Another continental.com anomaly?
Jul 4, 2004 | 7:38 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA *G 1MM LT United Club & Global Entry
Posts: 2,756
Another continental.com anomaly?
I logged on this morning to price a r/t coach flight EWR-MBJ in December. The price came back $983. Way too high. As a point of reference, the NW price is $627 with changing planes in either DTW or MEM. I have taken this same trip for several years on CO, and the cost has been somewhere between $600 and $700.
I decided to check how many FF miles I would need to use for the same itinerary. It came back 52,500 miles + $44 in taxes. Not too bad. But my surprise came with that little message that always follows:
"Without redeeming miles, this trip is currently available in economy class for a total of $685 for all passingers".
O..K.. , the same itinerary is pricing $298 cheaper by attempting to book a reward flight, but then suggesting a paid fare cheaper that I was offered through the normal reservation process. I follow this thread, and it appears that the web site will allow the lower priced booking, although I did not actually book it.
Any comments on why and how this happens? Do I need to do this every time I book on continental.com to make sure I am truly getting advised of the lowest possible fares?
SunLover
I decided to check how many FF miles I would need to use for the same itinerary. It came back 52,500 miles + $44 in taxes. Not too bad. But my surprise came with that little message that always follows:
"Without redeeming miles, this trip is currently available in economy class for a total of $685 for all passingers".
O..K.. , the same itinerary is pricing $298 cheaper by attempting to book a reward flight, but then suggesting a paid fare cheaper that I was offered through the normal reservation process. I follow this thread, and it appears that the web site will allow the lower priced booking, although I did not actually book it.
Any comments on why and how this happens? Do I need to do this every time I book on continental.com to make sure I am truly getting advised of the lowest possible fares?
SunLover
Jul 4, 2004 | 7:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Southwest Desert, under a rock, watch out! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<" You can get there, but it's gonna cost you!
Programs: Previously NonePass, now UA 1K (*Enhanced*)
Posts: 4,248
The lowest fare for your Continental flight at continental.com -- Guaranteed
In fact, beginning February 1, 2004, if you find a fare for the same flight, itinerary and cabin that's more than $10 lower than through continental.com, we'll make up the difference and give you a $100 Electronic Travel Certificate.
Jul 5, 2004 | 8:30 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,093
It's possible when you click to select the $900 fare, it would re-fare it to $600. The final fare calculation is done at that point, not when displaying search results.
This is common for many travel sites.
This is common for many travel sites.
Jul 5, 2004 | 8:51 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Bryn Mawr PA & Wailea HI
Posts: 15,726
Outragreous Co Prices!!!!
A quick click on www.travelocity.com sez DL and NW will fly you there from Aug 16 to Dec 14 for $234 RT. CO is their normal 2X+ that rate for the same dates.
MisterNice
MisterNice