virgin flight availability and price changes

[smileyk8]

I'm getting a bit confused watching the virgin flight prices. We've been monitoring them for a while for a trip late april-may and whilst they were quite reasonable about a month ago, they randomly shoot up in price then disappear and then come back on an almost daily basis. How do you know when they really are short of seats? Anyone have any tips for hitting the price at a good time or when the next sale will be?
Thanks

 

[Merylj]

We`re flying late April next year. When I saw prices of £365 we bought as anything near £350 is good for us.
We paid £350 for late Nov/Dec and the lowest I`ve seen for then was £320. So I think I`m saying decide on a price you`re happy to pay and if you see it book!

 

[paulh]

prices variy thougthout the day.was told wednesday night midnight best time(accounting time)prices might also have risen a bit if they have matched BA fuel carge.Sale time usaly boxing day
Paulh

 

[Claire L]

There was a sale with Virgin for bookings by Oct 31st that was for flights til next April, I am guessing there will be another sale soon

Claire

 

[smileyk8]

ahhh i could scream

Just had a price of £313.50 online for the flights in april, went to book and it said the price has increased to £395. Tried to look for alternative dates and it said contact reservations, which we did and she basically said it was that price then and it's this one now

My parents actually had the credit card in their hand for their flights. DF's been so difficult to pin down to any holiday so we were amazed and now it's all off again. Grr

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Because the flight prices are on the web site they change constantly.

Think of it as a supermarket where there are rows of tins on beans.
At one end are the Tesco value beans at the other Heinz with a few others in between.

Once the tesco value beans have gone, the tesco standard beans are the next cheapest, then the Tesco super beans, then the Heinz tins etc...
that is how a plane seating system works.

You went to buy the tesco value beans but someone beat you to it and that stack was empty.

Sometimes, someone will get the last tins of Tesco value beans then decide not to have them. they are put back on the shelf. Its the same for putting seats on hold.

Sometimes, the shelf will be restocked with value beans if they are available and the next day they will be on the shelves where they were not available the day before.

I hope that makes sense and makes it easier to understand why prices fluctuate.

 

[smileyk8]

that does make sense but i'm really frustrated now because the lower price is shown in the matrix but when you go to book it says there's been a price increase. Will the flights ever have been available at this price or is it just to lure you in?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Because the flight prices are on the web site they change constantly.

Think of it as a supermarket where there are rows of tins on beans.
At one end are the Tesco value beans at the other Heinz with a few others in between.

Once the tesco value beans have gone, the tesco standard beans are the next cheapest, then the Tesco super beans, then the Heinz tins etc...
that is how a plane seating system works.

You went to buy the tesco value beans but someone beat you to it and that stack was empty.

Sometimes, someone will get the last tins of Tesco value beans then decide not to have them. they are put back on the shelf. Its the same for putting seats on hold.

Sometimes, the shelf will be restocked with value beans if they are available and the next day they will be on the shelves where they were not available the day before.

I hope that makes sense and makes it easier to understand why prices fluctuate.

I always wondered why there is a smell on Virgin flights, now I know, its all the Beans!

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I always wondered why there is a smell on Virgin flights, now I know, its all the Beans!

there certainly is after eight hours in Cattle conditions!"!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

there certainly is after eight hours in Cattle conditions!"!

Cabin air pressure and fizzy drinks!

 

[Claire L]

that does make sense but i'm really frustrated now because the lower price is shown in the matrix but when you go to book it says there's been a price increase. Will the flights ever have been available at this price or is it just to lure you in?

Cheapest on the matrix for late April is £373, at the moment and is fine if you go to the booking page.

Claire

 

[smileyk8]

I am very pleased to say i popped back onto the site and checked miles plus money= £326 plus 2000 miles and when you go thru to the booking page it's still there!!! Hurray. So.... i've booked our flights and we're going back- yipee.

I'm just going over to book my place on the minnie marathon!!!!!

Thanks everyone, despite the bean effect we are sticking with virgin