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]
Feb 8, 2019, 8:50 pm
#1486
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,424
LH 748 not a clear win over UA 763 (though it would be my preference).
Feb 22, 2019, 10:48 am
#1487
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SJC / DPS
Programs: AS G75K, UA Silver
Posts: 1,757
Trying to get to NYC from FLL/MIA on April 28th. Fares are roughly $900(!) for the one-way. More interestingly, a good portion of the Y fares are either sold out or blocked this far in advance. Any idea what's going on?
Feb 22, 2019, 1:20 pm
#1488
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,716
Interesting and useful - I happy to save $$$$ by flying UA codeshare on LH. Do UA codeshares earn UA miles (based on fare) or UA RDM based on distance (like LH flights)? Presumably EQM would be the same.
I think many would disagree. The 767-4 config is not as bad as the 2-4-2 on other planes, and I can't say I am overwhelmed by LH 748. The food on UA had until recently improved, which is not the case with LH. Personally I prefer the faster service on UA as opposed to the glacial 3-hour meals on LH, and won't miss the smelly cheeses. To me it's a no brainer to go with the lowest price, unless there are EQM or RDM issues in play.
I think many would disagree. The 767-4 config is not as bad as the 2-4-2 on other planes, and I can't say I am overwhelmed by LH 748. The food on UA had until recently improved, which is not the case with LH. Personally I prefer the faster service on UA as opposed to the glacial 3-hour meals on LH, and won't miss the smelly cheeses. To me it's a no brainer to go with the lowest price, unless there are EQM or RDM issues in play.
Last edited by Boraxo; Feb 22, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Feb 22, 2019, 1:49 pm
#1489
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,370
If it's booked on a 016 ticket, you'll get earnings based on fare. If it's booked on a non-016 ticket, you'll get earnings based on distance if the flight is operated by LH.
Feb 22, 2019, 4:55 pm
#1490
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,395
Demand looks legitimate; seatmaps show almost solid assigned. I don't know what going on in Florida then, but you are indeed seeing several flight that are booked full in Y.
Feb 22, 2019, 6:04 pm
#1492
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,614
I know you are 1K but as others noted it is Spring Break, I would try another carrier at those prices. Indeed crazy!
Feb 22, 2019, 8:35 pm
#1493
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,783
Feb 23, 2019, 3:20 pm
#1495
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,716
I know a lot of people love the 747 upper deck (and will miss as these birds get retired) but it’s a nonstarter for me because the bins (at least on UA) aren’t big enough to hold even my carryon and also don’t like having to stow my rollsboard in the closet. On some carriers there is also no direct aisle access from every seat
Feb 23, 2019, 3:24 pm
#1496
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: CLE
Programs: UA MileagePlus Premier Platinum
Posts: 1,352
Feb 23, 2019, 3:43 pm
#1497
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,395
I know a lot of people love the 747 upper deck (and will miss as these birds get retired) but it’s a nonstarter for me because the bins (at least on UA) aren’t big enough to hold even my carryon and also don’t like having to stow my rollsboard in the closet. On some carriers there is also no direct aisle access from every seat
Mar 12, 2019, 6:40 am
#1499
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: MR Platinum
Posts: 80
Polaris fares ex-HKG
Hi there
I’m new to MileagePlus and am based in Hong Kong.
Currently i’m planning upcoming trips to US/Canada. Through the United app and websites, the fares are pretty steep compared to those on AC/CX online channels.
Am I missing something here?
Appreciate your valuable insights
I’m new to MileagePlus and am based in Hong Kong.
Currently i’m planning upcoming trips to US/Canada. Through the United app and websites, the fares are pretty steep compared to those on AC/CX online channels.
Am I missing something here?
Appreciate your valuable insights
Mar 12, 2019, 7:54 am
#1500
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM, Hertz PC, Marriott Platinum/Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,657
Plenty of corporations and individuals who pay for Polaris/business class ... fewer discounts ...
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Mar 16, 2019 at 9:33 pm Reason: cleanup after merge; thanks for the link