prices are way non-competitive

[shrekonion]

Studentuniverse just sent an email with a Promo Code: GTU5W67 for savings of up to $100 off of $700+ tickets (for purchases made on 9-18-9/20 2006). Prices at studentuniverse are in excess of $150 over the current prices available through other websites; I checked for 2 destinations, FRA and LHR, out of ABQ in January 2007. Using promo codes does NOT save anything; in addition, we can't earn any frequent flyer miles. I've said it last year, and it stays this year as well: if you really want best prices, you will find better deals on any website other than studentuniverse.I don't work for any website, just a student who want to find the best deal available. Good buy, studentuniverse.

[phild]

Thank you for your post Shrekonion, I work for StudentUniverse, and would be happy to respond.

The short answer is that we are a discount travel agency (for students) but not every single price will always be the lowest. StudentUniverse, like every other travel site, will have some fares that are less expensive, some the same, and some more expensive.

We are always aware of our prices, and how price sensitive students are. We run reports to compare our prices to our competitors ongoing, and know where we are strongest, and where we are less competitive. We know that if we do not have competitive prices, students will purchase elsewhere. A couple of notes about airline prices:

·To answer your question another way, students should always buy the ticket that is the least expensive and best flight times they can find. We always recommend that you check at least three to four sources every time you look to travel. This is a different philosophy than most other companies, but we believe it's in your best interest to spend 45 minutes and get the best fare. We know that we won't win every time, but we will win more than our share

·We run reports ongoing that show where our prices are the lowest, and where they are not. In areas they are not competitive, we contact our airline partners to see if we can get them lowered. Given that airlines frequently do short-term sales, this is not always possible. Plus, an airline may wish to offer the lowest fare on their website for a period of time for their own reasons

·As you know, prices change constantly; airlines have sales, price wars, etc., and our fares can go from being the least expensive in a market to non-competitive overnight. Since we negotiate our fares individually with each airline, our fares do not change as quickly. This works to your advantage when fare prices go up, less so when they go down

·Since our site will only show you available fares, we may have had cheaper fares at another time, but they just may have sold out

·I always like to note that the tickets we sell are generally less restrictive than published fares on the major carriers -- you can buy them closer to departure date, buy one way, stay for shorter or much longer periods, etc. Given how frequently plans change, you should consider this in your decision-making process

In terms of frequent flyer miles, about 2/3s of our partners allow them, some with reduced mileage awards, and others not at all. Our FAQ page has the details.

I hope this helps you understand some of the differences in airline prices, and I hope you at least check out our site the next time you look to travel.

Phil

[Eyen Stein]

"As you know, prices change constantly; airlines have sales, price wars, etc., and our fares can go from being the least expensive in a market to non-competitive overnight. Since we negotiate our fares individually with each airline, our fares do not change as quickly. This works to your advantage when fare prices go up, less so when they go down"


Doing a test of your system in multiple markets at various times of the year, (within one month, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months away).

I found that you were on average $100.00 more expensive, and in not one market or flight plan but you were higher in ALL of them. All of the above reasons you mentioned for your higher prices all sound reasonable, but the bottem line is, for your services rendered, you are about 100.00 more on a round trip across the board. So, as consumers we must ask ourselves, are those extra services you mentioned, (sans the cost savings) worth the extra money. I say, i can work my flight schedule through orbitz or the like and save money and get what I need. Though im sure you do provide a service for someone in certain circumstances, i for one just haven't seen it.

[wilson49332]

Well I have never had any issues booking. If we are higher, then book elsewhere. Bottom line. Thank you for taking time to post. We wont delete the post because we value everyones thoughts- not just those that are positive.

Bottom line- if were higher, sorry. We cant always beat other websites pricing. If there was always a site that could do that, then there would be no need for kayak, and sidestep.