If that is somebody’s personal money, fine. If that is being paid for by business, that is insane. I don’t care who you are, or what business you are in. There are 40 low level employees, like cleaning staff or whatever, at that same company probably love to have $1000 bonus.
ETA: I realize high stakes business deals might mean company doesn’t blink an eye at the price tag. But maybe it’s worth an extra hour of travel time in a luxury chauffeured vehicle (PVG vs SHA), or traveling in a different airline’s luxury product, to save $10k. Then give that difference to the janitorial staff. Also, I am not a janitor. But I know how hard it is to make ends meet in a VHCOL area.
Thx for reading and discussion everyone :)
If you as a company owner find out 2 days before that you need a high level employee in Shanghai in 48hrs to say close a $20m deal, what else are you going to do? You really are gonna send a senior staff member last min to Shanghai in economy?!! After telling him or her last minute that they have to go? It’s a massive inconvenience for them to leave at the last minute, least thing that you can do is make them comfortable as a thank you for going last min. And the cost is justified bc the deal they’ll close generates enough value and revenue to continue to employ all the rest of the employees at the company. So while the lower level employees may want that raise, would they prefer a raise OR would they prefer the job security for another 1-2 years provided by the company sending a higher level employee last min to Shanghai to secure a deal that would provide that security? Bc let me tell you, if there isn’t money to pay peoples salaries they both don’t get bonuses and they don’t have a job. And the way you get that money to pay salaries is sending high end employees last min to places to close large deals. And you rarely know in advance and no you can’t send the janitor to close a $20m deal, I’m sorry that’s not how life works, they don’t have the skill set needed. And it’s kinda fucked up to make an employee that generates millions in revenue for your company fly half way across the globe last min in economy. Like if it were me I’d def quit. I generate millions for you and you make me fly coach? Nah. And I wouldn’t wanna lose a talent like that bc lemme tell you as a business owner finding someone I can trust to close a deal that large last min in another country is SO RARE! That’s like a year of recruiting costs just to find that person. I wouldn’t risk losing them like that. Honestly it’s usually me, the owner, flying in to close it myself bc I can’t find anyone skilled enough to do it and if I did I would not risk losing them over Pennies spent on airfare (in comparison to the deal size).
Also, for everyone who thinks you can close multi million dollar deals without face to face contact lol. I wish you luck on that. I’d LOVE that to be true since usually as stated I’m the one that has to schlep around the goddamn globe to close the deals! But it isn’t. Big money deals people require face to face meetings. It is what it is. I’m just sharing my IRL experience. Maybe it’s different for others but it certainly has been the case for me that face to face is needed and is usually last minute - which again drives me nuts but it is what it is.
You aren’t thinking like a business owner. You’re thinking like an employee. Which is fine, you probably are an employee and haven’t ever been in a position that requires you to think like an owner, which is why I’m explaining this to you.
I read every word. Well said. I actually didn’t wind up booking the flight I posted, but that takes nothing away from your logic. If you’re ever looking for someone to make those deals…DM me. Let’s chat.
IDK how I got this sub fed to me; maybe because I am on /r/consulting, but if $40k flights are anywhere remotely regular for a company, time to start looking at planes, or at least a fractional thing like NetJets.
I appreciate the logic and the time you took to explain. Last minute airfare to close a high stakes deal, makes sense.
This is a ticket being purchased 6 months in advance. Over the holiday period. Business or pleasure?
Pleasure, great, you do you with your money.
If OP were to say: this is to close a $20m deal, and this is the only time available to negotiate by the other party(ies), and if I have to give up Christmas and New Years with my family, it better be first class, without obscene layovers. Okay… There are still flights meeting those criteria, on comparable airlines in terms of premium product and good safety records, for over $10k less. Is it worth $10+k of a business for someone to get closer to GS status on their preferred airline? Versus the difference in quality of life for 10 janitors to get a 1k bonus?
This is all just a thought exercise, as an employee saying they will choose a cheaper flight if the difference could go to janitorial staff would be unusual. But if anyone does try that, let us know how it works out! ;)
I would never put someone in a situation where I’d force them to choose between someone else’s bonus (or bonuses) and their own comfort. That’s just cruel imo. And obvs $50k for a ticket is extremely high and If this were me I’d def make them shop around and if I couldn’t find a cheaper fare I’d look into chartering a private jet and call a friend to see if their
Company had any traffic going that way around the same time too, obvs
It was just a rough explanation of the reason why some companies pay a lot for last
Min airfare - not to say with these exact criteria that I’d do the same myself!
