Travel question: Have I been misled over flight prices?

Q We booked school holiday flights to Ibiza in July 2019. The total for a family of four with two bags was £831 return. The website claimed these were the last four seats at that price. Having been quoted £1,500 by other carriers we decided to go for it. I checked later, to see prices had risen by £100, so I was glad to have bought when I did.

But this morning friends of ours went online to make exactly the same booking (family of four, two bags). The price has dropped to £631. I understand flight prices fluctuate but £50 per person overnight with 10 months to go? I have to say I felt completely done over, especially as we were told they were the “last seats at this price”. I can’t seem to shake that feeling that we’ve been misled and have thrown £200 away compared to our fellow travellers. What are your thoughts?

Name withheld

A I agree it’s maddening when the cost of flights falls after you’ve bought, especially when you have been told that was the price for the last four seats. I don’t believe there is anything illegal about this; as you know, air fares fluctuate all the time, and the airline will no doubt maintain that at the time you clicked on “Buy”, the next tranche of seats was more expensive.

It looks very odd to me that the cost would fall substantially for what are likely to be high-demand flights, and I bet the price goes up rapidly.

But my test is: is it worth the price paid? By definition you were happy when you booked the flight, and £831 looks very good value to me.

Your friends have done even better, though. I hope they buy you dinner.

One final thought: some airlines allow a 24 hour cooling off period. British Airways offers this courtesy free, while easyJet charges £27. On these airlines I check if the fare has fallen – then ask for a refund and buy at the lower price. It might be worth seeing if you qualify.

Every day our travel correspondent Simon Calder, tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder