United Airlines has allegedly returned to charging solo travelers more for their airfare than customers who buy their tickets at one time for two or more. The pricing model is considered a “single tax” or a “single supplement” added to solo travelers’ airfare. According to The Economist, United Airlines has returned to charging solo travelers extra after briefly pausing its single supplement policy. The added fee is reportedly at least 5% more expensive and applied to 8% of United Airlines’ flights.
The pricing model is worth taking note of – obviously for regular solo travelers – but also for those who fly independently for business purposes. Regarding the latter, business travelers may be less impacted by the financial burden of the single tax applied to their solo airfare if they’re putting the expense on a company card. However, for regular solo travelers or those who have to fly by themselves in the event of an emergency, the single supplement added to their airfare could be a significant hindrance.
What Else Is There To Know About Solo Travelers Being Charged More For Flights?
Earlier this year, the travel industry was stirred when Thrifty Traveler reported that Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines were charging a “single supplement” on solo travelers’ airfare.
The Thrifty Traveler noted that single supplements were “almost exclusively” applied to one-way routes. The publication’s executive editor, Kyle Potter, told CNN in May that the pricing strategy isn’t widespread. He noted that he’s been unable to see the controversial model applied to international flights.
“It’s pretty hit or miss. But this is undeniable that it’s happening,” added Potter.
“You start doing some math, double-checking, ‘What’s going on here? Did I enter the wrong airport code? Did I change the date on accident?’ It became pretty clear, quickly, this was a penalty for booking just one ticket,” Potter separately told WCCO. “This isn’t an isolated incident. This is a trend. This is something that airlines are doing in order to squeeze more money out of people who are booking just one passenger.”
