Computer glitch?
 

I'm trying to figure out if this is a computer glitch, or someone's idea of a strange joke...

In booking a flight from RDU to PHL, USAirways gives me two choices:

1) Direct flight, 5:39P to 7:00P, $804

2) "Indirect" flight: RDU-CLT-ATL-PIT-PHL, 3:25P to 11:29P(!!), $308.50.

Who writes these programs???

Glitch?

See: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum94/HTML/001242.html

It is possible that the software is trying to get you the options with the lowest possible fare, and the connecting flights might be the flights with a lower class booking code = a lower fare. I have booked on CO, and it has suggested as an initial routing (with no special twaking on my part) BOS-EWR-CLE-ATL...because those flights had a booking code (class of service) that was less expensive than a 1-connection flight. The computer is supposed to search all combinations, and give the customer the lowest possible fare. You could book this long routing, and if you don't want to fly it (it is extra miles!) when you check in at the ATO (airport) just ask the agent to re-route you on a direct or 1-connection flight.

The cheaper flight will log you 1500+ more preferred miles (that's just 1-way!) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif