Question
Jul 12, 2006 | 8:11 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: CA
Posts: 132
Question
For some reason..it's cheaper to fly from grand rapids,mi to san francisco than from dtw. So I found flights that leave from GRR and make a stop in DTW. and when returning they depart from SFO and make a stop in DTW before going to GRR. (why is it cheaper? I'll never know). Anyway...would it create a problem if I completely skipped the GRR flight and hopped on right from DTW? Probably a stupid question...but I never know the rules 
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jul 12, 2006 | 8:20 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: أمريكا
Posts: 26,931
If you miss the first flight (i.e. GRR-DTW) then they'll cancel the rest of your ticket and you'll be out of luck.
On the way back you could skip the DTW-GRR segment, but this is technically against the rules and you could get in trouble if they catch you doing it.
The reason it's cheaper to fly GRR-SFO instead of DTW-SFO is because people are willing to pay more to fly the latter route than the former.
On the way back you could skip the DTW-GRR segment, but this is technically against the rules and you could get in trouble if they catch you doing it.
The reason it's cheaper to fly GRR-SFO instead of DTW-SFO is because people are willing to pay more to fly the latter route than the former.
Jul 12, 2006 | 8:26 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Rochester Hills, MI
Programs: NW, MR SE,
Posts: 385
I find this strange that DTW-SFO is more expensive than GRR-SFO. Both the DTW-SFO and DTW-LAX and return are usually cheaper due to the competition with Spirit. If the flight time is not in competition with the Spirit schedule, then it might be different.
I have flown on what I consider low fare for DTW-SFO leaving at 3:39 pm and returning on the red-eye at 10 pm.
HJ
I have flown on what I consider low fare for DTW-SFO leaving at 3:39 pm and returning on the red-eye at 10 pm.
HJ
Jul 12, 2006 | 8:27 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: CA
Posts: 132
Originally Posted by Doppy
If you miss the first flight (i.e. GRR-DTW) then they'll cancel the rest of your ticket and you'll be out of luck.
On the way back you could skip the DTW-GRR segment, but this is technically against the rules and you could get in trouble if they catch you doing it.
The reason it's cheaper to fly GRR-SFO instead of DTW-SFO is because people are willing to pay more to fly the latter route than the former.
On the way back you could skip the DTW-GRR segment, but this is technically against the rules and you could get in trouble if they catch you doing it.
The reason it's cheaper to fly GRR-SFO instead of DTW-SFO is because people are willing to pay more to fly the latter route than the former.
sucks...doesn't seem much fair to me but thanks anyway. I may end up now paying an extra 150 bucks....i guess i'll wait and hopefully some travel deals come out...i'm planning on flying out in mid-august.
Jul 12, 2006 | 8:28 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: CA
Posts: 132
Originally Posted by hyunja
I find this strange that DTW-SFO is more expensive than GRR-SFO. Both the DTW-SFO and DTW-LAX and return are usually cheaper due to the competition with Spirit. If the flight time is not in competition with the Spirit schedule, then it might be different.
I have flown on what I consider low fare for DTW-SFO leaving at 3:39 pm and returning on the red-eye at 10 pm.
HJ
I have flown on what I consider low fare for DTW-SFO leaving at 3:39 pm and returning on the red-eye at 10 pm.
HJ
Jul 13, 2006 | 6:35 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: FW, TX, USA, Earth, Milky Way
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Posts: 10,858
Happens at several hub airports.
In Cincinnati, it is ususally cheaper to fly out of Dayton, Lexington, Indianapolis, Louisville, etc. Connecting through CVG, of course, if one is on DL.
In Cincinnati, it is ususally cheaper to fly out of Dayton, Lexington, Indianapolis, Louisville, etc. Connecting through CVG, of course, if one is on DL.
Jul 13, 2006 | 7:53 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
Originally Posted by yolers
I found it odd as well...especially since they are making the stop in dtw on both segments. I'm saving them fuel :P
Jul 13, 2006 | 5:02 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: DTW
Programs: Dirt Status w/ All
Posts: 5,049
The price of a seat has next to nothing to do with the actual operating costs for that flight. It is all marketing and competition.
If you want to get from GRR to SFO, you probably have zero options for a direct flight. That means lots of competition since pretty much any carrier that serves GRR can get you there with one stop. From DTW, your only direct option to SFO looks like NW and one Spirit flight. Less competition for a better product (non-stop) = higher price.
If you want to get from GRR to SFO, you probably have zero options for a direct flight. That means lots of competition since pretty much any carrier that serves GRR can get you there with one stop. From DTW, your only direct option to SFO looks like NW and one Spirit flight. Less competition for a better product (non-stop) = higher price.
Jul 13, 2006 | 5:47 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 2,596
Assume that to and from the hub fills 90% of the seats. Airline wants to keep that premium price but fill last few seats so it offers lower cost seats for people who fly from nearby airports. because the marginal price of flying these people is low, it adds to the bottom line while protecting hub prices.
I am flying LAX-YVR-China/China-YVR-LAX in business class for $2000!!!! less that the YVR-China/China-YVR flight. Go figure.
I am flying LAX-YVR-China/China-YVR-LAX in business class for $2000!!!! less that the YVR-China/China-YVR flight. Go figure.