Why such a difference in flight cost ?
Jun 3, 2012, 7:59 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3
Why such a difference in flight cost ?
Hi,
this is my first post here so don't even know if I'm in the correct section.
My issue is with cost of flights from Australia. I am currently in Sydney and would like to fly home to the UK next February.
Why is the cost of flying SYD-LHR so much more expensive than LHR-SYD ?
Singapore Airlines LHR - SYD 11th Feb 2013 = £631 ( $AUD 1004)
whereas SYD-LHR same date is $AUD1442 (£905) !
That's a huge difference in price.
Can anyone explain to me why this should be the case ?
It's the same issue with return flight. I cannot see why there should be a difference in price as a return is basically one flight in either direction - so therefore the price should be the same :
SYD-LHR-SYD Dep 11th Feb Ret 25th Feb = $AUD 2498 (£1568)
LHR-SYD-LHR Dep 11th Feb Ret 25th Feb = $AUD 1690 (£1061)
Thats £507 ($AUD 808) more for the same thing !!!! Surely there cannot be a fair reason for this ?
Thanks
Stereo
this is my first post here so don't even know if I'm in the correct section.
My issue is with cost of flights from Australia. I am currently in Sydney and would like to fly home to the UK next February.
Why is the cost of flying SYD-LHR so much more expensive than LHR-SYD ?
Singapore Airlines LHR - SYD 11th Feb 2013 = £631 ( $AUD 1004)
whereas SYD-LHR same date is $AUD1442 (£905) !
That's a huge difference in price.
Can anyone explain to me why this should be the case ?
It's the same issue with return flight. I cannot see why there should be a difference in price as a return is basically one flight in either direction - so therefore the price should be the same :
SYD-LHR-SYD Dep 11th Feb Ret 25th Feb = $AUD 2498 (£1568)
LHR-SYD-LHR Dep 11th Feb Ret 25th Feb = $AUD 1690 (£1061)
Thats £507 ($AUD 808) more for the same thing !!!! Surely there cannot be a fair reason for this ?
Thanks
Stereo
Last edited by stereotongue; Jun 3, 2012 at 8:08 pm
Jun 4, 2012, 1:26 am
#2
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Jun 4, 2012, 2:16 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3
so yet again - no answer of value - thanks for the help Savage - very inciteful of you.
Has anyone ever got an answer from an airline on this subject ....
and not the nonsense answer of 'they are comaprable to market rates for that region' bulls**t?
Has anyone ever got an answer from an airline on this subject ....
and not the nonsense answer of 'they are comaprable to market rates for that region' bulls**t?
Jun 4, 2012, 3:44 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Japan/Thailand
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Yes, costs are similar (supply costs), but if demand for different flights varies, the optimal price varies. Airlines aren't necessarily trying to sell the most tickets, they are trying to make the most money, hence, different prices for different flights.
Also, some taxes and fees only apply on departure from certain countries or depend on transit points or other variables, so those costs really can vary depending on which direction you travel. They probably aren't the only story here, but they matter.
Jun 4, 2012, 5:14 am
#5
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Are you serious? Apart from the differing taxes that apply, economics 101 is the answer. What world do you live in?
Jun 4, 2012, 9:35 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3
So basically you see no problem with charging whatever price they want ?
In Australia people are paying these prices because there is no other option. That doesn't make it right though does it ?
I understand the economics of this all, I'm just wondering if I'm in the minority here thinking that profiteering is morally acceptable ?
Obviously the airlines want to make as much profit for as little product as possible - same as any other industry.
I have just spoken to a couple who have decided not to go back to a family members funeral because they can't afford the cost of the flights for all of them...... this sucks doesn't it ?
In Australia people are paying these prices because there is no other option. That doesn't make it right though does it ?
I understand the economics of this all, I'm just wondering if I'm in the minority here thinking that profiteering is morally acceptable ?
Obviously the airlines want to make as much profit for as little product as possible - same as any other industry.
