Airlines faced backlash for charging solo travelers more than groups, leading them to remove such fares temporarily. While this practice aimed to differentiate business and leisure travelers, its removal doesn't necessarily mean lower overall prices, as airlines will still adjust fares to fill seats, maintaining similar price levels overall.
Travel experts have discovered that airlines, such as Delta, are charging solo travelers higher prices for identical flights compared to groups, with examples showing a significant difference in fares for one versus two passengers.
Some domestic flights operated by American, Delta, and United are charging significantly higher prices for solo travelers compared to groups of two or more, with differences reaching up to double the cost, raising concerns about airline pricing strategies and transparency.
Delta and United Airlines have reversed their recent policy of charging higher fares to solo travelers after widespread public backlash, returning to uniform pricing for individual and group bookings, while American Airlines continues to charge more for solo travelers.
A recent investigation found that Delta, United, and American Airlines are charging higher fares for solo travelers on some domestic flights, with prices sometimes doubling compared to traveling with a companion, a practice that appears to be embedded in their fare rules and not widespread across international routes.