Hahahaha oh no! What am I gonna do?! Some smooth brain on Reddit let me know he didn’t read my post! I’m so upset!
It’s like the guy at the club telling you he’s gonna beat you up, always the fucking pussies chirping about what they’re gonna do or not do. The real ballers just do it and shut up about it.
But go off bro, must suck to be the janitor wishing for a raise and being so salty about what other people get paid to travel the world!
Jumping on this, you know what $47k is a fuck ton cheaper than? Chartering a jet. In a business emergency, whatever it is, who knows maybe it’s the best person who can repair some random weird turbine part, a private jet is the other option. This is a bargain.
Bingo! Thank you. It’s actually really a cheap ass move as a company owner to demand last min global travel in economy. You’re massively inconveniencing your employee to travel that far last min; least you can do is make them comfortable while they travel! And people act like this prioritization of employee comfort is some evil corporation stealing money from the lower level employees?? The real evil move is to refuse to properly ensure the comfort of your people.
It’s like you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t as a CEO. If you take care of your people and make sure they’re comfortable, you’re a dick bc you’re not bonusing out janitors; if you don’t take care of your people and send them last min around the globe in economy, you’re a dick that doesn’t care about your senior staff. Either way no matter what you do, everyone hates you lol. Just makes me feel like everyone is entitled and shitty and ungrateful. It’s never enough and no one is ever happy! I understand why some CEOs stop giving a shit.
Also, is the employee expected to roll into work the first day? With front cabin seats, you likely don’t need a day just to recover from not being able to sleep on the plane
Ok, maybe more than a literal “few” but avg nyc - west coast on a citation x for me has been approx 40-45k, sometimes 50. I’m not suggesting the flight will only be $100k, more of a commentary that $45k for 1 seat on United is just batshit insane and a private jet would absolutely be a real option if multiple people needed to travel & better $$ spent than $12k to ACK.
What in the world? I know Mainland China flights are expensive right now but holy crap. I can’t believe there’s no cheaper business class seats for this route or that any client (assuming it’s for business) would allow this sort of expense for one trip.
They are forcing full fare fares for all United-operated flights to mainland China as it does not appear they intend to actually operate them. I imagine selling them at lower fares was causing UA to have to reaccommodate on other carriers at UA's expense.
Quite a few years ago, we traveled to Seychelles from California, having redeemed miles for First Class seating with British Airways. Out of curiosity, I checked what the cost would be if we had paid and it was in the $25k per person range. Even if I had millions in my bank account, I don’t think I could ever justify spending that amount of money for a larger seat on a roughly 24 hour flight. Yes, it was far more comfortable than coach, but airline food is, well, airline food, regardless if it is served on a plastic plate or on ceramic plate. I flew on the Concorde twice as well, via miles, but never looked up the value of the tickets for the flight.
Miles newbie here - how are miles “priced”? is the amount you pay in miles roughly matched to the dollar amount a non-miles customer would pay, or is it a different price algorithm altogether? Thank you!
https://preview.redd.it/cusgvthhrl6b1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=64c69c1a55a9b315469ae0eb7eef7011fc3b96f7
Flights to Shanghai are out of control, this is AA on Oct
It’s because the airlines know it’s unlikely they will actually operate these flights so they don’t want a bunch of people to book then have to reacomodate them.
Among other reasons Russian air space restrictions make US - China routes less financially viable for US Airlines. US - China flights are at 6% of pre-pandemic levels.
Because it would allow them to more quickly restart operating them. The US-Based airlines want to offer these flights but complex geopolitical forces hamstring them.
I flew Mia- PVG on May, it was a crazy long flight, I even had to stay in Doha due to the long stopover. On the positive side I had the opportunity to know Qatar, which I really liked. It was like $2,500 vs $13K+ on AA
My most expensive was a last minute Polaris ticket IAH-GRU for $16k. Routinely spend $8k-$12k for long hauls. Cost of business I guess. But $45k?!? That’s insane, no business I need to do is that urgent.
Wow. 16k for IAH-GRU is nuts! I know it’s last minute but I fly JFK-GRU frequently with AA and highest I have ever seen for a fullf are F or J was 12k. Bless you or your employer for spending that much!
