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✈️ When Fares Go Too Far: A Wake-Up Call for Travelers to Book Smart

 

A recent controversy involving AirAsia’s online platform has shocked Filipino travelers, and it serves as a wake-up call that we can’t afford to ignore. On May 30, 2025, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) issued a cease and desist order against AirAsia MOVE, the airline’s online booking arm, after reports surfaced of ticket prices reaching a staggering ₱40,000 for one-way domestic flights.

For comparison, the standard fare for the Tacloban–Manila route should be around ₱12,000 at most, even during peak travel times. The pricing discrepancy was so extreme that the government deemed it potentially an act of economic sabotage, and is now pursuing legal action.

So, what went wrong—and more importantly, how can everyday travelers protect themselves?

 

💡 The Digital Convenience Trap

Booking flights has never been more accessible. In just a few taps, you can secure a seat to almost anywhere in the world. But that same convenience sometimes blinds us to the pricing games happening behind the scenes.

Platforms like AirAsia MOVE and other third-party sites often utilize dynamic pricing algorithms that adjust fares in real-time, depending on your activity, time of day, device type, or even location. These pricing systems are legal, but not always fair.

And when prices jump from ₱12,000 to ₱40,000 for a short domestic route? That’s more than dynamic pricing—it borders on exploitation.

 

🚨 Why Do Prices Go Up the More You Check?

 

Have you ever experienced this? You’re casually checking airfare prices for a trip you’re planning, but you’re not ready to book just yet. You revisit the same site later, and the price is now higher. You try again the next day, and it’s even more expensive.

No, you’re not imagining it. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s a strategy.

Online platforms track your searches through cookies and browser history. If they notice you’re repeatedly checking the same route, their system assumes you're serious about booking. The result? The price quietly increases to create urgency. Suddenly, you’re pressured to buy before it “gets even higher.”

🧠 Tip: Use incognito or private browsing mode to avoid triggering these price hikes—or clear your cookies before searching again.

 

🧭 How to Book Smart and Avoid Overpricing

 

Protecting yourself as a traveler means being both tech-savvy and strategic. Here’s how:

✅ 1. Compare, Don’t Commit Right Away

Check prices across multiple platforms—Airline website, Skyscanner, Google Flights, and even with your trusted travel agent. If one price looks suspiciously higher than others, pause and investigate.

📝 Just so you know: Travel agents don’t have access to “wholesale” airfares. Their rates may be slightly higher due to service charges, but in return, you get expert guidance, accurate and efficient booking, assistance with web check-in and addons, and reliable support if your plans change or if issues arise.

 

This is especially helpful for first-time travelers, busy clients who want hassle-free arrangements, or anyone who is not tech-savvy.

 

✅ 2. Book in Advance

The closer you are to your travel date, the fewer options you'll have and the more likely prices will rise. For local flights, try to book at least 1–2 months in advance. For international, aim for 3–6 months.

 

✅ 3. Use Alerts and Trackers

Sites like Google Flights and Hopper enable you to track price trends and receive alerts when fares drop. This provides a broader perspective, rather than booking based on a single search.

 

✅ 4. Be Wary of Pressure Tactics

"Only 2 seats left!" or "Booked 10 times in the last hour!"—these are psychological tricks. Take them with a grain of salt. Unless you're booking during a known peak season, don't panic.

 

✅ 5. Check the Breakdown

Before confirming, look for the fare breakdown, which includes the base fare, taxes, service fees, baggage fees, and other applicable charges. Some platforms hide charges to make prices look lower until you reach the final step. This is a common strategy across booking platforms.

 

🧾 Final Thoughts: Consumer Vigilance is Key

This AirAsia MOVE controversy isn't just about one company. It's a reflection of how digital tools, while helpful, can sometimes work against us if we’re not careful. As travelers, we need to stay informed, ask questions, and always double-check.

Let’s advocate for fair fares, transparent platforms, and travel experiences that deliver value, not stress.

 

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