5K Increase in Cost of Flights for 4 Day Round Trip Compared to 7 Day Trip

[Mike JR]

I have to do a quick trip to the US in July PER to MSP. I'm a Platinum FF so I wish to book and fly with Qantas and Qantas codeshare.
Booking Business class if I fly out on SAT JUL 7 and Depart on WED JUL11 cost is 12.3K.
Same Business class tickets fly out on WED JUL 4 and depart on WED JUL 11 are only 7.3K.

Why the 5K discrepancy for the shorter trip?

 

[Mattg]

I had a look at this fare and the reason for the discrepancy is a minimum stay requirement on the lower fare. You have to stay at least 7 days at the destination to get the lower price.

 

[Mike JR]

Thank you Matt. I'm curious as to how that benefits Qantas? They're getting my money regardless of whether I stay for 4 days or 7.

 

[Mattg]

Thank you Matt. I'm curious as to how that benefits Qantas? They're getting my money regardless of whether I stay for 4 days or 7.

These restrictions are designed to extract more money from business/corporate travellers, basically. You're unlikely to want to stay 4 nights if you're going to the USA for a holiday.

Most airlines have similar conditions on certain types of ticket types. Another common one designed to increase yield from business travellers is the "minimum stay of 1 Saturday night" clause, as business travellers tend to travel from Sunday/Monday to Friday.

 

[serfty]

Thank you Matt. I'm curious as to how that benefits Qantas? They're getting my money regardless of whether I stay for 4 days or 7.

It's travel industry marketing 101 - A four day stayer is likely a business traveller and more likely to be able to afford the higher fare.

 

[juddles]

Maybe don't feel it is bad as a short stayer - think instead it is a huge discount to make holiday-makes have a better deal so instead of the negative take that short stayers get ripped, instead appreciate how the real full paying travellers allow airlines to discount moms and dads