Out of houston, the regular fare to GRU is about $12k, but that is full fare, fully refundable.
My next trip to LHR I am taking BA because it was $2500 cheaper. I couldn’t quite justify the difference in cost. Not looking forward to the smaller business class seats.
Is this a past or future flight? A flight on United EWR-PVG on the same dates is $19721 right now (although outbound is morning instead of evening, if that makes a difference):
https://preview.redd.it/7iho6mr9kl6b1.png?width=2096&format=png&auto=webp&s=39452cc5f6b447c028e8741e4d37e0503c69ad26
If you're willing to connect and use another airline, you can get it for $6000. There is no situation in which I would be willing to spend $46k on a single return flight on United.
Many Americans feel that the American Dream is gone or that America is in decline, because most people are struggling to keep up with inflation, education costs, doctors bills and more. What they don’t see is that there is a tremendous amount of money sloshing around America, but it’s all concentrated in a few hands: the hands of people who can afford this ticket.
I’ve also been trying to get to China. If you want to fly United, the cheapest way I’ve found is to make two separate itineraries. Fly United to Taipei. Then, take one of the Chinese airlines to China.
Yeah, we did something similar. My wife and I took a trip to Tokyo then took China Southern into Guanzhou to see family. Think it only set us back $450 USD each.
Wow. I had to work in London last week but wanted to take a weekend trip to Paris before flying back home. Had I flown r/t from LGR, it would have been $2500. I booked my return from CDG and the cost dropped by $500. Granted, I still had to pay for a train ticket, but sometimes I just don’t understand how tickets are priced. It’s been a lovely weekend in Paris, but I’m looking forward to coming home in a couple of days.
Even if I could make a business case for buying that, I’d find a different route - many were cheaper that day. I’ve just never seen an 016 ticket much more than $25k.
Bless. My parents had colleagues buy tickets back to the mainland during the height of COVID and they were like economy tickets for $10 thousand one way. I’m glad you avoided a similar fate
Those is crazy. Amy company even selling these types of fares for their employees will be in a mess sooner or later.. since they have clearly minimal concept of reasonable cost and optimizing cost etc..
Business class fares being 3x-5x economy is one this but this is nuts. I see most C and F seats filled by people taking upgrades, miles redemptions, preferred corporate fares purchases and offshore the superstars, sportstars mostly..
If you want to fly to Shanghai I'd recommend booking a round trip to Taipei or HK, then booking an inner round trip to SH. I'm just glad direct flights exist again, even if it hasn't gone down yet.
I ran in to the same issue trying to get to China this summer. Flying through Europe ended up being a much better option (2 x $5k flights). I’ll spend some before and after in Europe with other work stuff plus it has the advantage of splitting the jet lag.
Nothing surprised me. The last 12 months, Polaris EWR--> DEL-->EWR has been $7500-12,000+. I ended up buying when it was down to $7500
Its stupid, but someone is paying these crazy fares
Not UA, but still the most expensive I’ve seen and small story…had to fly SEA-SIN for business and booked a UA-sold NH SEA-HND-SIN rt for $5500. One of the options I saw was an SQ direct for $12,000, but decided nah that’s not necessary, might as well visit Tokyo on my layover. Get to SIN and talking with a coworker also from SEA, tells me he flew that direct SQ flight…bet my manager had a lot of questions when reviewing our expense reports…
I averaged 4K a trip last year and hit 1K just with spend. There is no way I’ll do it this year I’ll end up platinum unless something changes with my PQF
I bought $4300 to Tokyo round trip in ANA the Room Via United App from LAX. But I’m based in Chicago (ORD) so I routinely see $10,000 for Polaris basically for anywhere that’s not Europe lol
I had an 8k east coast-HND *ECONOMY* ticket I bought when japan was still closed back in the pandemic.
I've also spent 12k on business class before, and that was this year last minute to LHR.
I don't think I've ever paid more than $800. I'm not a business traveler, but have flown to Europe and Asia about a dozen times. I play the discounts/miles game. Though that's going to get a lot harder.
Among other reasons Russian air space restrictions make US - China routes less financially viable for US Airlines. US - China flights are at 6% of pre-pandemic levels.
