The fine imposed by the Ministry of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs on five ‘low cost’ airlines for charging their passengers extra for hand luggage or for printing boarding passes is yet another of the companies’ maneuvers airlines to increase the price of airline tickets “from 0 euros” that some of these companies advertise endlessly to capture our attention.
The fine opens Pandora’s box of the complex process that is established when purchasing a good, beautiful and, above all, economical airline ticket. To the initial cost, with which airlines manage to attract our attention, a whole series of concepts are added that aggravate the final amount to be paid. And, in some cases, they do so with marketing strategies that encourage us to choose more expensive options when, in reality, that shouldn’t be the case. Let’s see in which cases these strategies occur and how we can act.
Airlines use casual seating as a business opportunity, with many passengers willing to pay extra to travel with family or friends. However, these practices have been called into question for their use of algorithms to separate groups and apply additional fees. For those who want a specific seat without additional costs, there are tricks that can help you get closer to the desired row without paying extra. One of them is checking in at the last minute, as the best seats are usually given last. Companies usually assign seats from back to front, leaving window seats free. Therefore, waiting until the last minute to check in online increases your chances of getting a window seat and a front row seat.
The random assignment of seats carried out by airlines is a real business because many passengers are willing to pay extra to travel next to family or friends. Now, these practices have gotten to the point where they are being investigated by the UK government due to the use of algorithms specifically responsible for separating groups in order to apply additional fees to them. In fact, several studies conducted by consultancy companies show how, in reality, a good part of companies – not all – end up placing all travelers who are making the same purchase in adjacent seats. That is, they take advantage of the lure of the separate seating notice so that the customer pays the price to sit next to his companions, when in reality they were already about to assign them adjacent seats.
There is a method of purchasing cheap flights that has gained a lot of popularity in recent times: the so-called ‘skiplagging’. It consists of purchasing an indirect ticket at a lower cost than the direct one and not actually making the connection. For example, you book a flight from Madrid to Paris with a connection to Amsterdam, but you only make the first part of the journey, abandoning the flight in the Spanish capital, thus obtaining an approximate average saving of 20%.
The best day to buy cheap flights is usually Tuesday. This is because airlines update price databases and over the course of Wednesday, with the “parity price” (the price a buyer pays or can expect to pay for imported goods), prices change and need to be leveraged for highest bidder. And there is also a better time to buy tickets. Normally, people tend to search for flights on the Internet during the day, and the vast majority in the afternoon and evening, when you have more free time, but… what about early in the morning? Few people can afford to look for flights early in the morning.
How can consumers better navigate airline pricing strategies to avoid unexpected charges?
Interview: The Hidden Costs of Budget Airlines — Analyzing Airline Pricing Strategies
Editor (Time.news): Today, we’re delving into the complex world of airline pricing with Dr. Clara Jensen, an expert in consumer behavior and the aviation industry. Welcome, Dr. Jensen!
Dr. Clara Jensen: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s start with the recent fine imposed on five low-cost airlines for charging passengers extra for hand luggage and boarding passes. What does this tell us about the tactics these airlines are using to attract customers?
Dr. Jensen: This fine sheds light on a broader issue within the airline industry—specifically, the marketing strategies that create a façade of low prices. Airlines often advertise tickets starting from “0 euros” to catch customer interest, but then they embed numerous hidden fees that inflate the final price significantly. It’s a classic bait-and-switch tactic.
Editor: Absolutely. And it seems like this isn’t the only issue. The article mentions how airlines use casual seating assignments as a business opportunity. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Jensen: Sure! Airlines have recognized that many passengers are willing to pay extra to sit next to family or friends. By intentionally separating groups through seating algorithms, they can maximize their revenue. This practice is now under scrutiny, especially in the UK, as regulators investigate the ethics behind it.
Editor: That certainly raises a lot of ethical questions. In what ways can consumers navigate these marketing strategies and avoid unexpected charges?
Dr. Jensen: There are several tactics consumers can employ. For instance, checking in at the last minute tends to offer better seat options, as unsold seats are usually released closer to departure. Passengers can increase their chances of snagging a desirable seat without added fees this way. Additionally, always reading the fine print before purchasing a ticket can help uncover any hidden fees.
Editor: That’s insightful. Are there any other common traps that travelers should be aware of?
Dr. Jensen: Yes, definitely. Beyond seating, travelers should watch out for baggage fees. Many low-cost airlines offer a cheap fare but charge extra for hand luggage. Passengers should consider if it might be more economical, in the long run, to book a ticket with fewer extras or a more traditional airline.
Editor: It sounds like travelers need to be very strategic in their approach! With the rise of budget airlines, do you think these practices will change, or are we just going to see more of it?
Dr. Jensen: Unfortunately, as long as these practices increase profitability for airlines, we may continue to see them. However, consumer pushback and regulatory scrutiny may force some changes. As consumers become more informed, they can demand more transparency, which could lead to adjustments in how these airlines operate.
Editor: That’s a hopeful thought. if there’s one takeaway for our readers concerning airline ticket purchases, what would it be?
Dr. Jensen: I would say, always do your research and be aware of the total cost before making a purchase. The lowest ticket price isn’t always the best deal, especially when all fees are accounted for. Knowledge is power in this market.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Jensen, for sharing your expertise with us today! It’s been enlightening.
Dr. Jensen: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing this important topic.