel partners or itinerary details online so as not to directly compete with retail sales of our partners. Savings up to 60% off are indicated of the full unrestricted published prices of major airlines and may vary based on individual fare rules. Some airlines may impose additional baggage charges. The fares are subject to seat availability in the corresponding booking inventory. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights and dates. The fares have flexible booking policy: free exchange and/or cancelation is available now with our partner airlines. In the event of trip cancelation, unless otherwise stated, customers will retain travel credit with the issuing airline for a period determined by the airline policy , excluding airline fees. In the event of exchange, fare difference may apply. The fares and their governing rules are subject to change without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply.
I read this to mean:

1) Advertised prices are their lowest prices, not typical prices, and not likely the prices you or I would be quoted.
2) The 60% discount is not versus advertised business class fares, but rather against the highest full fares.
3) The inventory class restriction could apply to consolidator rates, but would also apply if they are selling award tickets.
mia is offline