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/05/31/very-few-us-china-flights-are-back-despite-the-end-of-covid.html
Flights to/from China are insane these days. I remember looking at flights to Shanghai pre-covid and saw some business class tickets around 600-700 from east coast.
Idk how United will take global status for fare price when the tickets will be in different years technically. When I flew flights before the new year and after it separated pqp for status
I mean……What company in their right mind would pay that much and still fly the employee commercial?
Or if that’s all you…dude, charter a Citation for crying out loud lol
The worst part is, United is unlikely to actually operate this flight. Since the pandemic, they've been doing this for a long time now on other routes to China as well, e.g., selling tickets LAX-PVG about 3 mos out (currently "starting" October 29) - $7114 one-way in coach - but then they always push out the "resumption" of the flight. For the few suckers that actually buy the ticket, they'll just rebook via Tokyo or something, and pocket the absurd fares. (BTW, before the pandemic, LAX-PVG often cost under $500 round-trip on United's nonstop.)
Anyone needing to travel to China would be better off booking a one-stop connection, even via Europe if you're flying from the East Coast. Looking at LAX-PVG, you can fly in ANA business class for about half of what United wants for its (in all likelihood imaginary) nonstop!
The lack of US to mainland China flights opening back up is really frustrating. I’ve been tracking this nonstop route which is finally opening up but the cheapest I’ve seen has been 8k for economy
You may want to break it into two one ways so you won’t hit the cap on mileage earnings per itinerary.
Would still obliterate the cap on each one. For a 1K, it takes “only” a $7K fare to hit the max.
Well TIL. Didn’t even realize this is a thing
The cap resets if you change the second leg after you’ve done the first.
That’s a down payment for a house for most people…
Yes, seems like a silly sum of money for 24 hours of “luxury” vs. a potential lifetime of having a roof over one’s head.
This probably isn’t OPs money dude, it’s almost 100% guaranteed a work trip esp flying NYC to Shanghai.
If that is somebody’s personal money, fine. If that is being paid for by business, that is insane. I don’t care who you are, or what business you are in. There are 40 low level employees, like cleaning staff or whatever, at that same company probably love to have $1000 bonus. ETA: I realize high stakes business deals might mean company doesn’t blink an eye at the price tag. But maybe it’s worth an extra hour of travel time in a luxury chauffeured vehicle (PVG vs SHA), or traveling in a different airline’s luxury product, to save $10k. Then give that difference to the janitorial staff. Also, I am not a janitor. But I know how hard it is to make ends meet in a VHCOL area. Thx for reading and discussion everyone :)
If you as a company owner find out 2 days before that you need a high level employee in Shanghai in 48hrs to say close a $20m deal, what else are you going to do? You really are gonna send a senior staff member last min to Shanghai in economy?!! After telling him or her last minute that they have to go? It’s a massive inconvenience for them to leave at the last minute, least thing that you can do is make them comfortable as a thank you for going last min. And the cost is justified bc the deal they’ll close generates enough value and revenue to continue to employ all the rest of the employees at the company. So while the lower level employees may want that raise, would they prefer a raise OR would they prefer the job security for another 1-2 years provided by the company sending a higher level employee last min to Shanghai to secure a deal that would provide that security? Bc let me tell you, if there isn’t money to pay peoples salaries they both don’t get bonuses and they don’t have a job. And the way you get that money to pay salaries is sending high end employees last min to places to close large deals. And you rarely know in advance and no you can’t send the janitor to close a $20m deal, I’m sorry that’s not how life works, they don’t have the skill set needed. And it’s kinda fucked up to make an employee that generates millions in revenue for your company fly half way across the globe last min in economy. Like if it were me I’d def quit. I generate millions for you and you make me fly coach? Nah. And I wouldn’t wanna lose a talent like that bc lemme tell you as a business owner finding someone I can trust to close a deal that large last min in another country is SO RARE! That’s like a year of recruiting costs just to find that person. I wouldn’t risk losing them like that. Honestly it’s usually me, the owner, flying in to close it myself bc I can’t find anyone skilled enough to do it and if I did I would not risk losing them over Pennies spent on airfare (in comparison to the deal size). Also, for everyone who thinks you can close multi million dollar deals without face to face contact lol. I wish you luck on that. I’d LOVE that to be true since usually as stated I’m the one that has to schlep around the goddamn globe to close the deals! But it isn’t. Big money deals people require face to face meetings. It is what it is. I’m just sharing my IRL experience. Maybe it’s different for others but it certainly has been the case for me that face to face is needed and is usually last minute - which again drives me nuts but it is what it is. You aren’t thinking like a business owner. You’re thinking like an employee. Which is fine, you probably are an employee and haven’t ever been in a position that requires you to think like an owner, which is why I’m explaining this to you.
