Point-of-sale pricing explained: why the same flight can cost different amounts

Why prices differ by country

• Airlines file fares market by market, so a fare can be set for local demand, competition and purchasing power.
• Prices are quoted in local currency. When exchange rates move faster than fares are refiled, a gap can open for a while.
• Taxes, fees and promotions differ by market.
• Distribution channels (the airline's own site, travel agencies, regional sites) may carry different fare inventory.

What it does not guarantee

Many routes show no meaningful difference, and many airlines align prices across their country sites. Where a difference exists, your own card's foreign-transaction fees, a poor exchange rate, or dynamic currency conversion at checkout can wipe it out.

Some foreign sites require a local billing address, phone number or payment method, so you may not be able to complete the purchase at all.

Check the ticket, not only the price

• Baggage allowance, change and cancellation terms and refund rules can differ between markets.
• Consumer protections can depend on where and how the ticket was sold. For example, the U.S. DOT 24-hour cancellation rule may not apply the same way to tickets bought elsewhere.
• Read the airline's contract of carriage and fare rules for the ticket you are about to buy.

Comparing responsibly

• Compare the final total in your own currency, including your card's fees. Decline dynamic currency conversion if you are offered it and pay in the local currency instead, ideally with a card that has low foreign-transaction fees.
• Use the airline's official site for each market and confirm the baggage and change terms match.
• A VPN is not required to compare prices and some sites restrict its use. If you use one, you are responsible for following the site's terms. A VPN can also add privacy when you browse.
• Treat any saving as an estimate until you see it at the final checkout step.

How SplitWing uses this

SplitWing's point-of-sale comparison models how a fare might differ across markets. It is an estimate for planning, not a quote, and SplitWing does not sell tickets. Run a scan for your route to see the modeled comparison and the risks that apply.