Does CO monitor itin searches...
Jan 29, 2008, 1:54 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: enjoyed being warm spit for a few years on CO/UA but now nothing :(
Posts: 2,531
Does CO monitor itin searches...
...and decide what to make available?
I ask because I logged in to CO.com trying to figure out my next DC - (MEX or TLC) trip; after checking different days and airports the EWR-MEX routing never came up. Had to do a multiple segment search for it to finally come up in H. But after 20 minutes of searching I lost track of all the options so I started completely over and taking notes.
Lo and Behold, DCA-EWR-MEX comes up on the first new search in T.
Sure, someone could have cancelled, but are they savvy enough to monitor searches and adjust fare buckets accordingly?
I ask because I logged in to CO.com trying to figure out my next DC - (MEX or TLC) trip; after checking different days and airports the EWR-MEX routing never came up. Had to do a multiple segment search for it to finally come up in H. But after 20 minutes of searching I lost track of all the options so I started completely over and taking notes.
Lo and Behold, DCA-EWR-MEX comes up on the first new search in T.
Sure, someone could have cancelled, but are they savvy enough to monitor searches and adjust fare buckets accordingly?
Jan 29, 2008, 2:04 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,666
I don't think so - but I am not sure. I recently did a couple searches for a flight from DCA-SRQ - and after a few times - a cheaper fare code opened up - and hence purchased the ticket.
Jan 29, 2008, 2:08 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,763
I doubt it, if they did they'd see everyone trying to book SFO-TLV, or LAX-TLV, or LAX-ATH, in J less than 2 weeks out and abandon their search due to no availability in F on the transcon.
Jan 29, 2008, 2:43 pm
#4
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Southern, CA, USA
Programs: UA just 8800 mi short of Silver
Posts: 2,815
I think it just seems that they do. After I search for what I want, and then check my schedule to see if I can go, by the time I book it, the fare is up $100
Jan 29, 2008, 5:38 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: JZRO
Posts: 9,169
*My salary and benefit demands will be in the mail, Lar' Baby.
Jan 29, 2008, 6:44 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,559
Jan 29, 2008, 7:32 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: CLE
Posts: 9,816
I have often wondered about them tracking searches. I agree with RNE, if the don't on some level I would wonder why not. I guess the bigger question is whether they do anything with the data real time. Part of me thinks it would be interesting revenue management, another thinks it would be dirty pool.
Jan 29, 2008, 7:37 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,072
Jan 30, 2008, 6:27 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,955
I have always wondered this as well, They know so much about their frequent users they could easily adjust fares into a sweetspot they know you'd buy (that could be up or down).
Kind of scary actually.
Kind of scary actually.
Jan 30, 2008, 6:34 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,613
The problem is that you can always use another website to search as an unknown user. Then if you don't get the same price on co.com, there's the low fare guarantee...