Question: Difference in code shared flight prices?
Dec 15, 2014 | 2:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Alberta, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, and others.
Posts: 15
Difference in code shared flight prices?
I could not find an answer to this, perhaps someone could help me? I am wishing to book lowest biz class flights YYC to ORD for two. The cost on aircanada.com is $4464, yet the cost on united.com for the same flights is $2490 in CDN bucks. Can I get this fare with Air Canada or do I have to book the exact same flights through United to get a two thousand dollar reduction in cost?
Perhaps one of the Air Canada reps could explain the difference in Cost?
Thanks!
Perhaps one of the Air Canada reps could explain the difference in Cost?
Thanks!
Dec 15, 2014 | 3:14 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Alberta, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, and others.
Posts: 15
As I re-read my post, I realize that I might not have been clear...this is for a code shared itinerary...same plane, crew and laboratory...yet two grand cheaper if I book on United.com vs Aircanada.com.
Yes, I know...a newbie question.....
Yes, I know...a newbie question.....
Dec 15, 2014 | 4:17 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: YVR
Programs: Non-status bottomfeeder
Posts: 829
A rudimentary explanation of supply and demand:
A plane only has so many seats, the first seats go cheaply because of low demand and high supply.
The last seats go expensively because of low supply and high demand.
Only UA has full access to the full supply of seats (100 for arguments sake).
UA opens up a portion of those seats to partners, in this example case AC gets 10 seats they can sell "as their own".
AC sets pricing based on their restricted supply.
AC sells 9 seats.
UA sells 0 seats.
UA may have 91 seats available inside that specific plane, but AC only has 1.
A plane only has so many seats, the first seats go cheaply because of low demand and high supply.
The last seats go expensively because of low supply and high demand.
Only UA has full access to the full supply of seats (100 for arguments sake).
UA opens up a portion of those seats to partners, in this example case AC gets 10 seats they can sell "as their own".
AC sets pricing based on their restricted supply.
AC sells 9 seats.
UA sells 0 seats.
UA may have 91 seats available inside that specific plane, but AC only has 1.
Dec 15, 2014 | 4:22 pm
#4
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL AC*E50
Posts: 23,584
I dont understand why one would even contemplate buying this from Air Canada for $2k more. Your butt will end up in the same seat.
Do you not always check multiple sources and fare quotes?
What benefits would there be for buying thru Air Canada?
Do you not always check multiple sources and fare quotes?
What benefits would there be for buying thru Air Canada?
Dec 15, 2014 | 4:44 pm
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
Not for the amount that the OP is saving, but preferred seats, and eupgrades perhaps? I'm not on a codeshare flying UA, but I can't get either for "free" flying on UA metal later in June
Dec 15, 2014 | 4:48 pm
#6
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL AC*E50
Posts: 23,584
Dec 16, 2014 | 8:15 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Alberta, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, and others.
Posts: 15
I do understand checking for different fares...that is how I found this massive price difference for exactly the same plane/flight/time. I do also see how the law of supply and demand can have some effect here, but does this not negate the value of code shared flights and alliances?
Yes, I am an AC supporter, but not at what appears to be nearly double the fare.
Of course I booked UA. But my question still remains as to the justification of what really appears to be a gouge. And what about all the publicity from those that book AC and find out afterwards the price difference?
Just sayin'.
Yes, I am an AC supporter, but not at what appears to be nearly double the fare.
Of course I booked UA. But my question still remains as to the justification of what really appears to be a gouge. And what about all the publicity from those that book AC and find out afterwards the price difference?
Just sayin'.