Change in points value algorithm?
Oct 30, 2022 | 2:30 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: OSH
Programs: SWRR, HH, SM, TSA Pre
Posts: 940
Change in points value algorithm?
Booked flights MKE-MCO yesterday on points and noticed something odd, all of the flights were the same point value. When I looked at the cash fares there was a fairly large spread in cost. Was this changed and announced and I missed it? It appears that all of the fares were the previous ratio of the lowest cash fare.
Oct 30, 2022 | 2:48 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,405
I am gonna guess there was a fluke in the system.
Do you have the specific dates to see if we can duplicate?
Do you have the specific dates to see if we can duplicate?
Oct 30, 2022 | 3:52 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: KARB
Programs: DL 2MM
Posts: 26,934
Not seeing it when choosing random date. Note that additional connections add additional taxes on revenue fares, but the base fare amount (upon which mileage amount is based) may be exactly the same. These taxes are not charged on award tickets (only the fixed $5.60 TSA tax is charged on domestic awards). The second and fourth flight options below have the same base fare for WGA fares, but the total price is more on one because of additional taxes on connections.
Last edited by xliioper; Oct 30, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Oct 30, 2022 | 7:30 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: ATL
Posts: 2,771
On the outbound they are almost all the same; 10 options at 9140, 2 at 9758, and 1 at 11225. But then switch to dollars and you see the same similarity in $. So nothing unusual/changed, just a day where 13 flights between 2 city pairs are all similarly priced for both $ or points.
Oct 31, 2022 | 7:11 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,405
They must of fixed it. Just checked and looks normal.
Oct 31, 2022 | 9:09 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LGB/SMF/PDX/HNL
Programs: Hilton-lifetime diamond, Southwest A+ companion pass RIP: USAir priority gold/chairman's select
Posts: 1,964
I have seen this same phenomenon several times and have taken advantage occasionally. Although I cannot understand why this occurs, I don't think it is a glitch.
Nov 2, 2022 | 7:16 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: DCA, lived MCI, SEA/PDX,BUF (born/raised)
Programs: Marriott, IHG, Hyatt, Choice, AS, UA, WN
Posts: 10,705
I’ve seen this many times. The points don’t match the fares.
lwhrn you look at base price they are likeky the same. Having direct vs connection or what airport you go through can add different takes.
if an airport does a major terminal overall they will add surcharge taxes to those flying in, flying out, and those thst connect therr. They might not charge if you don’t deplane
lwhrn you look at base price they are likeky the same. Having direct vs connection or what airport you go through can add different takes.
if an airport does a major terminal overall they will add surcharge taxes to those flying in, flying out, and those thst connect therr. They might not charge if you don’t deplane
Nov 2, 2022 | 3:03 pm
#11
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
Programs: WN A-list preferred, United Club Lietime (sic) Member
Posts: 22,856
Ive seen this many times. The points dont match the fares.
lwhrn you look at base price they are likeky the same. Having direct vs connection or what airport you go through can add different takes.
if an airport does a major terminal overall they will add surcharge taxes to those flying in, flying out, and those thst connect therr. They might not charge if you dont deplane
lwhrn you look at base price they are likeky the same. Having direct vs connection or what airport you go through can add different takes.
if an airport does a major terminal overall they will add surcharge taxes to those flying in, flying out, and those thst connect therr. They might not charge if you dont deplane
Nov 4, 2022 | 6:44 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 935
my redemption tpa to cmh Monday before Christmas redeemed at less than 1.2 cpp.