Solo Travelers Charged Higher Airfares by Some U.S. Airlines

American Airlines and United Airlines have been found to offer higher ticket prices to passengers travelling alone compared with those booking for multiple travellers. An investigation by Thrifty Traveler examined 5,000 airfares across the five largest U.S. airlines.

According to the study, American Airlines offered higher fares to solo travellers on 33.5% of the flights examined, while United Airlines did so on 10.6%. No such pricing differences were identified at Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines or Southwest Airlines.

In some cases, the price differences were substantial. On a Miami–Charlotte flight in December, a single Economy Class ticket was priced at approximately $500. However, when booking for two passengers on the same flight, the fare dropped to $155 per person, or as low as $100 per person in Basic Economy. The Basic Economy option was reportedly unavailable when booking for a single passenger.

Thrifty Traveler previously identified similar pricing practices among the three largest U.S. airlines last year. Following public criticism, the publication reported that the airlines, except American Airlines, had discontinued the practice. The latest investigation indicates that higher fares for solo travellers have become more prevalent again, particularly at American Airlines and United Airlines.

Source:
@ThriftyTraveler
/
@kpottermn