Wie Flugpreise wirklich funktionieren

Summary

This video script explores the complexities of airline pricing and how airlines use dynamic pricing strategies to cater to different types of travelers. By comparing flight pricing to movie ticket pricing, the script delves into how booking classes, timing, and customer profiles (business vs. leisure travelers) influence ticket prices. It also touches on the history of charter flights and the rise of budget airlines. The narrative highlights the strategies of savvy travelers like Paul, Frank, and Marion, offering tips on how to take advantage of the airline pricing system for the best deals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Movie ticket prices can vary significantly for the same experience, just like flight tickets, where different people may pay different amounts for identical services.
• 😀 Airlines use complex pricing models to maximize their profits by charging different prices to different groups of passengers, based on factors like flexibility and booking time.
• 😀 A flight from Frankfurt to New York might cost 416 € for a round trip, but the same one-way ticket can cost as much as 1614 €, illustrating the pricing discrepancy.
• 😀 Airlines price flight tickets based not just on the cost of operation, but primarily based on how much they believe the passenger is willing to pay.
• 😀 Flight prices are influenced by factors like booking class, time of purchase, and business vs. leisure travel. Business travelers are often willing to pay more.
• 😀 Customers like Paul, who are budget-conscious, will typically book well in advance to secure cheaper prices, while business travelers like Frank don’t care about the cost.
• 😀 Airlines use booking classes (26 in Lufthansa’s case) and fare classes (economy, premium economy, business, first class) to categorize and price tickets.
• 😀 Flights booked during the week (Tuesday or Wednesday) tend to be cheaper, as business travelers rarely fly on those days, making it the best time to get lower prices.
• 😀 Last-minute bookings are no longer a good strategy for getting cheaper tickets; this was a remnant of charter flights, which have largely been replaced by low-cost airlines.
• 😀 Travelers can sometimes take advantage of 'blind booking' options, where they buy a flight without knowing the exact destination, potentially getting cheaper deals with flexible travel dates.

Q & A

Why do flight tickets vary in price for the same route?

Flight ticket prices are not solely based on the cost of the flight itself, such as fuel or aircraft maintenance. Airlines use dynamic pricing systems that consider factors like the type of passenger (e.g., business vs. leisure), booking timing, and demand to set different prices.

How do airlines determine the right price for a passenger?

Airlines use sophisticated algorithms that analyze factors like when and where a person is booking, their travel history, and whether they're likely to be a business or leisure traveler. The goal is to set a price that maximizes profits while still being low enough to encourage booking.

Why is a one-way flight often more expensive than a round-trip ticket?

One-way flights are typically more expensive because airlines assume that passengers booking one-way tickets are more likely to be business travelers, who are willing to pay a premium for flexibility. Airlines price these tickets higher to capitalize on this demand.

What is the concept of 'booking classes' in flight pricing?

Booking classes are categories that airlines use to set different price levels for tickets on the same flight. Each class offers different levels of flexibility, restrictions, and cost. Passengers booking in more expensive classes (like Business or First Class) pay higher prices for better services.

How do business travelers influence flight pricing?

Business travelers, who often book flights at the last minute and require flexibility, are willing to pay higher prices. Airlines adjust prices based on the likelihood that a passenger is a business traveler, ensuring they can maximize revenue from those customers.

Why is booking early important to get cheaper flight tickets?

Booking early often allows passengers to secure seats in cheaper booking classes, which are sold out as the flight date approaches. The longer you wait, the more likely you'll have to buy a ticket from a more expensive class due to reduced availability.

What are some tactics airlines use to maximize their revenue from passengers?

Airlines use techniques like differential pricing, where they offer varying prices for the same flight based on who is booking, when they book, and their expected willingness to pay. They also use booking systems that track patterns to charge higher prices to business travelers and last-minute bookers.

What is 'Blind Booking' and how can it help you save money?

Blind Booking is a tactic where travelers book a flight to an undisclosed destination within a specific region, usually at a discounted price. Airlines use this method to fill seats on flights that are underbooked, allowing travelers like Marion to get cheaper fares by being flexible with their destination.

How do airlines know whether you're a business or leisure traveler?

Airlines use patterns in your booking behavior, such as travel dates (weekend vs. weekday), booking lead time, and flexibility in return dates to categorize passengers as either business or leisure. Business travelers typically fly on weekdays and have less flexible travel plans.

Why do airlines use different pricing strategies for different routes?

Airlines adjust their pricing strategies based on market demand and competition. Popular routes with many passengers (e.g., Frankfurt to Mallorca) will see lower prices to attract budget-conscious travelers, while routes with fewer passengers (e.g., Frankfurt to Luanda) can sustain higher prices due to limited competition.