www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I was checking on Orbitz for good days to fly (using their Flex dates option) and stumbled on the following anamoly:

Delta Airlines Round trip

From Phoenix to SJO Jun 4th - June 8th via Atlanta: $353 (inc taxes)

From Atlanta to SJO Jun 5th - Jun 8th: $539 (inc taxes)

The Phoenix to SJO flight is an overnight flight (11 hr night wait in Atlanta and it leaves Atlanta on Jun 5th) so I can understand why the fare is low.

But if I want to fly from Atlanta to SJO, can I buy Phoenix to SJO route but start my flight from Atlanta or will the airline not permit it?

Gaurav

I believe it is due to security restictions but you have to start the trip from the booked destination on American and I was told that was the reason so likley applies to outher airlines as well if true.rbc100

_________________
In Search of Fine Kittens,
Please... Bring back the Muff

When you fail to board the plane in Phoenix, you ticked will be void

or, get to PHX using SWA or so on the "cheap" internet fares that are offered. You can do all this and still get away with a total cheaper fare. Timing is definitely crucial and not always easy.

It's not a security issue it's a airline "power" play. They can control how they price and ticket your fare. If you don't get on at leg 1 the entire reservation is dropped from the system.

The discount prices are created to generate business. Since most people want to fly at the most convenient times the airlines will lower fares for very early or very late flights to fill those seats.

They might also create a lower fare to funnel passengers to their hub cities (i.e. Delta to Atlanta).

If someone wants to accept the inconvenience of spending the night in Atlanta then they can get the fare. Actually with the local hotels providing shuttles to and from the airport it's not a bad way to go.

Some links to read in your spare time:
January 15, 2005 - A Change in the Way Airfares Are Calculated:
http://www.acte.org/resources/press_rel ... 1205.shtml

Up and Down Airfares
http://budgettravel.about.com/cs/airlin ... rfares.htm

Travel Library FAQs
http://www.travel-library.com/rtw/html/faq.html

Budget Basics 101 - Airfare Deals
http://budgettravel.about.com/cs/airlin ... rfares.htm

Thanks everyone for their input. I knew there would be a catch somewhere.

Gaurav