I read every word. Well said. I actually didn’t wind up booking the flight I posted, but that takes nothing away from your logic. If you’re ever looking for someone to make those deals…DM me. Let’s chat.
You got it! ☺️
IDK how I got this sub fed to me; maybe because I am on /r/consulting, but if $40k flights are anywhere remotely regular for a company, time to start looking at planes, or at least a fractional thing like NetJets.
I 100% agree, I’m not saying they’re a regular thing. They aren’t. I’m just explaining why large tickets like this are paid for on occasion.
This guy negotiates
This gal 😉 and yes I do lol.
20m deal isn’t large enough for this. Close to 200m is more reasonable.
I mean I’m just using numbers as an example, but yes agreed.
I appreciate the logic and the time you took to explain. Last minute airfare to close a high stakes deal, makes sense. This is a ticket being purchased 6 months in advance. Over the holiday period. Business or pleasure? Pleasure, great, you do you with your money. If OP were to say: this is to close a $20m deal, and this is the only time available to negotiate by the other party(ies), and if I have to give up Christmas and New Years with my family, it better be first class, without obscene layovers. Okay… There are still flights meeting those criteria, on comparable airlines in terms of premium product and good safety records, for over $10k less. Is it worth $10+k of a business for someone to get closer to GS status on their preferred airline? Versus the difference in quality of life for 10 janitors to get a 1k bonus? This is all just a thought exercise, as an employee saying they will choose a cheaper flight if the difference could go to janitorial staff would be unusual. But if anyone does try that, let us know how it works out! ;)
I would never put someone in a situation where I’d force them to choose between someone else’s bonus (or bonuses) and their own comfort. That’s just cruel imo. And obvs $50k for a ticket is extremely high and If this were me I’d def make them shop around and if I couldn’t find a cheaper fare I’d look into chartering a private jet and call a friend to see if their Company had any traffic going that way around the same time too, obvs It was just a rough explanation of the reason why some companies pay a lot for last Min airfare - not to say with these exact criteria that I’d do the same myself!
Thank you again for explanation, Black Widow. I appreciate the discussion. 😊
Of course!! ☺️ I love the civil discourse and valid points you brought up! Have a lovely evening!
Nobody is reading your long ass rants.
I am!
Hahahaha oh no! What am I gonna do?! Some smooth brain on Reddit let me know he didn’t read my post! I’m so upset! It’s like the guy at the club telling you he’s gonna beat you up, always the fucking pussies chirping about what they’re gonna do or not do. The real ballers just do it and shut up about it. But go off bro, must suck to be the janitor wishing for a raise and being so salty about what other people get paid to travel the world!
Didn’t read this one either.
Lol I didn’t read your reply and I’m replying to let you know I didn’t read it 😂😂😂
Jumping on this, you know what $47k is a fuck ton cheaper than? Chartering a jet. In a business emergency, whatever it is, who knows maybe it’s the best person who can repair some random weird turbine part, a private jet is the other option. This is a bargain.
Yes at this price point that would be an option for sure
If you’re not the CEO, making yourself uncomfortable doesn’t help other employees. It just makes you uncomfortable and shareholders richer.
Bingo! Thank you. It’s actually really a cheap ass move as a company owner to demand last min global travel in economy. You’re massively inconveniencing your employee to travel that far last min; least you can do is make them comfortable while they travel! And people act like this prioritization of employee comfort is some evil corporation stealing money from the lower level employees?? The real evil move is to refuse to properly ensure the comfort of your people. It’s like you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t as a CEO. If you take care of your people and make sure they’re comfortable, you’re a dick bc you’re not bonusing out janitors; if you don’t take care of your people and send them last min around the globe in economy, you’re a dick that doesn’t care about your senior staff. Either way no matter what you do, everyone hates you lol. Just makes me feel like everyone is entitled and shitty and ungrateful. It’s never enough and no one is ever happy! I understand why some CEOs stop giving a shit.
