Originally Posted by
SpringHeeledJack
It IS blatant manipulation by the airline's algorithm but as long as dynamic pricing models exist in the industry, it will happen. Perhaps a class-action lawsuit will bring about change, but I won't hold my breath.
They may take other factors into account. Car insurers up your price if you look up competitive quotes in the middle of the night because they reckon night birds are risk takers. Certainly I noticed with Emirates that when I moved up from Blue tier to Silver tier (transferring points from Amex rewards), the prices went up just enough to absorb the extra Skywards rewards I'd accrued. So I booked my next flight as a new customer from Nigeria (30% cheaper) and kept the points for when I've flown (Silver tier earns 30% more points, they accrue once you've actually flown) to use on my next flight.