I have just spoken to a couple who have decided not to go back to a family members funeral because they can't afford the cost of the flights for all of them...... this sucks doesn't it ?
Jun 4, 2012, 9:42 pm
#7
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Which is it, do you want the answer to your title and original statement or an ethics debate?
Jun 4, 2012, 10:36 pm
#8
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So basically you see no problem with charging whatever price they want ?
In Australia people are paying these prices because there is no other option. That doesn't make it right though does it ?
I understand the economics of this all, I'm just wondering if I'm in the minority here thinking that profiteering is morally acceptable ?
Obviously the airlines want to make as much profit for as little product as possible - same as any other industry.
I have just spoken to a couple who have decided not to go back to a family members funeral because they can't afford the cost of the flights for all of them...... this sucks doesn't it ?
In Australia people are paying these prices because there is no other option. That doesn't make it right though does it ?
I understand the economics of this all, I'm just wondering if I'm in the minority here thinking that profiteering is morally acceptable ?
Obviously the airlines want to make as much profit for as little product as possible - same as any other industry.
I have just spoken to a couple who have decided not to go back to a family members funeral because they can't afford the cost of the flights for all of them...... this sucks doesn't it ?
On the other hand, from the outside, the aviation industry in Australia is not free from state meddling...protectionism can and most likely will result in higher prices in the absence of subsidies...
Jun 5, 2012, 12:01 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: FSPP, Impresario, Prive, Virtuoso
Posts: 697
So basically you see no problem with charging whatever price they want ?
In Australia people are paying these prices because there is no other option. That doesn't make it right though does it ?
I understand the economics of this all, I'm just wondering if I'm in the minority here thinking that profiteering is morally acceptable ?
Obviously the airlines want to make as much profit for as little product as possible - same as any other industry.
I have just spoken to a couple who have decided not to go back to a family members funeral because they can't afford the cost of the flights for all of them...... this sucks doesn't it ?
In Australia people are paying these prices because there is no other option. That doesn't make it right though does it ?
I understand the economics of this all, I'm just wondering if I'm in the minority here thinking that profiteering is morally acceptable ?
Obviously the airlines want to make as much profit for as little product as possible - same as any other industry.
I have just spoken to a couple who have decided not to go back to a family members funeral because they can't afford the cost of the flights for all of them...... this sucks doesn't it ?
The reality of airline pricing is that no one knows how it works, except that they price to the market or economics 101. You will find all sorts of quirks in airline prices, or a more recent example
SFO-JFK one way was about ~1,500 in Business
OAK/SJC-JFK one way was about 500 in Business, the difference being the cradle seat on the SFO-JFK service. Even in the same city they are able to find different markets!
Jun 5, 2012, 12:52 am
#10
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Japan/Thailand
Programs: AS, UA
Posts: 1,201
So basically you see no problem with charging whatever price they want ?
In Australia people are paying these prices because there is no other option. That doesn't make it right though does it ?
I understand the economics of this all, I'm just wondering if I'm in the minority here thinking that profiteering is morally acceptable ?
Obviously the airlines want to make as much profit for as little product as possible - same as any other industry.
I have just spoken to a couple who have decided not to go back to a family members funeral because they can't afford the cost of the flights for all of them...... this sucks doesn't it ?
In Australia people are paying these prices because there is no other option. That doesn't make it right though does it ?
I understand the economics of this all, I'm just wondering if I'm in the minority here thinking that profiteering is morally acceptable ?
Obviously the airlines want to make as much profit for as little product as possible - same as any other industry.
I have just spoken to a couple who have decided not to go back to a family members funeral because they can't afford the cost of the flights for all of them...... this sucks doesn't it ?
If you want some sort of 'protection' against profiteering, talk to your government, but even with that, flying long distances is expensive. Nothing you or anyone can do about that.
