Understanding the Cost Discrepancy
Traveling alone can offer a sense of freedom and adventure; however, a recent report from Thrifty Traveler reveals a surprising trend: solo travelers are often being charged more for plane tickets than those flying as couples or families. This disparity raises important questions for single passengers looking to travel economically.
Real Examples of Price Differences
The travel data team at Thrifty Traveler analyzed ticket purchases and found striking instances of higher costs for individual tickets. For example, a one-way flight from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport was priced at 9 for a solo traveler. In contrast, the fare dropped to $181 per person when two tickets were purchased. Another case involved an American Airlines flight, where a single fare of $422 reduced to $266 per person when booked as part of a pair.
Consumer Insights and Recommendations
According to Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, this pricing strategy reflects airlines’ efforts to segment their customers, often offering better deals to families than to single passengers. While this trend does not appear to be widespread, it is crucial for travelers to remain vigilant. Jeff Rossen, a consumer correspondent, corroborated these findings with his own experiences of price discrepancies when booking flights. To potentially find better fares, experts suggest utilizing price alerts and exploring smaller nearby airports that may offer lower fares.
