Feb 28, 2021, 12:23 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Archive thread, active thread is
Consolidated "Why is this UA fare so expensive?" thread
Potential reasons for high fares
-- the lower fare classes are sold out
-- the lower fare classes are not available due to fare rule restrictions
..... day of the week travel restrictions, Saturday night stay requirement, minimum stay requirement, advance purchase requirements, ...
-- desired fares are not combinable
-- discount fares not available for one-ways, only roundtrips Why are international OWs so expensive, such high fare classes?
-- discount inventory for codeshare marketing airline is gone, but flight operator may have discount fare (or the reverse)
-- Plating -- airlines restrict the best fare to their ticket stock, meaning ticketing that flight on another ticket stock will be more expensive
-- Airline is figuring it will still sell (due to last minute purchases0 even if the competition is lower earlier. Such as peak leisure periods or special events.
-- Airline is placing a premium on non-stop (monopoly?) versus alternative connecting routings
If you find an expensive flight, start by checking the fare class and compare to the less expensive option -- that generally will explain a lot.
Consolidated "Why is this UA fare so expensive?" thread
Potential reasons for high fares
-- the lower fare classes are sold out
-- the lower fare classes are not available due to fare rule restrictions
..... day of the week travel restrictions, Saturday night stay requirement, minimum stay requirement, advance purchase requirements, ...
-- desired fares are not combinable
-- discount fares not available for one-ways, only roundtrips Why are international OWs so expensive, such high fare classes?
-- discount inventory for codeshare marketing airline is gone, but flight operator may have discount fare (or the reverse)
-- Plating -- airlines restrict the best fare to their ticket stock, meaning ticketing that flight on another ticket stock will be more expensive
-- Airline is figuring it will still sell (due to last minute purchases0 even if the competition is lower earlier. Such as peak leisure periods or special events.
-- Airline is placing a premium on non-stop (monopoly?) versus alternative connecting routings
If you find an expensive flight, start by checking the fare class and compare to the less expensive option -- that generally will explain a lot.
Consolidated "Why is this fare so expensive?" Thread [Archive]
Aug 28, 2018, 11:44 am
#1426
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: UA Silver AS MVPG
Posts: 6
Thank you for the response. Even searching for just one passenger shows the same cost. I have looked into separating the bookings, but no savings there.
The HNL-NRT-BOM route is $6k+
The HNL-NRT-BOM route is $6k+
Aug 28, 2018, 12:05 pm
#1427
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
I have been tracking the cost for flying LIH-BOM for 9 pax for an upcoming trip. Not all passengers were confirmed yet so I have been waiting to book. Cost was about $1200 for the past month, every once in a while it would jump to 1900.
Now it has been $1900 for a steady week? I am used to seeing the cost go up for a few days, then back down, but that hasn’t happened yet.
Now it has been $1900 for a steady week? I am used to seeing the cost go up for a few days, then back down, but that hasn’t happened yet.
$1,200 seems like a bargain fare LIH-BOM
Aug 28, 2018, 3:17 pm
#1428
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: UA Silver AS MVPG
Posts: 6
I ended up booking two separate itineraries. LIH-SFO-ATL-EWR for $588, EWR-BOM for $902. Still less than any multi city or RT i could see.
Aug 28, 2018, 3:25 pm
#1430
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: UA Silver AS MVPG
Posts: 6
It's United, what could go wrong
Aug 28, 2018, 4:51 pm
#1431
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,887
Oct 4, 2018, 8:56 am
#1433
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Morris Plains, NJ
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Gold
Posts: 138
Why Would AC and UA be 50% off on price?
My family is looking to fly to YUL in November and I noticed something strange. The flights are all operated by AC. If I buy it through AC (uses AC flight numbers) it is $650 for the three of us. If I go through UA (the return flight uses a UA flight number) it is over $900. Why would this occur?
Oct 4, 2018, 8:59 am
#1434
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,450
Inventory is different on the UA codeshares than the AC flight. (UA has sold more of its allocation, or expects to sell more of its remaining allocation, etc.) This happens all the time. Sometimes the codeshare is cheaper; sometimes the native flight numbers are cheaper.
Oct 4, 2018, 9:08 am
#1435
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,901
For the record, 50% off $900 would be $450, not $650, so not quite as good a deal as you imply.
Oct 4, 2018, 9:59 am
#1436
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
AC now has a basic economy like product. Is OP sure that s/he was comparing apples to apples, or was the AC fare for a stripped down basic economy product while UA was selling a more fulsome economy?
Oct 4, 2018, 10:00 am
#1437
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,450
Yes, but $900 is 50% more than $600...
Oct 4, 2018, 10:16 am
#1438
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,974
I wonder how they manage the inventory (considering also married segments) and split the money on these codeshares...
Even though there is no JV between AC and UA on transborder flights, they price as if they have a monopoly. I am sure part of this is they have more nonstops because of AC. DL and AA come out cheaper a lot of the time in my experience.
Even though there is no JV between AC and UA on transborder flights, they price as if they have a monopoly. I am sure part of this is they have more nonstops because of AC. DL and AA come out cheaper a lot of the time in my experience.
Oct 4, 2018, 11:16 am
#1439
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,695
Oct 4, 2018, 11:29 am
#1440
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: London, United Kingdom
Programs: British Airways Gold
Posts: 2,636
I read "50% off" as meaning 50% different