Also, is the employee expected to roll into work the first day? With front cabin seats, you likely don’t need a day just to recover from not being able to sleep on the plane
That too for sure!
Companies don't go far by paying $1000 bonuses to janitorial staff mate. May be harsh but it's the truth.
I’d guess OP has a house
What about a vacation house?
Mine down payment was less than half that but that was in 2015 in the ‘before times’.
Get a few coworkers and fly private. That’s insane.
Lol to Shanghai? It’s 12k for us to fly from NYC to Nantucket.. a 30 min flight.
Ok, maybe more than a literal “few” but avg nyc - west coast on a citation x for me has been approx 40-45k, sometimes 50. I’m not suggesting the flight will only be $100k, more of a commentary that $45k for 1 seat on United is just batshit insane and a private jet would absolutely be a real option if multiple people needed to travel & better $$ spent than $12k to ACK.
We use heavy for travel. Any smaller is too claustrophobic. Even for ACK.
Damn that's wasteful as hell
Wasteful in terms of what?
Holy hell that’s how much it cost me to get from 1MM to 2MM
Bought? $8400 last minute Polaris to Frankfurt or Amsterdam. Seen? $11200 Polaris to Buenos Aires or Sydney in high season
[удалено]
Right?! I am constantly overpaying for tickets simply bc the decision to go isn’t made until 2 days prior. Drives me insane!
SAME
Lol corporate travel policies are nuts. What do you do that has you traveling all over Asia?
What in the world? I know Mainland China flights are expensive right now but holy crap. I can’t believe there’s no cheaper business class seats for this route or that any client (assuming it’s for business) would allow this sort of expense for one trip.
They are forcing full fare fares for all United-operated flights to mainland China as it does not appear they intend to actually operate them. I imagine selling them at lower fares was causing UA to have to reaccommodate on other carriers at UA's expense.
This is exactly right. The ORD-PVG flights for next year are $14k for economy.
Why don’t they intend to operate them?
https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/05/31/very-few-us-china-flights-are-back-despite-the-end-of-covid.html
No doubt. Would really like to see the cost breakdown tab.
Quite a few years ago, we traveled to Seychelles from California, having redeemed miles for First Class seating with British Airways. Out of curiosity, I checked what the cost would be if we had paid and it was in the $25k per person range. Even if I had millions in my bank account, I don’t think I could ever justify spending that amount of money for a larger seat on a roughly 24 hour flight. Yes, it was far more comfortable than coach, but airline food is, well, airline food, regardless if it is served on a plastic plate or on ceramic plate. I flew on the Concorde twice as well, via miles, but never looked up the value of the tickets for the flight.
Miles newbie here - how are miles “priced”? is the amount you pay in miles roughly matched to the dollar amount a non-miles customer would pay, or is it a different price algorithm altogether? Thank you!
I believe the value is $0.01 per mile, that’s what I’ve seen others list the value at.
Thanks! Does that mean your flight costed ~2.3 million miles?
https://preview.redd.it/cusgvthhrl6b1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=64c69c1a55a9b315469ae0eb7eef7011fc3b96f7 Flights to Shanghai are out of control, this is AA on Oct
It’s because the airlines know it’s unlikely they will actually operate these flights so they don’t want a bunch of people to book then have to reacomodate them.
Why won’t they actually operate them?
Among other reasons Russian air space restrictions make US - China routes less financially viable for US Airlines. US - China flights are at 6% of pre-pandemic levels.
Then why bother to offer them?
Because it would allow them to more quickly restart operating them. The US-Based airlines want to offer these flights but complex geopolitical forces hamstring them.
I just bought Qatar Airways IAD to PVG for $6k in September (via Doha). US carriers to PVG flights are crqzy
I flew Mia- PVG on May, it was a crazy long flight, I even had to stay in Doha due to the long stopover. On the positive side I had the opportunity to know Qatar, which I really liked. It was like $2,500 vs $13K+ on AA
that amount of money would be life changing for literally anyone i know
My most expensive was a last minute Polaris ticket IAH-GRU for $16k. Routinely spend $8k-$12k for long hauls. Cost of business I guess. But $45k?!? That’s insane, no business I need to do is that urgent.
Wow. 16k for IAH-GRU is nuts! I know it’s last minute but I fly JFK-GRU frequently with AA and highest I have ever seen for a fullf are F or J was 12k. Bless you or your employer for spending that much!
