Solo Travelers May Face Higher Fares on U.S. Airlines

CHICAGO, Ill. — New research shows that solo travelers might be paying more for airline tickets compared to those flying in groups. A recent report from a travel booking site found that U.S. airlines often charge higher fares for single passengers than for couples or families.

The analysis highlighted some significant price discrepancies, using a United Airlines flight from Chicago‘s O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Peoria, Illinois (PIA) as an example. A one-way ticket for an individual cost $269, while the same flight dropped to $181 per person when two passengers booked together.

“It’s just another way for airlines to continue ‘segmenting’ their customers,” said Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler. He noted that this price difference may not be widespread and could be limited to specific routes or time frames.

Consumer correspondent Jeff Rossen also confirmed the findings after testing random flights, revealing a price difference of $240.93 for solo tickets on the same flight. He suggested logging in incognito mode when searching for fares, as airlines often adjust pricing based on user search history.

In an effort to understand this pricing strategy, the booking team at Thrifty Traveler discovered that Delta and American Airlines also appear to charge more for solo tickets. In one instance, a solo ticket on American from Charlotte to Fort Myers was priced at $422, while two passengers paid $266 each for the same flight.

While the report indicates that higher prices for solo travelers are occurring, it remains unclear how widespread this practice is. Potter believes airlines are targeting business travelers and families with lower fares, thereby segmenting their customer base.

Experts advise solo travelers to explore different airlines and routes to find better fares. They encourage flexibility in choosing airports, suggesting smaller fields may offer lower prices. Despite rising costs, airline fares have overall decreased by 7% year over year, providing some relief for travelers.

At press time, neither American Airlines nor United Airlines had commented. Delta Airlines also refrained from making a statement but acknowledged that the pricing structure is not new.