Huge variation in tax/fees on same routes for reward seat? Is this normal?
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Hi Team,
Looking to use a Companion Voucher that expires in Sept’24 so looking to visit friends in NYC and try out the new Chelsea & Soho lounges in JFK with a First Class redemption. I live in Manchester to will route MAN->LHR->JFK RTN.
Looking this route up on the day i want, i have 1 option outbound and 3 options inbound. When selecting the flight i want (the shortest and best timing flight on the way back) im quoted 68,000 Avios + £859.92 in taxes and fees. Far from cheap but in line with my expectation. However, when i press continue, the price ballooned to 68,000 Avios + £1,209.86 in taxes and fees, a lot more than i was expecting.
Thinking this was odd, i selected the other two options which are less attractive but still workable. Again im quoted 68,000 Avios + £859.92 in taxes and fees but this time, having pressed continue the price remains unchanged. Similarly, looking at all the flight options but only LHR->JFK RTN this time without the MAN connection, i am quoted 68,000 Avios + £848.96, all of which remain unchanged when i press continue.
Why is it for the same routing, same day, same airline, i am being quoted an extra £350 to add a connection on to MAN on some flights but not others…
Is this a glitch or is this normal? Have i missed something?
As ever, sorry again if this is a common issue and im going over old territory but appreciate any advice… the expensive flight really is the preferred option but not worth an extra £350
Look at the fee breakdown. Maybe a different “BA tax” (fuel, etc.) It’s become quite common to “load” surcharges that are outside any redemption. I think I did £1k/pp in “fees” last time I was F to the US. Got to make a few bucks somewhere!!
Assuming you are using the voucher for 50% off your own ticket? Just that it almost looks as though you’re being charged 2 lots of surcharges.
Have you tried using the “stopover” facility so you can select the MAN and NYC flights separately? I’m just wondering whether BA may be throwing other airlines into the mix which would skew the pricing.
Finally, make sure you leave plenty of time to connect, even consider flying to LHR the night before your long haul leg. The MAN flights are often delayed or cancelled which obviously has a knock-on effect for people with tight connections.
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