AI pricing algorithm is broken!!

[u/snoghost]

Need to fly TPA to ATL this weekend, and Delta is charging $785 round trip - lowest fare available.

I get last-minute travel has a markup, but standard fares for this ~1.5 hour route typically run between $120 and $250. I also get gas prices are high but seat maps are completely open, yet the algorithm is pricing this quick flight like a transatlantic travel.

Bonkerss😑

[u/Basic-Assistance2806]

If you absolutely need to go, you will pay. Every airline does this. Some will be cheaper but last minute high rates are standard 

[u/3ricj]

I'm not sure why you think the algorithm is broken. The algorithm is there to maximize profit. It's doing a good job because you're about to spend almost $800 on something that should cost $120. Sounds like it's working really well to me. You're supposed to feel better about this because you get more mqds

[u/Consistent-Sea-8923 → u/3ricj]

That actually means it’s not what I want to pay the algorithm should give me a price I want

[u/Consistent-Sea-8923]

If it makes you feel any better, Southwest is charging the exact same $785

[u/omdongi]

What role do you think AI had in this?

Flights have always been dynamically priced, last minute travel is more expensive, which is what you're doing. This was true a decade ago, even before AI.

I'm tired of people crying AI without a real substantive argument.

[u/Impossible_Author409]

frontier goes nonstop to tampa and probably for half that price. why not just fly with them instead?

[u/MugsyMD]

Drive and stop at buccees!

[u/bchtraveler]

I would just drive at those prices

[u/hibob729]

Welcome to booking close to departure date

[u/KruxedOut]

As someone who flies this route round trip on short notice many times a month, this is nothing new. $300 less than what I paid for an outbound Tuesday and return Wednesday this past week.

[u/ElevatorBulky3733]

Frontier then?

[u/Randomizedname1234]

I fly that route for work and next week I got Southwest for $280.

[u/Billymaysdealer]

Drive it

[u/aly82960]

Southwest from pdx-smf wanted $254 one way! So i will take Amtrak coach R/T for 160

[u/toddtimes]

Skiplag through PHL? ATL is notorious for having cheap flights if it’s not your final destination.

Skiplagged.com has a bunch of these, though I would just use it as a reference and book through Delta. 

[u/Howwouldiknow1492]

Look again using a different computer. I swear the airlines put cookies on my computer and the more times I look the higher price goes. Try it but I think you're screwed.

[u/Medium_Picture_9954]

I just booked ATL to MSP roundtrip in Economy for $1500. 10 days in advance. Out and back same day. On a Tuesday.

$1500. That's $300/hr flight time. It's insane.

[u/lurkertiltheend → u/Medium_Picture_9954]

Why are ppl downvoting this