Originally Posted by
landrew
I am a legal resident of Panama and entitled to purchase using a Jubilado discount when I am traveling to/from Panama. However, I use a US (UA) credit card.
Panamanian Balboas are at par with USD.
When I attempt to purchase in Panamanian Balboas using my Panamanian residency but my US (UA) card, the site automatically increases the price by a not insignificant amount. I then see it has changed my country of residency and currency in order to jack up the price, AFTER I have pushed the "buy now" button.
I believe that this is probably not legal. I should be entitled to purchase in the currency of my residency, regardless of which credit card I choose to use.
To whom do I complain, short of the US DOT or FTC? Thank you.
UA determines point-of-sale based on the billing country of your credit card. Most airlines do not (most use the departure city).
Whether you agree with it or not, it’s what they do - clearly UAs lawyers beleive it is legal - if you don’t, feel free to take them to court. To get a fare based on your local POS, use a local travel agency who will be able to sell you that ticket - most will do so regardless of credit card billing country.