Multi-Segment OW Pricing Way Higher than Bought Separately
 

I got really frustrated this morning trying to book a LHR-TXL-HEL-LHR ticket either through AA, BA, Finnair, Expedia and Travelocity. In order to get the ideal schedule and direct flights, economy tickets for the desired flights came up at above $2200 per person. I also tried Air Berlin, but required connections etc.

So I ended up booking 1-way tickets through BA for 97pounds per for the LHR-TXL portion, and then through Travelocity I snagged $300 tickets for the open jaw TXL-HEL-LHR portion flying on Finnair, coming to an approximate pricing of $450 per for the same itinerary. I can't believe that these "Partners" make you shop around like I had to in order to get the best deal for desired flights..:confused: & :mad:

Have you tried BA LHR-TXL return and then Finnair TXL-HEL return?

Multi city booking will always be expensive as each segmkent would be likely to be booked in full fare if it involves with two or more airlines. Unless you are qualified for the pass purchased from outside Europe.

It is all about routing. If you could do all the routing within one airlines you may get a cheaper price. Or you are flexible about the dates and segments. Clearly you expected one product which does not exist.

This is most likely a system failure that failed to provide you the cheapest combination. This is when a traditional TA would help.

Yes, I considered LHR-TXL return and then LHR-HEL return, but I would have wasted pretty much a day on the TXL-LHR-HEL trip rather than a couple of hours..

There is no way to do this combo on a single airline. Also, I'm purchasing the tickets from the US..

Also I should note the $2200+ option I quoted is for EXACTLY the same routing, airlines and flights I was able to purchase for ~$450 by buying the way I purchased the flights separately, so the "product" does exist;).

My assumption is that the lowest fares are not 'combinable' on the one ticket. Hence the higher fares applied when quoted as a single booking, and a combination of separate tickets worked out cheaper.

The logic ? The carrier whose stock the itinerary is issued on is responsible for the accounting and settlement with the other carriers involved. May be just not worth it for a few pounds once the taxes, etc are taken into account.

That is one possibility, and one of the reason TA can be helpful.