Price of the same search increases if I log in.
Feb 18, 2010, 2:10 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 1,155
Price of the same search increases if I log in.
I did a multi-city search on DL.com: PHX-ZRH 3/13, ZRH-MSP 3/22, MSP-PHX 3/22. Did so because I want to force a ZRH-AMS-MSP-PHX routing inbound.
If I search without logging in, I got $762. If I logged in (I'm PM), the same search returns $1000+. Not sure if this has been extensively discussed but I didn't expect it at all
If I search without logging in, I got $762. If I logged in (I'm PM), the same search returns $1000+. Not sure if this has been extensively discussed but I didn't expect it at all
Feb 18, 2010, 2:16 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DTW
Programs: DL 0.22 MM, AA 0.34 MM, PC Plat Amb, Hertz #1 GC 5*
Posts: 7,511
Did you try clearing cookies, then logging in as PM, then doing a fare search?
It's also possible that your search removed the last ticket from that bucket.
Also, someone could have purchased that lowest fare, between searches.
Content/context-sensitive price increases is a widely known "feature" of the current web environments.
It's also possible that your search removed the last ticket from that bucket.
Also, someone could have purchased that lowest fare, between searches.
Content/context-sensitive price increases is a widely known "feature" of the current web environments.
Feb 18, 2010, 2:29 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 1,155
Did you try clearing cookies, then logging in as PM, then doing a fare search?
It's also possible that your search removed the last ticket from that bucket.
Also, someone could have purchased that lowest fare, between searches.
Content/context-sensitive price increases is a widely known "feature" of the current web environments.
It's also possible that your search removed the last ticket from that bucket.
Also, someone could have purchased that lowest fare, between searches.
Content/context-sensitive price increases is a widely known "feature" of the current web environments.
I also logged in with another skymiles# which has no status. This time I get $762. Seems DL.com is indeed "context-sensitive"
Feb 18, 2010, 2:43 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 1,155
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_F8MSt2Cmu4U/S3...0/Untitled.jpg
I booked it by logging in after DL.com quoted me the price.
I booked it by logging in after DL.com quoted me the price.
Feb 18, 2010, 2:46 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SE US
Programs: Duke of Bombay, Delta Ham Sandwich tm, Delta's Glitch
Posts: 4,201
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_F8MSt2Cmu4U/S3...0/Untitled.jpg
I booked it by logging in after DL.com quoted me the price.
I booked it by logging in after DL.com quoted me the price.
Not sure how they could track a computer if you cleared the cookies... can't imagine they are tracking IPs....
Feb 18, 2010, 2:50 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,970
Feb 18, 2010, 2:55 pm
#10
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SE US
Programs: Duke of Bombay, Delta Ham Sandwich tm, Delta's Glitch
Posts: 4,201
CLeared cookies and got this not logging in
Avoid direct ticketing charges and online booking fees. Prices shown include all taxes and fees.
Your Flight Selection:
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
Your Flight Selection: Departs Arrives Stops Flights & Cabin (Class) Travel Time
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
8:15am
PHX 1:44pm
ATL Nonstop Delta 1026
Boeing 737-800
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 15 hr 30 min
4:40pm
ATL 7:45am
ZRH
Arrives 14 Mar Nonstop Delta 66
Boeing 767-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
10:10am
ZRH 11:55am
AMS Nonstop Delta 9525
Boeing 737
operated by Klm Royal Dutch Ai
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 13 hr 50 min
2:40pm
AMS 6:00pm
MSP Nonstop Delta 265
Airbus Industrie A330-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
8:00pm
MSP 9:31pm
PHX Nonstop Delta 2299
Boeing 757-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 3 hr 31 min
Price per passenger: $663.20 (USD)
Taxes/Fees: $98.80 (USD)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal per passenger: $762.00 (USD)
Total for all passengers (1): $762.00(USD)
Avoid direct ticketing charges and online booking fees. Prices shown include all taxes and fees.
