Updated - UA 4 mile 홍콩 티켓관련 기사

wirelesscool 2012.07.19 03:53:11
DOT에서 이건은 아니되는것으로 결정했다고 합니다.
혹시 이거 하신분들 안 계셨나요? 양곤은 되야될텐데요~~~~
 
We have completed our review of United’s conduct regarding its recent Frequent Flyer fare sale to Hong Kong from the United States on its website. Our review found that the actual price of the advertised fare was never clearly stated during the booking process, thereby creating ambiguous circumstances in which it could be reasonably interpreted that the actual price of the fare was significantly more than the amount consumers paid at the time they attempted to purchase the fare, e.g., $40 plus 4 frequent flyer miles. Therefore, we are not able to establish that consumers, in fact, paid the full amount of the offered fare at the time of purchase. Accordingly, the evidence does not support a finding that United engaged in an unfair and deceptive practice in violation of the relevant statute. Please note that, regardless of the outcome of our investigation, consumers are free to pursue claims (e.g., a breach of contract claim) against the airline in an appropriate civil court for monetary damages and other remedies particular to their situation
 
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지난주 일요일 잠깐 떴던 4마일 United 홍콩 관련해서 기사가 떴네요.

DOT에서 아직 결정을 못 내리고 있는 상황인데 저는 사지 않았지만 기사까지 난거 보면 양곤 때보다 훨씬 많은 사람들이 산거 같네요.

The maximum penalty per violation is $27,500 but the government has wide discretion in what amount to actual fine. DOT says each ticket sold by United could be considered a separate violation.

건당 벌금이 $27,500이라는 점이 눈에 띠네요.

어떻게 전개가 될지 정말 궁금해 지네요.

 

The battle over $33 flights to Hong Kong

By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ | Associated Press – 16 hrs ago

 

NEW YORK (AP) — It was an airfare deal too good to be true: fly first class to Hong Kong for just 4 frequent flier miles and $33 in taxes.

Clearly, it was a computer glitch. But it's also turning out to be the first major test of the Department of Transportation's new consumer protection rules prohibiting airlines from "increasing the price after the consumer completes the purchase."

On Sunday, computers at United Airlines erroneously let passengers book flights to Hong Kong — or other places in Asia connecting in Hong Kong — in exchange for 4 miles, plus government taxes. Frequent fliers quickly shared the error on blogs and online chat rooms. Some, such as Ben Schlappig who runs the site One Mile at a Time, advised people not to call the airline, saying, "there's no need to bring further attention to this pricing."

A business class seat for a flight on United to Hong Kong goes for about $8,500 or 120,000 frequent flier miles; first class costs $10,250 or 140,000 miles.

Before long, hundreds, if not thousands, of fliers — the airline won't say how many — booked trips. United eventually pulled the plug and announced it wasn't honoring tickets already sold. People could get a refund without paying a penalty or have the proper amount of miles deducted. Anyone who had already started their trip would be allowed to complete their travel.

Several people who booked tickets complained to the DOT, which is now investigating.

"Our rule on post-purchase price increases applies to frequent flier tickets, particularly when they also entail cash payments," DOT spokesman Bill Mosley said via email.

There's one sticking point in this case: the cost advertised was actually correct. A ticket searcher initially saw a cost of 120,000 miles. It was only when customers went to book that the 4 mile figure appeared. And if customers had the full 120,000 miles in their accounts, that was actually deducted. Those with less had no miles deducted. All passengers were charged the appropriate taxes.

Mosley said the agency hadn't yet "reached any conclusions."

The maximum penalty per violation is $27,500 but the government has wide discretion in what amount to actual fine. DOT says each ticket sold by United could be considered a separate violation.

Susan Clarke, a 62-year-old retired teacher from Aiken, S.C., is one of the people who bought a ticket. She knew it was a computer glitch but booked a trip for March anyway.

"United just made a big mistake and needs to honor it," she said. "That was their mistake, wasn't it?"

But those who make a living off finding airfare sales say there is a difference between a good deal and taking advantage of a mistake.

"When a waiter adds up the check wrong in my favor, I let him or her know. When a clerk hands me back too much change, I give it back," said George Hobica, founder of AirfareWatchdog. "These fliers knew that this was a mistake, and they should treat an airline the same way they treat any other entity."

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Scott Mayerowitz can be reached at http://twitter.com/GlobeTrotScott.