With the country in lockdown Level 1, more travellers are planning long-awaited vacations or trips to see loved ones. However, many have complained about one of the country’s few remaining airlines, saying they feel exploited by the high ticket prices.
Citizens have taken to Twitter to express their dissatisfaction with FlySafair.
#Flysafair i cant believe my ticket was that expensive although im happy that im visiting my mom from tomorrow onwards in Cape Town, but going from 899 to 3481 for going and including my return is very shocking😳😳😳, but ones again im happy im to cape Town for 1 week
— Tashwill (@Tashwil48311412) September 22, 2020
I concur with all the noise about SAFAIR ticket prices. I have booked flights in November and have paid more than expected. Hardly supply and demand orientated I would say
— Bruce Fowler (@fowlerbruce939) September 22, 2020
My flight on Safair was not full. I assumed it was for social distancing reasons. I think what’s most stressful for people is that only two airlines seem to be flying now and the ticket prices have shot up. It is sad indeed to see the airport look abandoned.
— Lady Fearless (@LadyFear1) September 17, 2020
FlySafair has responded on Twitter, saying their price system is demand-based. The airline added that this is the system all carriers use and that it’s the same way they have operated pre-lockdown.
We have been using the demand based system ever since we started operating. Cheaper seats sells first . You have to book as early as possible. Popular flights fill fast and their prices climb fast.-EM
— FlySafair (@FlySafair) September 20, 2020
The airline also referred unhappy customers to a statement on their website:
‘FlySafair, like other airlines around the world, uses a system called “demand based pricing”. What this means is that the first seats on a flight, sell at the very lowest price, usually at a loss to the airline. As the seats start to sell out, they become incrementally more expensive.
‘What you’ll find is that prices rise quickly on popular flights, like those around holiday times. Flights also tend to get pricier the closer it is to their departure time, because usually they’ll be closer to sold out at that time.
‘The best way to get the lowest fare is to book in advance to ensure that you get those first cheap seats.’
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Image credit: Twitter
