why Herb's crew is different.....

[Fly]

BWI/DTW

Just like I'd use MDW if I were comparing flights from ORD.

 

[Ch. 12]

BWI/DTW

Just like I'd use MDW if I were comparing flights from ORD.

Just a technicality...While BWI is somewhat a "reliever" for WAS, it is not like ORD/MDW, DAL/DFW,IAH/HOU which are all considered the same city (CHI, DAL, and HOU) for pricing purposes. The airports are 45 miles apart (as the crow flies) and while carriers are cognisant of IAD/DCA/BWI relationships, they don't necessarily file the fares the same in BWI as they do in WAS (IAD/DCA). Not necessarily comparing apples to oranges but maybe lemons to oranges...like PBI/MIA.

 

[Fly]

OK, so basically SW doesn't even cover the area, is that what you are saying? Which also proves that United has an even BETTER deal as far as price is concerned considering that they are cheaper and more convenient. Thanks for proving my point.

 

[Ch. 12]

OK, so basically SW doesn't even cover the area, is that what you are saying? Which also proves that United has an even BETTER deal as far as price is concerned considering that they are cheaper and more convenient. Thanks for proving my point.

I don't get what your point is. I am not even in the argument about UA gouging pax but the whole point, from what I can see, of this thread is that all carriers raised fares out of IAD when DH stopped operating...and DTW was the example they presented. I have already stated that the author only pulled one day's flights so only got what was available based on inventory so that isn't the best way to look. The best way to look is at what fares these guys have published. As I have already pointed out above but was ignored, for some reason, is that prior to the DH shutdown, the lowest walk-up fare was $178 RT and now, the lowest walk-up fare is $298 RT...a 67% increase.

So before going on the defensive...I have not mentioned UA specifically and have only pointed out the differences...actually to somewhat refute the author of the WSJ article. But what you should take away is that yes...fares did increase significantly after DH left.

BUT...I've said it before and I'll say it again...good for those carriers that did raise fares somewhat. A rational increase in DH markets was in order since their fares were irrational. I don't, however, subscribe to the AA mentality of raising fares 3-fold when they run a carrier out of business. I think 67% is much more...how shall we say..."ethical"? So I applaud UA. But let's not get carried away and dream that UA has better deals than WN in general and that seems to be the point you are trying to allude to.

 

[Fly]

And I've gone on to show that the article was obviously biased considering that I have consistently shown that the fares are actually lower than LUV, so United was NOT gouging the passenger. When I showed the next day fare in the $100's, I was told that isn't a fair example because United was trying to fill the seats. When I showed it 2 weeks out, I was asked "what about walk up fares?" United IS NOT gouging the market since FlyI left. That's the point.

When you compare LUV and UAL prices for the same market, they are about the same in most cases.

 

[sfb]

And I've gone on to show that the article was obviously biased considering that I have consistently shown that the fares are actually lower than LUV, so United was NOT gouging the passenger. When I showed the next day fare in the $100's, I was told that isn't a fair example because United was trying to fill the seats. When I showed it 2 weeks out, I was asked "what about walk up fares?" United IS NOT gouging the market since FlyI left. That's the point.

When you compare LUV and UAL prices for the same market, they are about the same in most cases.

The only reason why the "fares are actually lower" on UA from IAD to DTW as compared to WN from BWI to DTW is the fact that the WN itinerary is a connection at MDW in both directions, thus adding two federal segment fees @ $3.30 each, two September 11 security surcharges @ $2.50 each, and two MDW PFC's @ $3.00 each -- a total of $17.60 in additional tax burden.

How about a market of similar distance in which WN and UA do not compete; say WAS-PIT? United's lowest fare to depart tomorrow and return Thursday is a mind-blowing $966.60 -- for the privilege of flying Mesa, no less.