One way Redemption “Points Surcharge” (or return discount!)

[kiwibrit62]

We are heading LHR – CPT next month and I thought out of curiosity,I would check current points rates.
6 Jan in Y shows 41,000 points
20 Jan Return in Y is 7500.

However, booking as a return, the total cost is only 28,500. Taxes/fees seem correct, so I’m not discussing that part.

Ok, so strictly speaking, it’s a large discount for a return flight, not a surcharge.

Had anybody else noticed this or have I found an anomaly? Are we now paying c50% higher for a one way booking?

I can’t seem to attach the screenshots but will try to add them shortly.

[JDB]

Isn’t this just a natural outcome of the move to dynamic points pricing? As the cost of redemptions is now linked to underlying cash prices, you will inevitably get different combinations of return flights that give a different price vs two one ways. Here it’s working in your favour, but the charges can also change 2 x OW vs a return.

[kiwibrit62]

JDB wrote:

Isn’t this just a natural outcome of the move to dynamic points pricing? As the cost of redemptions is now linked to underlying cash prices, you will inevitably get different combinations of return flights that give a different price vs two one ways. Here it’s working in your favour, but the charges can also change 2 x OW vs a return.

I don’t think so ..Under dynamic pricing, i would have expected to pay 48500 points for that return. Ie the cost of 2 singles, as it has always worked and it’s advertised in the reward seat checker

Yes, it’s working in our favour and I’m not complaining, just pointing out an anomaly and trying to understand. From a points perspective we have always valued buying a one way when required, with points cost being 50% and low cancellation costs. Now we see a return being 30% less than a single… Much like buying a cash ticket