Your Flight Selection:
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
Your Flight Selection: Departs Arrives Stops Flights & Cabin (Class) Travel Time
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
8:15am
PHX 1:44pm
ATL Nonstop Delta 1026
Boeing 737-800
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 15 hr 30 min
4:40pm
ATL 7:45am
ZRH
Arrives 14 Mar Nonstop Delta 66
Boeing 767-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
10:10am
ZRH 11:55am
AMS Nonstop Delta 9525
Boeing 737
operated by Klm Royal Dutch Ai
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 13 hr 50 min
2:40pm
AMS 6:00pm
MSP Nonstop Delta 265
Airbus Industrie A330-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
8:00pm
MSP 9:31pm
PHX Nonstop Delta 2299
Boeing 757-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 3 hr 31 min
Price per passenger: $663.20 (USD)
Taxes/Fees: $98.80 (USD)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal per passenger: $762.00 (USD)
Total for all passengers (1): $762.00(USD)
Feb 18, 2010, 2:59 pm
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SE US
Programs: Duke of Bombay, Delta Ham Sandwich tm, Delta's Glitch
Posts: 4,201
SkyMiles Number:
Total Miles: 3,377,443
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Step 2 of 5 - Trip Summary
BookingTrip Summary
Avoid direct ticketing charges and online booking fees. Prices shown include all taxes and fees.
One or more of your selected flights is not eligible for Pay with Miles. If you choose to continue with this itinerary, you will not be able to use Pay with Miles.
Your Flight Selection:
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
$1,047.00 (USD) + 0 miles
Pay with Miles
Your Flight Selection: Departs Arrives Stops Flights & Cabin (Class) Travel Time
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
8:15am
PHX 1:44pm
ATL Nonstop Delta 1026
Boeing 737-800
In-Flight Services Coach (U)
View Seats 15 hr 30 min
4:40pm
ATL 7:45am
ZRH
Arrives 14 Mar Nonstop Delta 66
Boeing 767-300
In-Flight Services Coach (U)
View Seats
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
10:10am
ZRH 11:55am
AMS Nonstop Delta 9525
Boeing 737
operated by Klm Royal Dutch Ai
In-Flight Services Coach (Q)
View Seats 13 hr 50 min
2:40pm
AMS 6:00pm
MSP Nonstop Delta 265
Airbus Industrie A330-300
In-Flight Services Coach (Q)
View Seats
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
8:00pm
MSP 9:31pm
PHX Nonstop Delta 2299
Boeing 757-300
In-Flight Services Coach (Q)
View Seats 3 hr 31 min
Price per passenger: $948.20 (USD)
Taxes/Fees: $98.80 (USD)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal per passenger: $1,047.00 (USD)
Total for all passengers (1): $1,047.00(USD)
Total Miles: 3,377,443
Buy Miles
Planning & ReservationsBook a Flight
Deals & Offers
Plan a Trip
Hotel, Car, Trip Activity Search
Vacation Packages
SkyMiles Cruises
Flight Schedules
Special Travel Needs
Traveling & Check-inItineraries & Check-in
Flight Status & Updates
Baggage
Tickets Changes & Refunds
Airport Information
In-flight Services
Travel Tips
SkyMilesJoin SkyMiles
Book Award Trip
Manage My Account
Use Miles
Buy/Transfer Miles
Ways to Earn Miles
About SkyMiles
Step 2 of 5 - Trip Summary
BookingTrip Summary
Avoid direct ticketing charges and online booking fees. Prices shown include all taxes and fees.
One or more of your selected flights is not eligible for Pay with Miles. If you choose to continue with this itinerary, you will not be able to use Pay with Miles.
Your Flight Selection:
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
$1,047.00 (USD) + 0 miles
Pay with Miles
Your Flight Selection: Departs Arrives Stops Flights & Cabin (Class) Travel Time
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
8:15am
PHX 1:44pm
ATL Nonstop Delta 1026
Boeing 737-800
In-Flight Services Coach (U)
View Seats 15 hr 30 min
4:40pm
ATL 7:45am
ZRH
Arrives 14 Mar Nonstop Delta 66
Boeing 767-300
In-Flight Services Coach (U)
View Seats
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
10:10am
ZRH 11:55am
AMS Nonstop Delta 9525
Boeing 737
operated by Klm Royal Dutch Ai
In-Flight Services Coach (Q)
View Seats 13 hr 50 min
2:40pm
AMS 6:00pm
MSP Nonstop Delta 265
Airbus Industrie A330-300
In-Flight Services Coach (Q)
View Seats
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
8:00pm
MSP 9:31pm
PHX Nonstop Delta 2299
Boeing 757-300
In-Flight Services Coach (Q)
View Seats 3 hr 31 min
Price per passenger: $948.20 (USD)
Taxes/Fees: $98.80 (USD)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal per passenger: $1,047.00 (USD)
Total for all passengers (1): $1,047.00(USD)
Last edited by Canarsie; May 17, 2012 at 8:01 am Reason: Removed attempt to bypass profanity filter.
