Airfare Alert: Multi-Segment / Open-Jaw Pricing Change

Last week, the major U.S. airlines began pricing multi-segment and open-jaw (in one city and out another) itineraries significantly higher unless ticketed as multiple one-way tickets. Please note, the airlines are distributing these fares equally through all channels including their own websites, travel agency reservation systems, and online travel agencies.

Here are some examples.

Multi-Segment (Triangle or Circle Trip):
Atlanta – Denver
Denver – Chicago
Chicago – Atlanta
Sample price if issued as single ticket = $1,336.78
Sample price if issued as multiple one-way tickets = $680.40

Open-Jaw:
Minneapolis – Newark
LaGuardia – Minneapolis
Sample price if issued as single ticket = $1,920.20
Sample price if issued as multiple one-way tickets = $800.20

The result of this new airline pricing model is three-fold:

1. If you are using an online booking tool (i.e., Concur, etc.) these fares may price high and trigger out-of-policy notifications.  During the Quality Control / fulfillment process, Travel One will contact the travel arranger or traveler to discuss the fare options.
2. Since Travel One is issuing multiple tickets we will charge multiple service fees.
3. If travelers make a change to their trip there will be multiple airline imposed change fees (typically $200).  However, we believe the savings from issuing multiple tickets will outweigh these additional (potential) costs.

To be clear, this pricing change is only for multi-segment and open-jaw itineraries which we estimate is 5% to 10% of the total tickets we issue each day.

For additional information:
Travelers United – 3/29/16

Please distribute this message to your arrangers, travelers, and whomever else you deem appropriate... As always, contact your Travel One Account Manager or Consultant at 952-854-2551 or 1-800-247-1311 for the most current travel information.