Summary
A traveler noted a $200 price difference when booking a flight from Los Angeles to Europe through different online methods. The price varied depending on the flight number used, either American Airlines or British Airways, although the flights were the same. This difference is linked to how airlines manage codeshare agreements and inventory allocation.
Key Facts
- The traveler saw a $200 price difference for the same flight itinerary between Los Angeles and Europe.
- The ticket was more expensive when booked directly through American Airlines as opposed to via Google Flights with British Airways flight numbers.
- Codesharing involves airlines selling the same flight under different flight numbers.
- Pricing differences are common with codesharing due to how airlines allocate seats and fares.
- Google Flights works as a search aggregator, collecting data from many different airline sites.
- Google has a "price guarantee" program for certain fares, offering refunds if prices drop before the flight.
- Airline prices can change quickly and without predictability.
- Travelers are advised to compare booking options across different platforms to find the best price.