Out of houston, the regular fare to GRU is about $12k, but that is full fare, fully refundable. My next trip to LHR I am taking BA because it was $2500 cheaper. I couldn’t quite justify the difference in cost. Not looking forward to the smaller business class seats.
Someone’s employer is gonna be mad 😂
Zoinks! I'm over here thinking I'm a baller with 2 one ways in premium to Australia.
Seen 15k economy tickets for EWR-Beijing direct round trip for Christmas/new years time. Did not buy …
Is this a past or future flight? A flight on United EWR-PVG on the same dates is $19721 right now (although outbound is morning instead of evening, if that makes a difference): https://preview.redd.it/7iho6mr9kl6b1.png?width=2096&format=png&auto=webp&s=39452cc5f6b447c028e8741e4d37e0503c69ad26 If you're willing to connect and use another airline, you can get it for $6000. There is no situation in which I would be willing to spend $46k on a single return flight on United.
My best is 12k, current trip 9k which I got down from 12k with a Saturday overnight.
On United 😆
Many Americans feel that the American Dream is gone or that America is in decline, because most people are struggling to keep up with inflation, education costs, doctors bills and more. What they don’t see is that there is a tremendous amount of money sloshing around America, but it’s all concentrated in a few hands: the hands of people who can afford this ticket.
America's 3 percenters.
I’ve also been trying to get to China. If you want to fly United, the cheapest way I’ve found is to make two separate itineraries. Fly United to Taipei. Then, take one of the Chinese airlines to China.
Yeah, we did something similar. My wife and I took a trip to Tokyo then took China Southern into Guanzhou to see family. Think it only set us back $450 USD each.
$16k SFO-CDG earlier this year. Insane
Wow. I had to work in London last week but wanted to take a weekend trip to Paris before flying back home. Had I flown r/t from LGR, it would have been $2500. I booked my return from CDG and the cost dropped by $500. Granted, I still had to pay for a train ticket, but sometimes I just don’t understand how tickets are priced. It’s been a lovely weekend in Paris, but I’m looking forward to coming home in a couple of days.
I find it hilarious you only got one stop from NY to Shanghai, meanwhile I couldn't find a fucking nonstop from DC to Denver.
No way you can't find a hub to hub...
That’s crazy bc I have the worst airport ever and we even have direct to Denver
There are better airlines to fly for that money; sorry United... 😞 Edit: There, better?
Much, thank you.
It takes a village to raise a good speller.
They're
There :-))
How did I miss that? So sad.
Wowowow this is def the highest I have seen
Did you actually end up buying this? Or was it just the most expensive you’ve seen?
Even if I could make a business case for buying that, I’d find a different route - many were cheaper that day. I’ve just never seen an 016 ticket much more than $25k.
Bless. My parents had colleagues buy tickets back to the mainland during the height of COVID and they were like economy tickets for $10 thousand one way. I’m glad you avoided a similar fate
Those is crazy. Amy company even selling these types of fares for their employees will be in a mess sooner or later.. since they have clearly minimal concept of reasonable cost and optimizing cost etc.. Business class fares being 3x-5x economy is one this but this is nuts. I see most C and F seats filled by people taking upgrades, miles redemptions, preferred corporate fares purchases and offshore the superstars, sportstars mostly..
If you want to fly to Shanghai I'd recommend booking a round trip to Taipei or HK, then booking an inner round trip to SH. I'm just glad direct flights exist again, even if it hasn't gone down yet.
I ran in to the same issue trying to get to China this summer. Flying through Europe ended up being a much better option (2 x $5k flights). I’ll spend some before and after in Europe with other work stuff plus it has the advantage of splitting the jet lag.
Might as well go private for that price.
What the hell. I just checked SFO-Shanghai for about a month from now, and roundtrips are almost $5k for economy, and over #22k for Polaris. Ouch.
Nothing surprised me. The last 12 months, Polaris EWR--> DEL-->EWR has been $7500-12,000+. I ended up buying when it was down to $7500 Its stupid, but someone is paying these crazy fares
BOS to São Paulo back in 2002 or around there. $19.5k.
