Why are flights with layovers in the opposite direction cheaper than direct flights?
In: Economics
What everyone else is explaining about the hub and spoke system, and the reason your flight might involve a connection in the “wrong” direction is right, but I don’t think they answered your question about the pricing.
The airlines are pricing based on market value, not based on their costs. Would you rather take a direct flight, or a two-leg flight with a connection in the wrong direction? Obviously you’d rather have the direct flight right? Would you be willing to pay a premium to save some of your valuable time and take the direct flight? many people would, and that’s why those flights can command premium pricing compared to lengthier and less convenient multi-leg options.
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