Feb 18, 2010, 3:00 pm
#12
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SE US
Programs: Duke of Bombay, Delta Ham Sandwich tm, Delta's Glitch
Posts: 4,201
Somehow, it appears SM members do not get to see T fares for this one? Not sure...
Last edited by Canarsie; May 17, 2012 at 8:02 am Reason: Removed attempt to bypass profanity filter.
Feb 18, 2010, 3:06 pm
#13
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SE US
Programs: Duke of Bombay, Delta Ham Sandwich tm, Delta's Glitch
Posts: 4,201
Logged back out and cleared cookies and seached with no SM number AGAIN after I got the higher fare, so it is not an inventory issue...
Your Flight Selection:
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
Your Flight Selection: Departs Arrives Stops Flights & Cabin (Class) Travel Time
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
8:15am
PHX 1:44pm
ATL Nonstop Delta 1026
Boeing 737-800
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 15 hr 30 min
4:40pm
ATL 7:45am
ZRH
Arrives 14 Mar Nonstop Delta 66
Boeing 767-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
10:10am
ZRH 11:55am
AMS Nonstop Delta 9525
Boeing 737
operated by Klm Royal Dutch Ai
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 13 hr 50 min
2:40pm
AMS 6:00pm
MSP Nonstop Delta 265
Airbus Industrie A330-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
8:00pm
MSP 9:31pm
PHX Nonstop Delta 2299
Boeing 757-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 3 hr 31 min
Price per passenger: $663.20 (USD)
Taxes/Fees: $98.80 (USD)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal per passenger: $762.00 (USD)
Total for all passengers (1): $762.00(USD)
Your Flight Selection:
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
Your Flight Selection: Departs Arrives Stops Flights & Cabin (Class) Travel Time
Leg 1: Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) on Sat, 13 Mar 2010
8:15am
PHX 1:44pm
ATL Nonstop Delta 1026
Boeing 737-800
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 15 hr 30 min
4:40pm
ATL 7:45am
ZRH
Arrives 14 Mar Nonstop Delta 66
Boeing 767-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats
Leg 2: Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) to Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
10:10am
ZRH 11:55am
AMS Nonstop Delta 9525
Boeing 737
operated by Klm Royal Dutch Ai
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 13 hr 50 min
2:40pm
AMS 6:00pm
MSP Nonstop Delta 265
Airbus Industrie A330-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats
Leg 3: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Mon, 22 Mar 2010
8:00pm
MSP 9:31pm
PHX Nonstop Delta 2299
Boeing 757-300
In-Flight Services Coach (T)
View Seats 3 hr 31 min
Price per passenger: $663.20 (USD)
Taxes/Fees: $98.80 (USD)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal per passenger: $762.00 (USD)
Total for all passengers (1): $762.00(USD)
Feb 18, 2010, 3:24 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Boston; DC
Programs: AA EXP/2mm; UA 1k;
Posts: 673
I think an economist wrote a paper about how in theory the airlines could practice pretty careful/clever price discrimination.
They set teh base flight at $10,000 / segment, and then offer discounts based on freqeunt flyer number. So they can charge each person a different price.
Now in practice this may violate transportation law (anyone know?) but you could easily imagine offering bigger discounts to "new customers" or "people who havent' flown with delta in a year"
That said, i think it's probably an IT problem, though not a trivial one, rather than an attempt to earn greater profits from elites.
They set teh base flight at $10,000 / segment, and then offer discounts based on freqeunt flyer number. So they can charge each person a different price.
Now in practice this may violate transportation law (anyone know?) but you could easily imagine offering bigger discounts to "new customers" or "people who havent' flown with delta in a year"
That said, i think it's probably an IT problem, though not a trivial one, rather than an attempt to earn greater profits from elites.