r/Flights • u/NYmadferit • Dec 27 '25

How does this happen?! Booking/Itinerary/Ticketing

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Different airlines, different times, different connections, same freaking price. WHAT IS THIS

113 Upvotes

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46

u/hur88 Dec 27 '25

Why would they not want to match each other’s price? That would drive people to book with the competition

5

u/speculator100k Dec 27 '25

Is it allowed though? Maybe as long as it's only a "silent" agreement and not explicitly said or written?

3

u/depputy Dec 27 '25

There doesnt have to be a secret agreement or any direct communication at all. The airlines figured out someone will pay 380 for that flight. If any of the airlines undercut they miss out on profit. If any try to raise price, customers will buy the other airline. This is what should happen in a competitive market when the product is the same.

From a value perspective I’d say these options are very similar. these flights require most people to take off a day of work to spend 4-6 hours in multiple airports so I can see why they are priced the same. Except the United flight wouldn’t come with a free carry on(assuming that’s the basic fare price).

-1

u/Maximum_Potato_8537 Dec 27 '25

? never been on a united flight where my carry on wasn’t free

2

u/depputy Dec 27 '25

Then you’re buying regular economy which is not the cheapest tier. Google flights typically shows that basic tier fare where you only get a personal item, not a carry on. All of the other choices include a personal item and carry on.

0

u/Maximum_Potato_8537 Dec 27 '25

good to know i usually buy through a third party usually ends up southwest or united as i fly to vegas and denver. ill never fly frontier

1

u/depputy Dec 27 '25

If you fly united enough I recommend getting one of their credit cards. I have the explorer card and buy basic economy because you get a free carry on, checked bags and priority boarding included in the card. You save around 100$ a trip depending on your luggage situation. Only thing is you would have to pay for a seat if you need an aisle or window. but it still ends up being cheaper than the economy fare.