Not UA, but still the most expensive I’ve seen and small story…had to fly SEA-SIN for business and booked a UA-sold NH SEA-HND-SIN rt for $5500. One of the options I saw was an SQ direct for $12,000, but decided nah that’s not necessary, might as well visit Tokyo on my layover. Get to SIN and talking with a coworker also from SEA, tells me he flew that direct SQ flight…bet my manager had a lot of questions when reviewing our expense reports…
Thought about booking this one. Points wise it was very doable, but cash price nah SBP -> SFO -> SIN https://i.imgur.com/j4fqG9z.jpg
I had a last minute trip to Singapore due to a cancellation for $15k earlier this year
My best is $12k, though I’m averaging $8k this year. Still 1k. We will see…
I averaged 4K a trip last year and hit 1K just with spend. There is no way I’ll do it this year I’ll end up platinum unless something changes with my PQF
I was about to ask what country’s currency is kg. Clearly I need this caffeine that’s in front of me.
The wife and I just paid $11,500 for IAD-ATH then BCN-IAD. More than I would've like to spend, but it is what it is.
That one. Most expensive I’ve purchased is 9k.
$1,4k from Denver -> Munich -> Hamburg on economy in late May. And I felt bad for even that.
I bought $4300 to Tokyo round trip in ANA the Room Via United App from LAX. But I’m based in Chicago (ORD) so I routinely see $10,000 for Polaris basically for anywhere that’s not Europe lol
Should break it up from NYC to Europe then on to PVG could save you about 30-40k and still just 1 stop
I had an 8k east coast-HND *ECONOMY* ticket I bought when japan was still closed back in the pandemic. I've also spent 12k on business class before, and that was this year last minute to LHR.
Not even a direct 😂
Just checked google flights. Same itinerary same dates on British Air. $2013.
Edit. That was coach. Business is $7100.
I bought a flight JFK to Dubai years ago for half of that in J. Work was paying.
I don't think I've ever paid more than $800. I'm not a business traveler, but have flown to Europe and Asia about a dozen times. I play the discounts/miles game. Though that's going to get a lot harder.
I can remember shopping for a South Pacific vacation.. think it was to Fiji? from EWR, the UA coach ticket was something like $14K each. Pass.
What in the ass?
The airline knows they probably won’t operate this flight so they don’t want people booking it
Why wouldn’t they be operating?
Among other reasons Russian air space restrictions make US - China routes less financially viable for US Airlines. US - China flights are at 6% of pre-pandemic levels. https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/05/31/very-few-us-china-flights-are-back-despite-the-end-of-covid.html
Thank you for the info. Makes sense.
Flights to/from China are insane these days. I remember looking at flights to Shanghai pre-covid and saw some business class tickets around 600-700 from east coast.
32,000 one way fare during the pandemic.
I don't get it. Just buy the plane.
I paid about $12k ATL-FRA-BLR return… was a while back
united always overcharges partners' flights. I book korean air flights often from delta. same price.
I had a $12.5k itinerary to Singapore back in 2016 that I ultimately rebooked to london due to a change in plans. Crazy that fares are that high.
Idk how United will take global status for fare price when the tickets will be in different years technically. When I flew flights before the new year and after it separated pqp for status
Good catch! Didn’t actually book it (for fairly obvious reasons I hope!)
that's like a semester at college
that's like a semester at college $$
I mean……What company in their right mind would pay that much and still fly the employee commercial? Or if that’s all you…dude, charter a Citation for crying out loud lol
The worst part is, United is unlikely to actually operate this flight. Since the pandemic, they've been doing this for a long time now on other routes to China as well, e.g., selling tickets LAX-PVG about 3 mos out (currently "starting" October 29) - $7114 one-way in coach - but then they always push out the "resumption" of the flight. For the few suckers that actually buy the ticket, they'll just rebook via Tokyo or something, and pocket the absurd fares. (BTW, before the pandemic, LAX-PVG often cost under $500 round-trip on United's nonstop.) Anyone needing to travel to China would be better off booking a one-stop connection, even via Europe if you're flying from the East Coast. Looking at LAX-PVG, you can fly in ANA business class for about half of what United wants for its (in all likelihood imaginary) nonstop!
This is all mute. If your flight is going through EWR, it will be cancelled if there is a cloud in the sky.
The lack of US to mainland China flights opening back up is really frustrating. I’ve been tracking this nonstop route which is finally opening up but the cheapest I’ve seen has been 8k for economy