United vs. BA Fares

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Discussion

PD9

Original Poster:

1,995 posts

184 months

Thursday 22nd January 2015
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What is the deal with the ridiculous over pricing of United vs. BA flights from LHR to NY? BA are much more reasonable in terms of bottom line over United. Since United's takeover of Continental they seem to think this increase is acceptable. By no means have they monopolised the route to justify the difference.

Does anyone else encounter this or travel with another airline?

Corpulent Tosser

5,459 posts

244 months

Friday 23rd January 2015
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I rarely book direct with airlines now unless I am using airmiles. I book through skyscanner.com it certainly works for me booking business class flights.


tobinen

9,184 posts

144 months

Friday 23rd January 2015
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I just checked a flight with Iberia to Ibiza from LHR. BA wanted ~£70 more yet the flight is on the same 'plane there and back.

In the end I used Experia and saved a further £160 for business, also with Iberia operated by BA. Ok, I don't gain any Avios points but I don't fly frequently enough in any case I think.

LostCroc

132 posts

153 months

Friday 23rd January 2015
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I think United has managed to get some element of monopoly pricing at Newark. Their planes are fairly full on every flight I take to London and their business class is always full - maybe 1-4 seats free at most. If you are running at that capacity consistently then the market is bearing the price gouging. My theory is that United benefits from their many feeder flights into the United Newark hub and there are a lot of people in NJ who will not make the long drive to JFK to get a cheaper flight. I have the choice of 15 mins drive to Newark or 1.5 hours drive to JFK - if I am not paying because it is a work flight then Newark wins every time. The savings out of JFK for international flights can be substantial over Newark. While BA is OneWorld their American Airline feeder flights into Newark are pretty poor unless it is from one of their hubs. So moral of the story - take the cheaper ticket when you can.