Why are non stop flights more expensive?

Question

its always cheaper to buy flights that has stops, why is that?

non stop flights have no stops, meaning less time spent, so should it not be cheaper??

Answer 1

Nonstop flights are not usually more expensive than multi-stop flights or connections. Airlines usually have one set of fares that apply to nonstops, multi-stops, and connections. There are occasional exceptions, but there is normally no difference.

I've worked in the travel industry and flown frequently for business. I've never saved any money by taking a connecting flight.

It would not be logical for nonstop flights to be cheaper. Prices are based on supply and demand. All other things equal, passengers will always select nonstop flights over stops. Therefore, nonstops should logically cost more since they are in higher demand. However, they don't.

Answer 2

Direct flights are most expensive in the same way as taking a cab is more costly than taking a shuttle service.

For connecting flights, the airline has a chance to get/take more passengers on another city or to refuel or stuffs like that and that is quite an inconvenience to pax that are already on the plane (not mentioning the time of travel).

You can get in to your arrival city earlier if you have direct flight as compared w/ connecting flights.

Answer 3

Joshua, you are looking for a logical answer in an industry that has not a lot of logic, and fare determination is the least logical thing in the industry.

Regards,

Dan

Answer 4

I asked the same question:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...