Fare Code Bingo On DL

I previously wrote about what a fare code is in this article. But found this combination quite interesting being bored today.

Two different folks want to fly today, April 21.

One wants to fly 185 miles from Atlanta to Albany in South Georgia.

The other wants to fly 1,000 miles from New York to Albany in South Georgia.

The potential cost difference: $97.70 to fly 815 miles further.

If you recall from my fare code discussion, this is what a tool is showing as the available fare classes on each search:

The same seat on that shorter flight can be sold in three cheaper fare classes:

Why do the airlines do this? Basically: $$$.

Note that Delta through it’s partner carrier SkyWest holds a non-EAS monopoly on flights within Georgia to Albany ABY, Valdosta VLD, and Brunswick BQK.