According to Wall Street Apes on X, the airline’s ticket price was higher because the airline now uses fare buckets for different passenger categories. These dynamic pricing adjustments mean the ticket cost can fluctuate across flights, even within the same cabin, and sometimes it can be cheaper to fly first class rather than domestic, depending on seat availability.
Other followers have also commented on the post, noting that United might not be the only airline using this practice. Simple Flying reached out to United for comment on the matter. A spokesperson denied the price jump was due to age.
“United does not charge higher prices for seniors. The video shows an unusual situation, where Google Flights presented the customer an itinerary labeled as “first” but actually contains mixed economy class and first class seats on connecting flights. This mixed itinerary is cheaper than an all-first class itinerary.”
The spokesperson also explained how the airline will “re-check” prices when a traveler changes their age on its website as opposed to a third party.
“The Customer was then directed to United.com to purchase their ticket,” they said. “Changing the age of the customer to under 18 or over 64 causes United.com to re-check prices and returned an updated itinerary with seats in first class on both flights, which is what most customers seeking a first-class travel experience prefer. In the video, the prices are different because the cabins are different.”
Airline Dynamic Pricing: How Does It Work?
Airlines use dynamic pricing, which allows ticket prices to fluctuate in real time due to demand, supply, and general consumer behavior. This allows airlines to optimize revenue by continuously adjusting fares. Airlines separate seats into fare classes, which sees an algorithm automatically move to remaining inventory as cheaper fare classes sell out.
The fares usually will increase the closer you get to the departure gate, and late booking travelers will pay more and have higher flexibility. Conversely, the airline might drop the last-minute seats to help clear inventory. These algorithms support seasonal travel trends and help airlines compete with competitor pricing or other factors like fuel costs.
Specialized user tracking is also through browsing behavior and depends on the type of device used, cookies in your web browser, and whether you are a frequent flyer. The best way to beat this algorithm is to book early, clear cookies or use incognito mode, compare routes and airlines, and be flexible in your travel plans.
“United is committed to making sure customers understand what they are buying, whether it’s through United.com or third parties,” the spokesperson said. “We will continue to work with third-party sellers to make sure our products are labeled transparently.”
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The World’s Largest Airline By Fleet Size
United is a major US airline and the largest in the world by fleet size, with more than 1,000 active aircraft. The airline is based in Chicago, and maintains hubs at Chicago, Denver, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles.
The airline was a founding member of the Star Alliance, and its fleet is a mix of narrowbody aircraft from both Airbus and 
Boeing, and a current all-Boeing widebody fleet. Airbus widebodies are expected to join the fleet soon as the carrier has ordered the A350-900.
United has been investing heavily in its United Next strategy, which was introduced during COVID, where the plan is to expand its fleet and enhance operational efficiency, and improve the customer experience. The airline was the only major carrier in the US that retained the majority of its widebody planes during the pandemic, which has meant the airline has been able to handle the surge in travel demand post-pandemic.