Jun 5, 2012, 1:26 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Singapore
Programs: HHonors Diamond; A3 *Nothing ; BA Exec. Club Gold
Posts: 1,689
Singapore-Seoul in Business
CX: SGD 2600 (indirect)
TG: SGD 2200 (indirect)
OZ: SGD 2830 (Direct)
KE: SGD 2911 (Direct)
SQ: SGD 4470
Economics 101? Seems SQ is concerned about their renevue decline, charging this much more than their competition is not going to help?
Globalist
CX: SGD 2600 (indirect)
TG: SGD 2200 (indirect)
OZ: SGD 2830 (Direct)
KE: SGD 2911 (Direct)
SQ: SGD 4470
Economics 101? Seems SQ is concerned about their renevue decline, charging this much more than their competition is not going to help?
Globalist
Jun 5, 2012, 6:46 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London, U.K.
Programs: bmi British Midland International Diamond Club
Posts: 3,370
You must factor in the weaker £. The fare for SYD-LHR is priced in AU$. If the pound now was as strong as it was in 2004 (when £1.00 equalled AU$2.50) then that would mean it would be cheaper for us Brits to fly SYD-LHR than the other way round.
Jun 5, 2012, 8:36 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SYD
Posts: 160
I understand your frustration stereotongue, but...
As Desert Traveller commented above, have you compared the price what QF/BA offer? VA/EY offer AUD 1,996 for the same flight. If you are simply targeting the price difference only, then please blame people who are happy to pay not airline company.
Yes, it does. But again, it should apply to all transport methods, such as bus, train & etc. I do not mean to be rude, but if I really have to fly and want to stick with particular airline, then I would pay. But if I really have to fly but cheap, then I will look for LCC and would not complain the lack of service.
Making profits is part of capitalism...morally preferable to all the failed and failing communist experiments, IMHO. One always has options...not flying is one of these.
On the other hand, from the outside, the aviation industry in Australia is not free from state meddling...protectionism can and most likely will result in higher prices in the absence of subsidies...
On the other hand, from the outside, the aviation industry in Australia is not free from state meddling...protectionism can and most likely will result in higher prices in the absence of subsidies...
Yes, it does. But again, it should apply to all transport methods, such as bus, train & etc. I do not mean to be rude, but if I really have to fly and want to stick with particular airline, then I would pay. But if I really have to fly but cheap, then I will look for LCC and would not complain the lack of service.
Jun 5, 2012, 8:46 am
#14
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: SQ QPPS, *A Gold, EK Skywards Gold
Posts: 673
No doubt there is a published fare difference of a few hundred $ between SYD-LHR and LHR-SYD, but has OP considered the possibility that the available fare classes on those specific dates for each direction maybe different. ie : SYD-LHR-SYD maybe booking under a higher fare class than LHR-SYD-LHR - hence the significant difference in price.
Jun 5, 2012, 4:17 pm
#15
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So basically you see no problem with charging whatever price they want ?
In Australia people are paying these prices because there is no other option. That doesn't make it right though does it ?
I understand the economics of this all, I'm just wondering if I'm in the minority here thinking that profiteering is morally acceptable ?
Obviously the airlines want to make as much profit for as little product as possible - same as any other industry.
I have just spoken to a couple who have decided not to go back to a family members funeral because they can't afford the cost of the flights for all of them...... this sucks doesn't it ?
In Australia people are paying these prices because there is no other option. That doesn't make it right though does it ?
I understand the economics of this all, I'm just wondering if I'm in the minority here thinking that profiteering is morally acceptable ?
Obviously the airlines want to make as much profit for as little product as possible - same as any other industry.
I have just spoken to a couple who have decided not to go back to a family members funeral because they can't afford the cost of the flights for all of them...... this sucks doesn't it ?
If you don't like the price, then try another carrier like EK, MH, CX, TG etc. There are many options to choose from - and many travel agencies to help you choose your options.
Just FYI - its still cheaper to fly from Australia to Europe than it is from SINGAPORE to Europe. Then I have to ask you - why?