Annoying airline prices

[Dakota731]

Has this always been a thing? When I search for two tickets, prices are over $100 less than when I plug in our entire family of six!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Yes, it's been a thing. Many airlines have ticket categories - maybe 20 tickets at this lowest price, and then another 20 at the next price level (strictly my example!). You are probably crossing a threshold. If you only buy 2, you're in the lower price category. If you bump into the next category, they'll charge you the higher price for all 6. You could probably buy 2 or 3 at the lower price and then buy the rest at the higher price. Then again, just when I think I have airline pricing figured out, I really don't! But we have definitely seen this situation.

 

[Titanium]

I understand what you are going through.

I've been checking air fares for family to visit Disney from AZ and every time I put the children's ages in the results were different than what I expected. That is the pricing algorithm priced them all at the same, but different rates.

 

[Eastern]

Has this always been a thing? When I search for two tickets, prices are over $100 less than when I plug in our entire family of six!

You may have to keep putting in numbers until you reach the limit and then book those tickets to get the lower pricing. Then book the rest at the higher pricing.

If you are willing to risk it, you can book the lowest fares and then keep watching for the rest. I have seen prices go up after purchasing my tickets, then a few days later they are back to the price I paid. If seats aren't selling, they have to lower the price. But I can tell you that it looks like everyone is traveling to Florida this spring based on the prices I am seeing. Ridiculous.

If you are an airline cc holder always sign into your account before looking. United discounts certain flights if you are a cc holder using points to book.

 

[gottalovepluto]

It’s always been a thing.

Split into two reservations, make sure an adult is on each. After booking message the airline and ask them to note the reservations are traveling together. This should keep you together in case your flights need re-booking. However, it’s not guaranteed so that’s the risk in two bookings.