Can someone explain why non-stop flights are not cheapest?

[proud_canadian]

Hi there,

I am pricing out flights for a Sept trip and am confused as to why the non-stop flights are not the cheapest. I can see how as a traveller that would be in higher demand, so maybe that is why. But for an airline, if I am taking up seats on two or three planes, those are seats they can't sell to someone else, so they are losing space. I would think that would end up costing the airline more money?

Can someone explain how that works? I'm curious!

Thanks.

 

[Sugardimples]

I've always assumed that this is supply and demand. Non-stop flights are more desirable, thus they are more expensive.

 

[DebbieB]

Hi there,

I am pricing out flights for a Sept trip and am confused as to why the non-stop flights are not the cheapest. I can see how as a traveller that would be in higher demand, so maybe that is why. But for an airline, if I am taking up seats on two or three planes, those are seats they can't sell to someone else, so they are losing space. I would think that would end up costing the airline more money?

Can someone explain how that works? I'm curious!

Thanks.

Airline pricing is based mostly on loads and competition. A high demand flight is going to cost more than a lower demand flight. Non-stops to popular destinations are more in demand so they don't need to discount them to sell.

 

[Missytara]

Definately, it is all about supply and demand. The least desirable is going to be the lowest, the most desirable is going to be higher.

Do a search and check out the lowest fares; say from my airport - BWI.

The lowest fare possible gives you one-stop with a layover in Dallas/Fort Worth for nine hours! Takes you 14 hours to get to Orlando from Baltimore.

My non-stop flight from BWI to Orlando - 2 hours, 10 minutes. Well worth paying extra.

 

[edk35]

Definately, it is all about supply and demand. The least desirable is going to be the lowest, the most desirable is going to be higher.

Do a search and check out the lowest fares; say from my airport - BWI.

The lowest fare possible gives you one-stop with a layover in Dallas/Fort Worth for nine hours! Takes you 14 hours to get to Orlando from Baltimore.

My non-stop flight from BWI to Orlando - 2 hours, 10 minutes. Well worth paying extra.

I was SHOCKED at the one way prices out of BWI for Oct. I priced for Oct. 20th/21st and the cheapest is 103 and most are 150 ONE WAY. I looked at June just for the heck of it..and there are flights for 89.