Booking flights seems straightforward — pick your dates, select your seats, and off you go. But if you’re booking for two people at the same time, there’s a quiet trick in play that could cost you more than you expect. Airlines don’t tell you outright, but they often charge a higher fare per person when booking multiple tickets in a single transaction. And it’s not a glitch — it’s by design.

The Pricing Game Airlines Play

Airlines group their seats into fare “buckets” or classes, each priced differently. If only one seat remains in a lower-priced fare class, and you search for two passengers, the airline won’t split the fare — instead, it will bump both tickets up to the higher fare class without explanation. The cheaper seat is essentially hidden unless you book one ticket at a time.

Most people assume that booking for two or more is the easiest way to secure travel plans. But behind that convenience lies a sneaky pricing structure that punishes group bookings. You might not notice until you compare — the same flight, same seats, booked for one person, could be £30–£40 cheaper than when booked for two.

And airlines don’t flag this difference. They quietly calculate the higher price and move on.

So while the airline isn’t technically charging a seat fee or forcing you to pay extra, the result is the same: you pay more per person, simply for booking together.

Seat Selection Pressure

Adding to the frustration, many airlines — including flag carriers — now also charge for seat selection. And if you skip this extra step, there’s a chance you’ll be split up, even on long-haul flights. For families, it’s particularly concerning, as some airlines will assign children seats far from their parents unless you pay to pre-select.

While not every airline is aggressive with this policy, enough are doing it that travelers should always double-check the fine print.

How to Avoid Overpaying

• Always search for one passenger first to see the lowest possible fare.
• If the fare jumps when searching for two, consider booking separately.
• Skip seat selection fees when possible, or look for airlines that offer free automatic assignments for companions.
• Use the airline’s direct website for the most transparent pricing.

Final Thoughts

Airlines won’t tell you you’re paying more — but the pricing structure often makes sure that you are. When booking for two or more, what seems like a small detail can lead to a big difference in price. Take a few extra minutes to compare and you could save significantly, all while staying a step ahead of airline pricing tactics.