Singled Out?

Why solo travelers may be paying higher airfares

- LAUREN SMITH

IF YOU'RE BOOKING a flight alone, you might want to check if you're getting the short end of the deal. A new analysis by Thrifty Traveler has uncovered that America's three largest airlines—American, Delta and United—are charging solo travelers higher fares than passengers booking in pairs or groups on certain domestic routes. The study reviewed hundreds of economy fares and found that while the pricing gap doesn't affect every flight, when it does the difference is significant. For example:

• A Delta flight from Minneapolis to Miami in September costs $199 for a solo traveler but just $118 per person for a pair.

• A United flight from Chicago to Peoria costs $269 for one and $181 per person for two.

• An American flight in October from Charlotte to Fort Myers is $422 for one, while groups pay $266 per person.