Group 'discount'

Im taking a school group of 50 to LAS and back from LAX in July. The rate being charged by VS is 690 per person (booked last August). I do understand the point about the variety of 'classes' within economy meaning that the price is an average of several different classes. However, I just logged onto EXPEDIA and it would let me book up to 6 seats at a price more than 100 cheaper per person than VS are charging us. Anyone know why?

(if you wanna avoid the group - dont go to Vegas on 2nd July or back from Los Angeles on 15th!)

I am guessing that you mean LAX rather than LOS (LOS is Lagos in Nigeria which is also a VS destination). [:D]

You generally don't get a group discount for the reason I will mention below hence it being regarded as a group booking in the industry but I do agree it seems odd at first.

I once many years ago traveled as part of a group booking on VS (and were commented by the crew for our excellent behaviour throughout, much better than the behaviour I saw a couple of years latter from some school children on a flight back from JFK but I digress..) and we were flown in the most flexible Y Class- so the most expensive. Although we got a huge discount for other reasons. [;)]

Some of those more knowledgeable on bucket classes will be better able to answer this (que: Pete, Decker, Richard et al) but I believe you will have a cheaper Expedia price becuase it is a cheaper Economy bucket class (of which there are fewer seats available). There will not be 50 seats available in the cheapest economy bucket class hence your higher quote.

I would also imagine that VS will not allow for passengers in groups to be booked across these bucket codes. If you have a look at the Fare Code page you will see the list of Economy bucket classes. Then look at the small print on expedia and I think you will find that the Expedia is the cheapest Economy class (B I think) and the price from VS will be a full fare economy ticket so the code will be Y.

Have you thought about using a schools tour operator such as NST who may have a much better contract with VS in order to get a bigger discount?

As a side the same thing happened to me when organising a sports warm weather training camp to Portugal- I just got everyone to book the online cheaper fare but I guess you cant really get school kids to do that.

I see your point. Its just a bit strange as we need to add two passengers to the booking and it is FAR more cost effective to just book them separately on Expedia than to add them to our group booking. We did think about using a schools tour operator - but the amount they are wanting to charge for the choir tour is massive and we can do it for way less than half the cost (even staying in much better places). I also used to be Customer Services Manager for a major tour operator - so proably know more about travel than the agent who would book our tour anyway (oooohh - thats mean isnt it!).

We are using STA for the general flight booking to be sure to be covered by the bond that they pay.

Originally posted by musicmanbrain
I see your point. Its just a bit strange as we need to add two passengers to the booking and it is FAR more cost effective to just book them separately on Expedia than to add them to our group booking. We did think about using a schools tour operator - but the amount they are wanting to charge for the choir tour is massive and we can do it for way less than half the cost (even staying in much better places). I also used to be Customer Services Manager for a major tour operator - so proably know more about travel than the agent who would book our tour anyway (oooohh - thats mean isnt it!).

Yeh I agree its strange and rather annoying from the consumers point of view.

Not mean at all- my Mum is same- she worked fairly high up for a major UK tour operator during the 80's and 90's and says the exact same thing. I think half the people on here know more than check in staff half the time (no offense to check in staff).

I cant think of a way around your problem other than booking everyone through expedia. Only advantage of group travel is group check in- although in my aforementioned example of group flying with VS we were checked in at regular desks.

HA HA HA HA HA - group check in!! At LGW??!!! We will have a full jazz band's worth of musical instruments with us - as well as the general stuff for 50 school kids on tour. The people at LGW a few weeks back told me we wouldnt need a group check-in and they couldnt help. I have to be honest - my kids are lovely and will behave brilliantly - but I do feel sorry for everyone else checking in!!!