AC 15% off code - Google flights already knows?
 

AC has a 15% off code for the rest of today. But whether I input the code EQ2VX8N1 in or not, the price says the 15% is already applied to the fare. But the fare price is the same as quoted on Google Flights. So does Google flights know to apply all promo codes during a search, or is AC trying to fool me?

@WaterFoo

Welcome to FT.

It's the Boxing Day 15% on AC's website that expires tonight. My experience is that Google Flights does not show any AC promo discounts their pricing, but that is based on the routes I usually search for.

I just did a random test, YVR-ICN, in Business, March 17-24. GF is showing $4,005 RT. But searching on AC.com directly, using the Boxing Day discount code, AC shows $3,569 and it clearly states this notation on the summary page:

Promotion Code :EQ2VX8N1
SPECIAL PROMO SAVE 15 PCT


As you know, the 15% is applied to based fare and depending on the route and fare you are looking at, savings might be as low at $70 (which I found on a recent search for a transcon Comfort Fare to the U.S.)


Perhaps you can post screen shots or prices where you found GF showing the exact same fares as on AC.com with the 15%.

YYZ to CDG one way May 14. Both GF and AC show $353 CAD. AC with or without the discount code says the 15% off is already included, which I suspect is not true.

The 15% off promo code only applies to the "base fare" portion. In the YYZ-CDG May 14 example, it's $3.01, so 15% off nets a savings of $0.45.

My guess is that savings are rounded to the nearest dollar so 45 cents of savings rounds down to $0.

Thanks!

Promo codes are also sometimes not applicable to certain fares, especially the cheaper ones.

This is a prime example of deceptive marketing, and why YQ should not be permitted as an add-on, but should be rolled into the fare.

I really feel bad for folks who don't understand the math, the promo percents, how they apply and why the discount may barely make a dent. It can almost be absurd as noted in an example posted above by @keithguy

Since visuals are so much more fun for understanding that "15% Off" promos are essentially meaningless on so many routes, here are 2 examples to CDG. And yes, while we know that 15% can be of value to a few destinations, it doesn't help those who are not flying to those places.

This is for random weekend in June

The math on this $75.98 base fare to CDG nets a savings of $11.40.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4acc6dffaa.png



This is for a weekend in May.

The math on this $5.00 base fare to CDG nets a savings of 75 cents.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4f0499df1d.png

Awesome examples
 

Thanks for helping everyone.!

The 15% email I had received requires the itinerary to originate in the US.

GF does not factor 15% discount on base fare.

Same discount code.

T&C:;

This is on AC.com (Canadian version), for at least another hour or so

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f46f477fa7.png


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...602f604e5c.png

$5.00 TATL base fare! Insane. Had no idea. Colour me FOTSG. :p

It's not really - it is actually $5.00 plus $550.00 = $555.00 base fare, but by calling the $550 YQ they get to play these stupid games.
This is what the government was trying to eliminate when they mandated that airlines must show " all-in" fares, now
they should go after these YQ scams.

Yes, yes, I know. :)

But I actually didn't expect to see a $5.00 base fare for a TATL.

However, the shock has already worn off and I'm numb again. Too much is not enough.

Code still appears to be working EQ2VX8N1