Ridiculously uncompetitive airfares?
May 18, 2020, 11:52 am
#31
Moderator: United Airlines
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I had inquired about this (possible upgauge due to full flights) in a previous thread and it seemed the consensus was that most were ghost bookings and it was unlikely they'd increase gauge.
Can you reference where it was reported? I'd be interested in seeing more details (if any exist)
Can you reference where it was reported? I'd be interested in seeing more details (if any exist)
From https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...l#post32383777
May 18, 2020, 12:12 pm
#32
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Westchester NY
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My hope/bet is that the industry modifies or removes the "free changes" language after the current extension runs out on May 31st, and reverts back to the 2 hour rule. Probably a really good idea given that anyone buying a ticket today understands the situation. People are holding space harmlessly and perhaps hoping for a cancelation.
I think UA doesn't have a clue the percentage of people that will cancel a reservation and the unlimited free change policy is making for a massive inventory management problem. When UA culls the July schedule in coming days look for airfares to skyrocket and availability to plummet.
I think UA doesn't have a clue the percentage of people that will cancel a reservation and the unlimited free change policy is making for a massive inventory management problem. When UA culls the July schedule in coming days look for airfares to skyrocket and availability to plummet.
Last edited by dkc715; May 18, 2020 at 12:18 pm
May 18, 2020, 12:52 pm
#33
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My hope/bet is that the industry modifies or removes the "free changes" language after the current extension runs out on May 31st, and reverts back to the 2 hour rule. Probably a really good idea given that anyone buying a ticket today understands the situation. People are holding space harmlessly and perhaps hoping for a cancelation.....
Removing "free changes" could become a PR issue unless the others follow. Suspect other carriers would also like the solution BUT this difficult situation to unwind.
Going back to the original 2-hour policy or at least honoring for previous bookings may be inevitable given the DOT, UA is probably wresting on how to unwinding previous refusals and what impact this will have on "cash" (Appears we are bleeding in the Refunds / DOT ruling thread topic).
May 18, 2020, 1:25 pm
#34
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Not at all. You can have generally empty planes system-wide but still mess up a single flight providing free travel for a bunch of medical staff coming back from New York.
May 18, 2020, 1:36 pm
#35
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United’s sheer incompetence is showing with these fares. I had hoped to re-qualify for 2021 1K instead of relying on an extension, but now I am a confirmed Kayaker (along w/ Southwest.com). With the service reductions systemwide, I find it hard to concentrate my flying on UA if their fares are not near competitive AND not as convenient.
Unfortunately for me, price plus schedule does not equal United.
Can’t even provide a cheeseburger in coach to lure me due to service cutbacks. Congrats Kirby - your management has saved the cost of a cheeseburger, but it cost you an airfare purchase to do it.
Unfortunately for me, price plus schedule does not equal United.
Can’t even provide a cheeseburger in coach to lure me due to service cutbacks. Congrats Kirby - your management has saved the cost of a cheeseburger, but it cost you an airfare purchase to do it.
May 18, 2020, 4:03 pm
#36
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May 18, 2020, 4:29 pm
#37
Join Date: Jul 2015
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United’s sheer incompetence is showing with these fares. I had hoped to re-qualify for 2021 1K instead of relying on an extension, but now I am a confirmed Kayaker (along w/ Southwest.com). With the service reductions systemwide, I find it hard to concentrate my flying on UA if their fares are not near competitive AND not as convenient.
Unfortunately for me, price plus schedule does not equal United.
Can’t even provide a cheeseburger in coach to lure me due to service cutbacks. Congrats Kirby - your management has saved the cost of a cheeseburger, but it cost you an airfare purchase to do it.
Unfortunately for me, price plus schedule does not equal United.
Can’t even provide a cheeseburger in coach to lure me due to service cutbacks. Congrats Kirby - your management has saved the cost of a cheeseburger, but it cost you an airfare purchase to do it.
May 18, 2020, 4:37 pm
#38
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May 18, 2020, 5:35 pm
#39
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA MP
Posts: 1,659
It seems everyone is misunderstanding - Scott & co are really helping us maintain elite status by taking away cheap fares, thereby forcing us to pay more. While there are other airlines, we obviously wouldn't consider them at all.
May 18, 2020, 6:46 pm
#40
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
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Posts: 6,362
Well, IMO, some fares SHOULD increase; I sometimes get worried when I see fares so low, they couldn't even pay the Jet A fuel to carry me there!
(United's current flights from AVP are about the same as always, ~$200 to ORD.)
United should charge the maximum they can charge to keep the planes at 70% capacity!
(United's current flights from AVP are about the same as always, ~$200 to ORD.)
United should charge the maximum they can charge to keep the planes at 70% capacity!
May 18, 2020, 8:52 pm
#43
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 674
Tickets from EWR to RSW are running about $400 each way. UA only has a single non-stop daily and NO competition anymore as previously there was Spirit and/or JetBlue. But, this may be our new reality as the airline is flying low load but making the same money as if flying 80%.
May 18, 2020, 11:39 pm
#44
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Small sample size, but UA has not been at all competitive ex-SFO for the routes I've been looking at recently. I think they over-downgauged.
May 19, 2020, 12:05 am
#45
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I flew direct IAD-JAX this weekend, first time since March. what used to be 3 direct and 15 flights through ORD/EWR has increased $$$ and the flights were both completely sold out. This will be the new normal, and I am ok with that. I want UA to stick around, and we should even be happy they are flying as much as they are.