The airlines' competitive pricing structure is contributing to this problem as well. Right now, I can buy one-way, no restrictions. no advance purchase, fully refundable ticket tran-atlantic for less than $700 in coach. When dates are unpredictable, I buy a cheap, changeable R/T ticket for the most probable date, and if the date changes buy a one-way ticket for the date and try to go standby on the original ticket. If I can make it standby, I cancel the refundable ticket. If I don't, I use the refundable ticket and am not out too much money. How are they going to predict loads with this type of situation? The higher the prices of unrestricted tickets, the lower the volatility of last minute "no-shows".

This is a problem the airlines have. If they price the "business flyer" tickets with no restrictions cheaper as everyone seems to want, then we will have the above. If they price it high, very few will pay it so the only advantage to the airline then will be predictable load management rather than more revenue.

Edited for coherence

[This message has been edited by venk (edited 06-22-2002).]