flyerfmaz

To set the record straight (and for the purpose of maybe providing some perspective) I'm one of those old-timers. I'm almost 60, and retired from a 30 year career where I traveled the world and got to the highest levels with some airlines. I remember the days of regulated fares, as well as the days of the super cut-rate airlines (almost all of whom are now defunct). I still work mostly full time, but as a consultant in my field. I've generally been flying WN in recent years (so much that my wife has a companion pass), but have tired of WN's lack of assigned seating, which can create problems on tight connections. Also, when WN cancels a flight or delays a flight to the point that a connection cannot be made, they generally won't put you on another airline.

Anyway -- for some perspective, and despite my air travel experiences (and yes, I'm aware of route pricing from a historical perspective), I still find that UA R/T fare between Tucson and Houston so expensive it's laughable. I could have justified probably up to about $700 or so, but (no pun intended) a $900+ fare ain't gonna fly with me. And I just checked that flight's seating -- UA continues to not sell a whole lot of additional seats at that fare!

Thanks again for all the helpful input and feedback!

Kacee

You can't tell how many tickets UA has sold from the economy seatmap, especially in the era of basic economy, which does not include a pre-assigned seat. The cabin could be booked nearly full.

Nor can one properly conclude that the $900 fare is what's impeding sales given that the fare drops by 50% when there's a Sunday night stay. A more likely conclusion (assuming just for arguments sake that the flight's not selling well) is that there's not much demand TUS-IAH on that particular day of travel.

RNE

Me, for example. I'd pay the $900 without a second thought. On my own dime. Indeed, nonstops are so important to me, I'm going to drive from Cleveland to Detroit because it's the nearest nonstop departure point to FRA.

Bonehead

Or UA's historical data indicate that the seats fill up with last-minute business travelers at those prices...

RNE

This nobody is disagreeing.

Nonstop flights are highly valuable to me. I like multiple quick stays rather than a few lengthy ones. Some upcoming trips: 3 days in AMS then home. 4 days in FCO then home. 3 days in ATH then home. 3 days in FRA then home. Spending a week in one place is anathema to me. Is my travel style "unusual"? Sure. But it's what I like. And the only way it's practical is nonstop flights. Connections consume precious time, even when they work well, and even more time when they don't. Just a half a day's delay seriously impacts a 3- or 4-day stay. A day's delay is disastrous! Do I ever connect? Sure, being from CLE I have to. But I'd gladly pay a premium not to. I want to get where I'm going quickly. Be glad there is a TUS-IAH nonstop.

I agree. Charge whatever the market will bear.

RNE, a jetsetter.

danielonn

Same goez for if you want to fly to TLV via LAX its $950 but nonstop from SFO its $2050. to go nonstop vs connecting from LA. Its O/D and Yield Management at its finest.