From US or UK is cheaper?

How do the fares in dollars compare to those in pounds.

I may be based in the US for a little while and I thought previously the fares were cheaper if originating from the US.

Are there any other differences anyone knows of?

[preiffer]

Well, here's the comparison on a K fare (PE) with the lowest possible basis:

All flights 10/10/06.

From LHR-LAX (Ticketed in UK, in UKP) = £691 (KKXMEG)

From LHR-LAX (Ticketed in US, in USD) = $1207 (KKXMEG)

From LAX-LHR (Ticketed in UK, in UKP) = £774 (KKXUS)

From LAX-LHR (Ticketed in US, in USD) = $1347 (KKXUS)


So, on that basis, it would seem that Ex-UK is cheaper. However, we must remember that the UK fares are MEGA-SAVER ones right now in the sale.

The lowest "normal" K for those dates, with an Ex-UK departure is £835 - so yes, the US (under non-sale conditions) would work out cheaper.

General rule of thumb is that airlines tend to be more expensive in their Home market. Obviously the home carriers tend to have a bigger marketing budget than overseas carriers, and more selling power to large Corporations.

For full published 'IATA' fares however there would tend to be less difference (ie Those in F, J and Y subclasses) as these are set by IATA.

On ocassion seat sales might swap things around though.

[ChuckC]

Good topic and helpful info. Thanks, everyone.

Chuck-

[mcmbenjamin]

Thanks Ben!