I hate Air Canada...

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

... and their stupid fares. I wish someone could explain to me why flying one-way is more expensive than flying round trip?!
Okay, so, look at this:

Here is me, trying to book a one-way flight from Toronto to London:

Grand total: $1145.00! That's insane. In. Sane. Now, take a look at this:

Here I am, booking a round-trip flight (with the same outgoing flight might I add):

It's only $780.00!! That's a difference of $365!! Yeeeeeesh. I just don't understand it.

You may notice that the "Fare Types" are different. On the one-way flight I have to fly the more expensive 'Latitude Plus" fare, seeing as they don't offer the "Tourist" or "Leisure" classes on a one-way flight.

Usually, when booking a round-trip flight, you will see the following fare choices:

(And another thought, why have they broken down Executive class again? I remember when there were only two classes: first and coach. I think paying $3214 for a flight is crazay unless you have so much money you don't know what to do with it.)

But, when you select "one-way" flight and go to choose your flights, all you get is this:


So, somehow they have eliminated the "Tourist" class, and the only thing available is "Latitude Plus" and first class. The little dash under "Leisure" makes you think that may it is just sold out, but no, you can book it "Tourist" or "Leisure" with a round-trip flight, but not with the one-way.

That, right there, is bull crap. I just don't get it. Basically what they are telling me is that they would rather I book a round-trip flight and just not show for the second one? By not showing (and maybe not even calling to tell them I'm not comming, just to be a pain), I would be potentially delaying a plane, and costing them money. I would much rather just book the one-way ticket and save everyone the trouble, but, Air Canada, it looks like you're going to make this difficult.

And, if you're wondering, I know there are cheaper flights and companied out there, but right now I'm just sticking to what I know. As well, Air Canada has some new planes with slightly wider seats at 18.5", and I would enjoy that extra space. It's a big jump up from 17.1".

Anyone had similar experiences trying to book one-way flights??

8 comments:

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com said...

No, I don't normally book flights but I know they f*ck you over when they give you a supposed "10% discount" code when really it's a 5% surcharge if you compared booking it normally vs. using the code

Why don't you buy the round trip ? It's still gonna be cheaper regardless :P

Anonymous said...

That is crazy! I would just get the round one and not go back!!

Esme said...

Have you tried British Airways? They have flights direct from Calgary. I like them much better than Air Canada.

Air Canada is suppose to have new air crafts. But it's hit and miss. I once did a flight to Hong Kong for work and the plane only had the one big screen in front whereas everyone else has individual screens.

oh and Kayak.com is good for searching for flights.

Canadian Saver said...

$780 is still a pretty good rate! It beats the $1100 I have to pay to get to Paris... and I'm on the east coast!

Canadian Finance Guy said...

Try Zoom or AirTransat. Not as nice but their one way prices are much better than Air Canada.

Laura said...

I second the Air Transat suggestion. I flew with them last week one way from Toronto to London for $375.

Anonymous said...

I don't know the details of your visa but when I went on a year long work visa I had to purchase a return ticket as part of the proof of me leaving when the visa expired. The customs people were able to refuse entry if you couldn't show that you had a return flight booked. Maybe you should check the conditions of your visa just in case?

Laura said...

Hey, my BF just purchased a ticket to London through the flight centre for about $400 (one way). You should check them out maybe. There is a flight centre in Chinook Centre for sure and I think they have locations all over the C-spot.