Perplexed: One segment in First Class; availability in Economy?
Jun 3, 2014 | 2:59 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: UA 1k, MR Platinum, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 43
Perplexed: One segment in First Class; availability in Economy?
Hi All,
I am perplexed and am hoping for some help.
I'm booking a flight for business on 6/23 (need to book 2 weeks out), ORD-SMF.
The only reasonable flight time-wise leaves at 6a (UA1037, Fare Class W) to DEN, then DEN to SMF at 8:20a (UA5526, Fare Class P).
The issue is that I don't want to purchase First Class for the second segment (I want to be responsible with customer's money). According to the "Fare Class" link: E9, U9, H9; and according to Viewing seats, it appears there is plenty of seats available in Economy.
So, my question is, why is it forcing me to choose First Class for that segment?
Thanks in advance,
CoORD
I am perplexed and am hoping for some help.
I'm booking a flight for business on 6/23 (need to book 2 weeks out), ORD-SMF.
The only reasonable flight time-wise leaves at 6a (UA1037, Fare Class W) to DEN, then DEN to SMF at 8:20a (UA5526, Fare Class P).
The issue is that I don't want to purchase First Class for the second segment (I want to be responsible with customer's money). According to the "Fare Class" link: E9, U9, H9; and according to Viewing seats, it appears there is plenty of seats available in Economy.
So, my question is, why is it forcing me to choose First Class for that segment?
Thanks in advance,
CoORD
Jun 3, 2014 | 3:03 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP; UA 1MM & PP; Marriott AMB; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 62,338
.com is showing you the cheapest available fare. That is probably an economy fare (an H-UP) which books into P.
Jun 3, 2014 | 3:13 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
Programs: DL DM, UA 1K MM, Subway Club Member
Posts: 1,993
+1 - It's not all that uncommon for there to be cheap first class fares that, based on availability, are the same price or cheaper than the available economy fares.
Jun 3, 2014 | 4:12 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: UA 1k, MR Platinum, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 43
Thank you both! That's what I was speculating, but it makes me feel better to have confirmation. I'll search for that route with specific fare classes and will take some screenshots in case anyone in accounting bats an eye...
Cheers!
Cheers!
Jun 3, 2014 | 5:22 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP; UA 1MM & PP; Marriott AMB; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 62,338
You can also click through on "View Fare Rules and Restrictions" and that will show you the true fare basis. This will show that it's an economy fare.
Jun 3, 2014 | 7:22 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,529
If you are using seats to determine availability, this is not always accurate.