Accuracy - seatcounter.com vs. MH Sales Staff

[Sequel]

Yesterday morning, seatcounter.com was showing availablity in a few fare calsses for MH140 BNE-KUL 02.05.07, speaking to MH sales, they said the plane was full. Yesterday afternoon seatcounter.com agreed, only showing availability in F/P/A. This morning, seatcounter is now also showing seats in Y/W/M/K?

For the return flight, MH sales say the plane is full, while seatcounter is saying the plane is empty (MH123 KUL-SYD 06.05.07).

I'm confused! I already have a ticket, I am just after an upgrade (they have a A$350 one way upgrade special) or a decent seat allocation, and want to know what my chances are.

(Problem with seat allocation is the BNE-KUL plane does a KUL-SYD-BNE-KUL loop, so people will be getting on and off in both SYD & BNE)

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

There are all sorts of reasons why availability tools may not reflect reality.

Lately I've noticed checking itins on several different airlines that results of some availability tools is total rubbish (as compared with airline's own website and what it is willing to sell). So I am again looking for a new tool which is more reliable.

 

[d15.in.oz]

Why would airlines continue to sell seats (particularly discounted ones) on the open market, where they have to pay commissions to third parties, when most of their customers now have the technology/awareness to buy directly from them or their alliance partners’ web portals?

The technological opportunities for airlines, to cost effectively maintain an intimate and rewarding relationship with each buyer/traveller/decision maker, have never been so good.

 

[Sequel]

But wouldn't that mean seatcounter showing nothing available while MH still have seats to sell, the oposite to what I experienced? Or have I mis-interpreted your point?

 

[d15.in.oz]

Or have I mis-interpreted your point?

No. Weird situation.

 

[serfty]

Currently, at the very least Airlines can vary fare bucket availability for individual flights by region of purchase and/or agency.

I.e. Qantas may decide they don't want to sell fares at discount level in Australia for flights around a long weekend in Oz, but will permit seats on those same flights to be sold at those discounted levels if purchased in the US.