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JoesterVT JoesterVT OP
Jan 14, 2026 at 02:24 PM ET
Air travel will never make sense to me...
I searched St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands) after seeing the thread below. Unprompted, it told me I could get round trip airfare on 2 different airlines from Roanoke to St. Thomas for $336. Seems reasonable, right? So on a whim I do Roanoke to Greensboro for the same time period...$358. And Charlotte, $412. Nevermind the fact that American's version of the trip to the Islands goes thru Charlotte. Please explain it to me like you would a to child...

17 Replies

PhotoHokieNC PhotoHokieNC
6mo
According to our airfare AI overlords ... not so conspiratorial as you say.
Airfare pricing is determined by various factors, including demand, seat availability, and the timing of bookings. Airlines use complex algorithms to set prices for individual flights, often resulting in fluctuating fares based on these variables. Factors Influencing Airfare Pricing Base Fare and Additional Costs Base Fare: This is the initial price of the ticket set by the airline. Taxes and Fees: Additional charges may include airport fees, fuel surcharges, and service fees for issuing the ticket. Optional Costs: Some airlines charge extra for services like seat selection and baggage. Pricing Strategies Dynamic Pricing: Airlines use algorithms to adjust prices based on demand, seat availability, and booking timing. Prices can fluctuate frequently. Fare Buckets: Airlines categorize seats into different fare classes, each with its own price and rules. As seats sell, the remaining ones may move into higher fare buckets. Market Demand: Prices often rise during peak travel times, such as holidays or major events, due to increased demand. Consumer Behavior Booking Patterns: Business travelers often book last minute and are willing to pay more, while leisure travelers typically book in advance for lower fares. Price Comparison: Consumers often compare prices across different platforms, but airlines may not adjust prices based on competitor rates. Historical Context Long-Term Trends: Over the past decade, airfares have generally decreased, despite rising costs in other sectors. This is attributed to increased competition and the rise of low-cost carriers. Understanding these factors can help travelers make informed decisions and find better deals on airfare.
HokieDan95 HokieDan95
6mo
air going over the wing creates low pressure above it and creates lift
UTPr0sim UTPr0sim
6mo
Aerodynamics 101. Loves that class...
HokieDan95 HokieDan95
6mo
I would think it would be a major drag
Late 80s Hokie Late 80s Hokie
6mo
A form or price fixing/matching. They know that a competitive
price to the Virgin Islands from where you are is $336, and their most efficient way of getting you there is through Greensboro (Airline A) or Charlotte (B). But if you're JUST going to Greensboro or Charlotte, well, the competitive price for that is different.
K
Kudelski
6mo
That and destination possibly subsidizing the cost.
Brown Water Brown Water
6mo
That's what I thought
Late 80s Hokie Late 80s Hokie
6mo
I hadn't considered that. Do some popular tourist destinations do that
at different times of the year? IE, maybe when reservations are low?
PhotoHokieNC PhotoHokieNC
6mo
(see above)
Nova Hokie 95 Nova Hokie 95
6mo
Nahhh
You do sometimes see subsidized rates to the small airports, though -- they're termed Essential Air Services and the government will pay airlines to run those routes to the rural communities have air access.
RTFC RTFC
6mo
So if...
you are going to Charlotte, just book flight to St. Thomas and just get off plane....
H
HokieNoVA
6mo
That's called skiplagging (no idea why) and some airlines will actually
ban you for it. Supposedly.
RTFC RTFC
6mo
Yeah, I'd heard that
Ooops...I missed my connection...In restroom with stomach issues....probably need to just return home in a day or two when it settles down... Now if you have issues weekly....another story
PhotoHokieNC PhotoHokieNC
6mo
Skip Lagging is @'lag 's real name.
Nova Hokie 95 Nova Hokie 95
6mo
It's because you "skip" the "lagging" (or trailing) portion of the flight
ElbertoHokie ElbertoHokie
6mo
Just make sure you didn't check a bag.
PhotoHokieNC PhotoHokieNC
6mo
We prefer you people from up north to pay more to stop over.